Kiwanis Club Makes Presence Felt At Christmas In the Park

12/19/2009



(Taylorville) Several members of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, donated their time Thursday night, manning the donation booth at the Manners Park “Christmas in the Park.”

This is an annual event for the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, to provide some of its members for this community event.

Those donating their time Thursday night included Larry Kemner, Duane Stock, Randy Miller, Frank Mathon, Cathy Coker, Dean Ray, and Joe Hauser.

CAPTION TO PICTURE: 4 members of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, were on the early shift during the Kiwanis Club’s manning of the “Christmas in the Park” donation booth Thursday night. From the left, Randy Miller, Frank Mathon, Larry Kemner. Not pictured was Duane Stock.

CAPTION TO PICTURE: These Taylorville Kiwanis Club members held down the late shift Thursday night during the Kiwanis Club’s manning of the “Christmas in the Park” donation booth. They are, from the left, Dean Ray, Joe Hauser, Cathy Coker.

Slick Roadways Claim Springfield Man's Life

12/19/2009

(Springfield) A 78-year-old Springfield man is dead after a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning. Milfred Crumbaugh was traveling northbound on Interstate 55 near exit ramp 100 B around 6 am, when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow and ice covered roadway. Crumbaugh’s 2000 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck began rotating clockwise, before exiting the right side of the roadway and striking a light pole. Crumbaugh was transported to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, and was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 am as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

PCH Wellness Center Nearing Grand Opening

12/19/2009

With 2010 approaching, the Pana Community Hospital is counting down the days to the opening of their completed state-of-the-art Pana Wellness Center. The new facility will be a place for those interested in bettering their health and fitness, as well as a place for those needing physical rehabilitation.

Nancy Alexander with the Pana Community Hospital says that the building and equipment will be a great place for people to meet and exceed their fitness expectations.

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Alexander says that although people’s first thoughts at the beginning of the year is to lose weight, the center will serve a much larger purpose than just a place to burn off some calories.

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The Pana Wellness Center is scheduled to open in January, no exact date has been set at this time.

State Offering Prepaid Tuition Program

12/19/2009

Now is the time to lock in today’s prices for future college tuition and fees through the “College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program” according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. That’s because there are only two weeks to qualify for the 2009 tax year benefits before new prices take effect January 1st.

New, monthly-discounted pricing allows purchasers who by earlier to lock-in the lowest prices on future college tuition and apply benefits almost anywhere in the United States and abroad. Now is the best time to purchase a contract because pricing discounts make buying early more affordable. Prices adjust on the first day of each new month, every month, so it pays to purchase sooner rather than later.

Spokesman for ISAC, Paul Palian says that the 529 program is a great way to prepare for your children’s college expenses, which includes three pricing plans. The three options are the community, university, and the university plus plan. All plans exclude the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, with the exception of the university plus plan, which includes full benefits at all Illinois public universities.

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A “College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program” contract between the purchaser and the state of Illinois ensures tuition and fee benefits for college, regardless of fluctuations in the market.

When a beneficiary is ready to go to college, he or she can choose to attend almost anywhere because benefits can be used at Illinois public universities and community colleges or applied at public and private institutions nationwide.

Palian adds that the 529 plan is a great Christmas gift for your children and their future.

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Administered by ISAC, the “College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program” is a secure college funding option because benefits do not fluctuate with the stock market. Since the program’s inception in 1998, more than 66,000 prepaid tuition contracts with a value of more than $1.6-billion dollars have been purchased.

ISAC’s commissioners are responsible for the overall management of the program and its investments, including hiring a qualified slate of investment managers and other professionals.

Lincoln Land Community College Making Progress On New Classroom Facility

12/18/2009

A little over two weeks ago, Lincoln Land Community College of Taylorville broke ground on the new classroom facility at the Eastern Region Education Center. The new building will house seven classrooms, including a state-of-the-art science lab, as well as a student studying area.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says with the city of Taylorville trying to grow and draw new businesses to town, improving and expanding the college’s facilities is a great step forward.

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Brotherton says that with the addition to the EREC will come more students from surrounding areas, which in turn, will generate more money for the city of Taylorville.

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Lincoln Land Community College officials say that they expect the building to be completed by the summer of 2010.

