The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening at 7 PM for their regular city council meeting.  The council will recognize the IPA Student Leadership Award Recipients and the TJHS Scholastic Bowl Team.  The Council will approve the omnibus vote designation and hear from Ted Bailey with an Energy Consultant Presentation.  

The Council will discuss approving several ordinances including the sale of a tanker truck and a BDD agreement with Heartland Development Partners at 109 S Washington Street and 201 West Main Cross.  The council will discuss a resolution of the Springfield Road Route 29 water main replacement project, the Cloud Biller Agreement invoice, and special events permits for a bags tournament and the Taylorville Black Horse Pow-Wow. 

Under committee reports, the council will discuss and potentially table, deny or approve a motion concerning Hathaway Homes, and discontinuing payment for Small Town Taylorville and Taylorville Main Street (Downtown Taylorville) in October of 2024.  The council will discuss approving a City-wide dumpster day for May 18th, and a pay estimate for the city hall parking lot.  The council will look at approving some different positions for the lake department and approve bids for the Poplar Street properties. 

The council will hear from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, the city attorney, and a closed session for salary schedules for the Police Chief and Deputy Chief Positions.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

A 3D archery range is now available for public use at Hidden Springs State Forest near Strasburg in Shelby County thanks to assistance from students at Stewardson-Strasburg High School.

The archery range has 22 targets with more to come. It’s available for use during normal park hours seven days a week. Hidden Springs has not had a 3D archery range for more than a decade. The range fell into disrepair and was closed due to lack of funding for repairs, then became overgrown.

In November 2023, students from Stewardson-Strasburg High School who are also youth ambassadors with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Shelbyville decided to pitch in and help, along with a teacher. They assisted staff with clearing lanes using hand tools; placed 25 signposts; removed old targets, limbs, and debris; and installed most of the new 3-D targets.

Instead of shooting at paper targets, 3D archers shoot at foam three-dimensional animal-shaped targets, which are placed on a course. Hidden Springs used nearly $20,000 in Sustainability Funds to purchase the 3D targets and $5,000 in site funds to redo the trail.

Jennifer Barker, agriculture teacher and eco club sponsor at Stewardson-Strasburg High School, said the project has been a great opportunity for students to work with site staff to improve the archery course.

Hidden Springs State Forest consists of about 1,200 acres of land 10 miles southeast of Shelbyville. The name Hidden Springs was selected because of the property’s seven known springs, which were used for drinking water by early settlers. Visitors to the site can enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching, hiking, and picnicking.

In 2023, Illinois state parks and historic sites attracted more than 40 million visitors. Admission is free at all Illinois state parks and historic sites.

State Senator Julie Morrison and the American Cancer Society Action Network at a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of cancer and advocate for measures to tackle the deadly disease. Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance as long as the patient meets the age requirement.  

Senator Morrison is working with the Cancer Society to pass Senate Bill 2697.  She says changes could make private insurance coverage easier for prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the disease.  Insurance companies would also be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

Senator Morrison is leading House Bill 5405 to the Senate as well.  This would increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials of drugs or medical devices by implementing rules that trials must follow if they receive funding from the National Institutes of Health.  Diversifying representation in clinical trials will result in more accurate, generalizable studies.

Senate Bill 2697 has passed the Senate and the House Insurance Committee.  It now moves to the full House for further consideration.  House Bill 5405 passed the House and has been assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee. 

Mental health services are not as widespread as many may think. The American Counseling Association says 122 million Americans, about 37% of the US. Live in areas with a mental health professional shortage.

Ed Lacheta, Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services wanted to spotlight the top four aspects that bring mental struggles to community members and provide tips on how to curb feelings of depression and anxiety.

Current events, technology, loneliness, and social drivers round out the top of the list that pushes Americans towards negative feelings and leads to poor mental health.

Lacheta points out that many of the four factors can actually amplify the other, as in current events being seen time and time again on technology or social media streams, further leading to burnout.

But there are many ways for people struggling to work back towards a healthy mind, says Lacheta.

For resources or more information on Shelby County Community Services click here.

Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their junior high students of the month for April. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. Students of the Month for April are Colby Boykin, Bentley Heimsness, Damari Thompson, and Judson Shanks.  Regional Radio News salutes all of our junior high students of the month.

(L-R): Ms. Nicole Maloley, Colby Boykin (8), Bentley Heimsness (7), Damari Thompson (6), Judson Shanks (5)

In response to HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville being awarded a Critical Access Hospital designation, staff and administrators will hold a celebration recognizing the success on Thursday, May 16th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the south side of the hospital. Regina Agney, Operations Director, and Karla Dixon, Director of Nursing spoke on the day's events.

Aside from words being shared by a number of entities that made the designation possible, many family-friendly activities will be out to entertain and educate.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital reach their Critical Access designation in a unique way says Dixon.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is located at 201 South Pine Street in Shelbyville and for more information about the celebration click here.

Regina Agney and Karla Dixon appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University recently partnered to establish a two-plus-two transfer agreement for students majoring in English. The agreement provides an opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois with junior status in one of four career pathways leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at EIU says this agreement is an example of the relationship EIU and Lake Land College share that makes student success the highest priority.  Lake Land College graduates who transfer to EIU, Hendrickson says, reinforce EIU’s strong academic standing. 

Starting this fall, Lake Land students who graduate with an Associate of Arts in English under the two-plus-two agreement can seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois and complete a bachelor’s degree in English in four additional semesters. Students can choose from four areas of concentration: Professional Writing, English Studies, Literacy & Cultural Studies and Creative Writing.

Representatives from Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University can provide additional information about the two-plus-two transfer agreement. From Lake Land College, contact Heather Nohren, Academic Counselor/Chair of Counseling & Judicial Affairs Advisement, at hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5256. From Eastern Illinois University, contact Rita Pearson, Transfer Coordinator/Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, at ripearson@eiu.edu or 217-581-7663. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their first drive-thru donation day of 2024 on Saturday, May 4th, in front of our studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville. Kiwanis Members Larry Kemner and Dean Ray worked the tent and accepted non-perishable foods and monetary donations to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

According to Amy Hagen, Coordinator at the Taylorville Food Pantry, the need for food donations rises during the summer months as students no longer receive daily breakfast and lunch from school, highlighting the importance of monetary and food donations at this time.

Larry Kemner says with the Kiwanis Club involved for so many years, the giving community shows up time and time again.

Kiwanis Member Dean Ray explains the reasoning behind accepting monetary donations as the TFP is able to stretch those dollars much further, buying food in bulk.

Saturday, May 18th is the next time the Kiwanis Club will be back out for a drive-thru-donation day to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry, accepting non-perishable foods and monetary donations in front of our studios located at 918 East Park in Taylorville.

Lincoln Land Community College