Lake Land College Broadcasting Club Having A Successful Canned Food Drive

12/18/2009

The Lake Land College Broadcasting Club is stepping up to the mic for a good cause. To help feed needy families this holiday season, the club recently collected canned goods and non-perishable food items to donate to the Mattoon Community Food Center.

Lake Land College Broadcasting Club Secretary John Myers explains that the canned food drive has been an ongoing program for the broadcasting club.

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Myers adds that donation boxes for the pantry were set up all around the Lake Land Campus in Mattoon, as well as at the Kluthe Center at the Lake Land satellite campus in Effingham.

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For more information regarding the Lake Land Broadcasting Club’s canned food drive, contact Radio and TV Instructor Greg Powers at 217 – 234 – 5335.

APL To Hold Pet Adoptions Saturday In Springfield

12/18/2009

The Animal Protective League will hold two dog adoptions Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ace Hardware, at 1600 West Wabash, and Pet Smart, at 3183 South Veterans Parkway, in Springfield. Adoptable cats will also be at Pet Smart from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Executive Director for the Animal Protective League Rose Rebbe explains the weekends events.

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APL will also offer pet photos with Santa for a nominal charge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at Pet Smart.

Rebbe adds that the adoption fee for the animals ranges from $50 to $99 depending on the choice of animal adoption.

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Rebbe says that all of the animals have the current shots and treatments, and that they are all spayed or neutered.

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Through Wednesday, December 23, APL is offering pet owners the choice of a free one-year rabies or distemper shot for their animals with a paid full-price spay or neuter surgery. Spay-neuter surgery prices are $55 for dogs, $45 for female cats and $35 for male cats. Spay/neuter surgeries are by appointment only Monday through Friday and can be made by calling 789-SPAY.

APL’s animal shelter at 1001 Taintor Road is open every day from noon to 5 p.m. for adoptions. All adoptable animals have been spayed or neutered and have received all vaccinations. Animals presented by APL have been rescued through humane investigations or brought to APL’s shelter for care due to abuse, injury or homelessness.

For additional information, call the Animal Protective League at 544-PETS (7387) or check the group’s web site at www.apl-shelter.org.

IL State Representative Mitchell Says Quinn Violated Constitution With Sale Of Thomson Correctional Center

12/18/2009

This week's announcement that the federal government will purchase the Thomson Correctional Center from the state of Illinois has a local legislator crying foul.

87th District State Representative Bill Mitchell says Governor Pat Quinn is violating the state constitution with the sale. He points out that the northwest Illinois facility is currently in use, and therefore does not qualify as surplus property.

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A House and Senate joint committee is slated to take up the sale of Thomson later this month, but the Forsyth Republican fears the constitutionality of the move will be overlooked. He worries "the powers that be" are hiding something with the quick action being taken on the sale.

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Plans call for federal inmates and up to 100 Guantanamo Bay detainees to be housed at Thomson once the Bureau of Prisons makes the purchase. The Obama administration has assured critics the prison will exceed super-max security standards.

Nokomis Police Capture Suspect After Five Hour Standoff Wednesday Afternoon

12/17/2009

Downtown Nokomis was closed for a majority of the afternoon on Wednesday during a 5-hour standoff between the Nokomis Police and an armed assailant.

According to media reports, police took 60-year old Xhesko (Shesko)
Sadiku of Nokomis, into custody at about 6:00pm Wednesday evening. Sadiku apparently threatened to harm himself.

Nokomis Police Chief Mike Schoo (Shoe) says that Sadiku did have two firearms in his vehicle, and was unstable at the time due to an apparent overdose of medication.

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Police Chief Schoo adds that its unclear if there may have been a domestic problem brewing with Sadiku. Schoo says that it took a lot of help from surrounding community’s police stations to apprehend the suspect.

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Among the agencies assisting the Nokomis Police Department with the situation was the Litchfield Police Department, The Nokomis Area Fire Protection District, the Coffeen Police Department, the Irving Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Special Response Team.

Upon his capture, Sadiku was transported by the Nokomis and Witt Ambulance Service to Hillsboro Area Hospital for further evaluation.

LLCC Hosts "New Student Welcome Day" In January

12/17/2009

Students new to Lincoln Land Community College who have registered for the spring, 2010 semester are invited to learn more about the college at New Student Welcome Day, Thursday, Jan. 7.

Assistant Director of Public Relations for Lincoln Land Community College Diane Buzick says that the day also includes a tour of the campus, including the learning lab on the main campus of LLCC in Springfield.

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The event runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Menard Hall on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road in Springfield. Students are asked to register for the event at www.llcc.edu or by calling 217 – 786 - 2241.

Information will be available regarding study skills, tutoring, student clubs and organizations, privacy of student records, billing and refund processes, and campus technology. New students are invited to bring their class schedules to see their classrooms ahead of time on the guided tour.

Buzick adds that students can also enter a drawing to win prizes from the LLCC Bookstore including up to $100 toward textbook purchases.

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Buzick says anyone needing more information is encouraged to call 217 – 786 – 2241. Spring semester classes at LLCC begin Jan. 9.

Shelbyville Festival Of Lights Calendar Full Of Family Fun

12/17/2009

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights is in full swing, and the Shelbyville community, as well as the entire Shelby County, is jam packed with events to celebrate the holiday season.

There will be a children’s Christmas party at the Shelbyville VFW Post #4829 on Friday, December 18th. Children ages newborn to twelve are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served to the children. Santa Clause will take time out of his busy schedule and arrive at 6:30 pm.

There will be old-fashioned Christmas caroling in Strasburg on Saturday, December 19th. Join in and walk around Strasburg caroling. Following the caroling, singers are invited to stay and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee afterwards. You’re encouraged to bring a dozen cookies to help share.

There will be “Santa Specials” all day on Saturday, December 19th, at participating merchants in Downtown Shelbyville.


On Friday, December 25th, there will be a free Christmas dinner at the United Methodist Church at 205 W Main in Shelbyville. Carryouts are available, as well as delivery to your home. Call for reservations by December 23rd at 217-774-4131.

There will also be a free Christmas dinner at the Courthouse Inn on
Friday, December 25th. Meat and drinks will be provided. Attendees are requested to bring a side dish, or drop off the ingredients, and the staff of the Courthouse Inn will prepare it. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by Monday, December 21st, at 217-774-1444.

American Red Cross To Host Babysitting Safety Course

12/17/2009

Youngsters looking to get a jumpstart in the job force can better their babysitting skills by taking a babysitter’s training course with the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. The course will be held on January 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost for the course is $40 per person, and each student should bring his or her own sack lunch.

Instructor for the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross Cindy Betts says that the 6-hour course is to help kids learn how to handle with infants and proper first-aid, and she says that with babysitting comes frustration.

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Betts adds that among the lessons taught, the participants will learn how to properly hold the infants.

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Betts explains that the course is primarily for children, ages 11 through 15, and that primary objective is to help the kids grow confidence and to responsibly care for young children and infants. She also says that students aren’t required to bring materials due to the American Red Cross providing all needed items.

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For more information about the babysitting safety course, contact the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross by calling 217 – 428 – 7758, or go online to www.midillinoisredcross.org.

Animal Protective League To Host Pet Adoptions This Weekend

12/17/2009

The Animal Protective League will hold two dog adoptions this Saturday, December 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ace Hardware, 1600 West Wabash, and Pet Smart, 3183 South Veterans Parkway, in Springfield. Adoptable cats will also be at Pet Smart from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

APL will also offer Pet photos with Santa for a nominal charge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at Pet Smart.

Through Wednesday, December 23, APL is offering pet owners the choice of a free one-year rabies or distemper shot for their animals with a paid full-price spay or neuter surgery. Spay-neuter surgery prices are $55 for dogs, $45 for female cats and $35 for male cats. Spay/neuter surgeries are by appointment only Monday through Friday and can be made by calling 789-SPAY.

APL’s animal shelter at 1001 Taintor Road is open every day from noon to 5 p.m. for adoptions. All adoptable animals have been spayed or neutered and have received all vaccinations. Animals presented by APL have been rescued through humane investigations or brought to APL’s shelter for care due to abuse, injury or homelessness.

For additional information, call the Animal Protective League at 544-PETS (7387) or check the group’s web site at www.apl-shelter.org.

Radogno Says State Needs Fair Pay For Thomson Facility

12/17/2009

Republicans in the Illinois Senate say they have a lot of concerns about the plan to turn Thomson Correctional Center into a federal prison.

One of the biggest issues for many is security, since the feds would house up to 100 Guantanamo detainees there. Senate minority leader Christine Radogno says the state needs to be paid fairly for the facility.

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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says they will have the facility appraised and be sure to get fair market value for the prison.

Questions are also being raised about the sale price of the facility. Thomson was built for about 145-million dollars. But Senator Radogno says the state should get more than that for it. She’s also concerned about how that money will be spent.

Governor Quinn says they will gather appraisals and make sure to get fair market value for the facility.

Shelbyville Fest Of Lights Vandalized

12/16/2009

The Festival of Lights at Forest Park in Shelbyville was hit hard by vandalism during its first two weeks. Shelbyville Police Chief Dave Tallman says people were stealing light bulbs at an alarming rate. Tallman says as of now the problem seems to have stopped.

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There is no 24-hour security at the Festival of Lights, however as a result of the vandalism, Tallman says the police department has beefed up patrols at the park.

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There have been no reports of vandalism at Christmas in the Park in Taylorville. The Taylorville Park District implements 24-hour security during the two-week event.

Kiwanis Club Welcomes Gary Slovick As Speaker At Weekly Meeting

12/16/2009

Another candidate in the Democratic primary race for Christian County Sheriff appeared at yesterday’s (Tuesday) weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.

Gary Slovick has some 34 years in law enforcement, with 29 of those years in the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. Slovick is a long-time deputy, and has worked for 5 different sheriffs including the incumbent Bob Kinderman who is not seeking re-election.

Slovick said he wants to make the Sheriff’s Office more people friendly.

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In a question and answer session following his remarks, Slovick said as sheriff, he’ll send a message to drug dealers and sex offenders that they’re not welcome in Christian County.



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Slovick added that he’ll hold monthly meetings with chiefs of police from the county, to keep communications open between his agency and other law enforcement agencies in the county.

Ameren Says Source Of Smell Is Mercaptan

12/16/2009

The Taylorville Police Department received numerous phone calls Monday about an overwhelming smell near Esther Street in Taylorville. Ameren Illinois Utilities confirmed Tuesday that the source of that smell came from an leak at one of their stations on Esther Street. The odorant is called Mercaptan. Ameren Spokesperson Leigh Morris says apart from the ‘skunk-like’ smell, Mercaptan is a harmless substance.

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Morris says natural gas service was not interrupted in Taylorville. Morris adds that crews are working tirelessly to find the source of the leak and fix it.

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Morris says the pungent Mercaptan odor has subsided from the area, and the Esther Street station should be repaired by the end of Tuesday night.

LLCC Adds Massage Therapy Course

12/16/2009

Lincoln Land Community College is now offering a massage therapy program through its downtown Capital City Training Center.

The 32-week program prepares students to become licensed massage therapists. This full-time, intensive course covers various massage modalities, business and therapeutic relationship, and applied sciences of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.

Assistant Director of Public Relations for Lincoln Land Community College Diane Buzick says that the program was created so students can become licensed massage therapists.

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In addition to those interested in becoming massage therapists, the program is also geared toward students seeking healing and stress management, and those interested in creating life changes or a personal growth experience.

Buzick adds that the program will prepare students for several styles and techniques of massage therapy.

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Entrance requirements include a high school diploma or GED. The course runs from February 1 through September 24, 2010. (Class will not meet May 22–June 6.) The classroom portion of the course will be held from 6:00 to 10 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, with a clinical portion from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. (days to be announced.)

Buzick adds that information sessions on the new Massage Therapy program are scheduled at the Capital City Training Center at 130 West Mason Street in Springfield beginning today, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; January 7th, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.; and January 19th, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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To attend an information session, please pre-register by calling 217 – 524 - 6749. More information is available at www.llcc.edu/cctc.

Christian County Board Holds Last Meeting Of 2009

12/16/2009

The Christian County Board zipped through a thin agenda during their last meeting of the year, Tuesday night at the Christian County Courthouse. Come 2010, the County will have a new supplier of electricity. The board unanimously agreed to sign a 3-year deal with Direct Energy. Given the significantly lower quotes, Chairman John Curtin said switching to Direct Energy is the right move to make.

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The county currently receives its electricity from Glacial Energy.

Before adjourning, Curtin praised the board for their work throughout the year.

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In other business, the board added two new members to the recently established Christian County Historic Preservation Committee. Carol Alexander and Bill Kennedy will join the team.

Quinn Says "Sale Of Thomson Correctional Center Good For Illinois"

12/16/2009

Governor Pat Quinn says turning the Thomson Correctional Center into a federal prison will be good for Illinois.

Thomson has sat nearly empty since it was built in 2001. The Obama administration has decided to purchase the facility to house federal inmates, and up to 100 Guantanamo detainees. Critics worry about public safety, but Quinn says more security will be added to the prison.

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In statements at the white house, Quinn added the community of Thomson supports the decision.

Christian County State's Attorney Searching For Victim Of April Bar Fight

12/15/2009

Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks and the Taylorville Police Department are asking for the public assistance in locating a victim of battery. According to the state’s attorney’s office, Urbano Hernandez was the victim of a fight at The Hitching Post, which took place on April 19th of 2009. It is believed that he may have family in the Danville area.

The Taylorville Police Department has been searching for Urbano Hernandez since his release from St. John’s Hospital shortly following the incident. It is believed that Hernandez is a Mexican citizen. Urbano Hernandez was employed at The Round Table restaurant and resided on East Park Street in Taylorville. If anyone has any information to Hernandez’s whereabouts, contact the Taylorville Police Department at 217 – 824 – 2211.

Ameren Confirms Odorant Leak in Taylorville

12/15/2009

(Taylorville) The Taylorville Police Department received numerous phone calls last night (Monday) about an overwhelming smell near Esther Street in Taylorville. Ameren Illinois Utilities confirmed today that the source of that smell came from an odorant leak at one of their stations on Esther Street. The odorant is called Mercaptan. Ameren Spokesperson Leigh Morris says apart from the ‘skunk-like’ smell, Mercaptan is a harmless substance.

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Morris says natural gas service was not interrupted in Taylorville. Morris adds that crews are working tirelessly to find the source of the leak and fix it.

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Morris says the pungent Mercaptan odor has subsided from the area, and the Esther Street station should be repaired by the end of Tuesday night.

TFD Responds To Truck Fire Saturday

12/15/2009

The Taylorville Fire Department was called to a truck fire Saturday, December 12th. According to the Taylorville Fire Department, the truck was completely engulfed in flames. Two vehicles parked next to the truck were damaged in the incident as well. Upon investigation at the scene, it was discovered that the trucks gas cap was off, and a white powdery substance was found on the ground, as well as in the neck of the gas tank. This incident is still under investigation.

Taylorville Will Be Safer This New Years With "Safe Rides"

12/15/2009

Christian County will look to be a little safer this New Years with the trial run of the Taylorville “Safe Rides” program. On Monday, city officials and Taylorville citizens praised and celebrated the arrival of the program that was brought to Taylorville by Joe Rockford of “Cabby Joe’s” taxi service.

The idea of the program, which Rockford says was originated in Springfield with their police department, is to help keep people safe during the New Year season. He says that all too often, a death or injury by a drunk driver could have been prevented had there been somebody to provide a safe ride home.

Rockford says that he was inspired to bring the “Safe Rides” program to Taylorville, and cites Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, as well as Christian County Sheriff Bob Kinderman as major influence and support for this safety program.

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Rockford says that bar patrons should be allowed to go out and have a good time, but should be responsible when doing so.

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Rockford says that the tentative goal for “Safe Rides” is to be in service and use for all holidays, and that the service will take anyone too impaired to drive to his or her home, but for now he points out that the service is only available from 5pm to 5am, beginning with New Years Eve.

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The Taylorville Police Department and the DUI Fund make funding for the “Safe Rides” program possible. Taylorville resident Jeff Bell was on hand to present Rockford groceries for a Christmas dinner in appreciation for his hard work in bringing the life saving program to Taylorville.

Taylorville School Board Holds Monthly Meeting Monday Night

12/15/2009

‘To date, the state of Illinois owes the District $815,149 in categorical funds.’

That was the opening statement of Taylorville School District Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau’s Treasurer Report, during last night’s monthly School Board meeting. As a result, the school’s early childhood education program may be in jeopardy. Fuerstenau told the board that if the lack of state funding continues, the district would ultimately have to axe its pre-K program for all regular students.

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Although early education for regular students could be discontinued, Fuerstenau explained that no matter what happens with state funding, the district by law is mandated to have a pre-K special education program.

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Despite the lack of state funding, Fuerstenau told the board the district has enough money in the bank to handle all current obligations.

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In other business:


Before commencing their regular meeting at 7 o’clock, the board held a special meeting to review the proposed 2010-2011 Taylorville High School Course Guide. The board unanimously approved the proposed Course Guide, which features a number of curriculum changes, including the elimination of General Science I and II, and the addition of Biology as a required course.

The board received a visit from the Taylorville High School cheerleaders, who recently qualified for the National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida. The board unanimously approved a motion to cover the squad’s 1200-dollar down payment fee for the trip. In the meantime, the squad will work on kicking off a fundraising campaign to help pay for all costs. The championships take place February 13th and 14th at the Walt Disney World Resort.

New "Distracted Driving Laws" Take Affect January 1st

12/15/2009

Tough new “distracted driving laws” kick in January 1st in Illinois.

In just a few weeks, texting on your cell phone while behind the wheel will be illegal. Illinois Department of Transportation Public Safety Director Mike Stout says they are trying to combat accidents caused by drivers not paying attention to the road.

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There are a few exceptions, such as if you are stuck at a standstill in traffic, pulled over to the side of the road, or your car is in park or neutral. A second new law makes it illegal to talk on your cell phone while passing through a highway construction or school zone.

Governor Quinn Plans To Create More Jobs In Illinois

12/15/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is unveiling a plan to keep and create more jobs in Illinois.
Quinn says the plan includes increased help for start up companies, and tax credits for the automotive industry in Illinois.

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The governor says they will also work to provide more job training for soldiers returning from active duty, and for positions in green fields such as industrial energy efficiency and wind power.

St. Louis Dairy Council Offers Ways To Stay Healthy During Holiday Season

12/15/2009

Maintaining a healthy diet is a difficult task for many during the hectic holiday season. Nutrition Educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council Joyce Fickri, has three simple rules for everyone to follow this holiday season.

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Fickri says there are also a few things to keep in mind when indulging in your favorite foods during those family get-togethers and parties.

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For healthy recipes, and more nutritional information visit the website www.stldairycouncil.org.

State Representative Bob Flider Praising Madigans "Cyberbullying" Website

12/14/2009

State Representative Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) is praising Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan for launching a website to help fight the crime of cyberbullying. The website ebully411.com launched as a resource for children, teens, parents, and educators to help raise awareness and fight online bullies.

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Flider was also happy to see legislation aimed at protecting telephone consumers from illegal charges, get signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn earlier this month. Flider says the legislation will prevent cramming.

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The cramming bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate, and goes into effect immediately.

Taylorville "Christmas In The Park" Officially Underway

12/14/2009

Christmas in the Park at Manner’s Park in Taylorville features a variety of different lighted displays, put on by the event’s many sponsors. At the conclusion of the two-week celebration of Christmas cheer, a handful of those displays will be recognized as the best and brightest. Taylorville Park District Recreation Director Bailey Hancock says everyone who takes the Christmas in the Park tour will have a vote in the 2009 display competition.

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Hancock says without the sponsors and their displays, Christmas in the Park would not exist.

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There are over 75 sponsors for this year’s Christmas in the Park. Light Displays run from 5 to 10 pm every night at Manner’s Park in Taylorville.

Economic Stress Is A Reality For Many Americans At Holiday Time

12/14/2009

A DC-based psychologist says economic stress brought on by the holiday season is a reality for many Americans. Dr. Katherine Nordal with the American Psychological Association says the group's latest survey shows about seven in ten Americans cite money as a significant source of stress.

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Nordal says that kids are nearly two times more likely to worry about financial concerns than parents realize. Nordal recommends a variety of stress-relieving activities including long walks, reading or listening to music, and volunteering.

Illinois Beef Association Holds Board Of Governors Meeting

12/14/2009

The Illinois Beef Association held a Board of Governors meeting Friday morning at the FFA Center in Springfield. Christian County Farm Bureau Director and IBA District 5 Director Eric Johnson says the meeting provided an opportunity for everyone in the organization to get on the same page. Johnson says the IBA is juggling with a number of challenges, including a new president, a handful of new incoming directors, and a tight budget.

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Johnson says there are many different ways for beef producers to get involved with the IBA, including the Beef Quality Assurance Program and the Masters Beef Advocacy Program.

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Johnson says the organization is also gearing up for The Illinois Beef Expo, which takes place this February. After the Expo wraps up, Johnson says the IBA will shift their focus to ‘Legislative Day’.

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The four-day Expo kicks off Thursday February 19th. The IBA Legislative Day is scheduled to take place on Wednesday March 18th.

Lake Shelbyville Accepting Student Employment Applications For 2010 Recreation Season

12/14/2009

All college students looking for a summer gig may want to give Lake Shelbyville a call. The US Army Corps of Engineers at the Lake are currently accepting job applications for summer student employment for the 2010 recreation season. Students hired will begin work at the completion of the spring semester and work until the beginning of the fall semester. Natural Resources Specialist Pam Doty says the summer program at Lake Shelbyville is an enriching experience for all students, no matter what field of study they’re in.

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Doty explains that the US Army Corps of Engineers is hiring positions for all four Lake departments.

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Doty says all applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program.

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The Lake Shelbyville Project Office is located off Route 16 in Shelbyville. For more information shoot an email to www.lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.

Taylorville Prepares For Sales Tax Rate Increase

12/14/2009

Retailers and service persons doing business in the city of Taylorville are preparing for the sales tax rate increase from 6.25% to 7%. The increase goes into effect on January 1st. The increase was voted in by the citizens of Taylorville as a referendum item on the April 7th general election ballot. City Treasurer Teri France reminds all businesses that the increase applies to general merchandise.

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France says the revenues from the increase can only be used to fund infrastructure projects. France also states that the new tax rate excludes vehicles, medical appliances, and some foods.

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Two weeks ago, The Illinois Department of Revenue sent informational bulletins to all retailers advising they must adjust their cash registers and computer software so that beginning on January 1st they will collect and remit the correct sales tax.

Governor Signs Prosthetics Parity Bill

12/13/2009

Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law Sunday that will make it easier for amputees and others to get the prosthetics they need.

Quinn says about 69 thousand people in Illinois need prosthetics or custom orthotics. This new law makes sure health insurers cover these items at the same level as other medical and surgical benefits. Representative Kevin Joyce of worth says it’s a bill he was proud to sponsor.

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The new law was inspired in part by an Illinois teen whose insurance company would only pay for one prosthetic limb over the course of her entire lifetime. Her mother Laurie Johnson, lobbied for the change.

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Johnson says the law will give users access to better fitting and more technologically advanced prosthetics.

Market Street Inn Celebrating 15th Anniversary

12/13/2009

The Market Street Inn in Taylorville is celebrating its 15th anniversary today (Sunday) in Taylorville with a special holiday gathering from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Owners Joe and Myrna Hauser opened the bed and breakfast establishment back in 1994. For more information visit Market Street Inn's website: www.marketstreetinn.com. The establishment is located at 220 East Market Street in Taylorville.

Common Bone Building Drugs May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

12/13/2009

A broad study of women's health made the unexpected discovery that two common bone-building drugs may help prevent breast cancer. The study found that women who were taking drugs called bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporosis slashed their risk of getting breast cancer by nearly a third. About 151-thousand women participated in the study, but only 22-hundred were taking bisphosphonates such as Fosamax and Actonel when the study began.

Seven years on, they had 31-percent fewer breast cancer cases. The reduction was found across the board regardless of whether the women had other risk factors for breast cancer such as weight, hormone use or smoking. Researchers say more definitive studies are in the works and will give a clearer picture of what the drugs can or can't do in the fight against breast cancer.

State Offers Tips To Lower Heating Bill

12/13/2009

Now that the temperature has really dropped, it’s a good idea to consider a few ways to make a big difference in your home heating bill.

You don’t have to shell out a lot of money to help your home conserve energy says University of Illinois Extension Engineer Ted Funk.

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You can also leave drapes and blinds open during the day to let the sun help heat your home. For more comprehensive ways to conserve energy this winter, visit the website, keepwarm.illinois.gov.

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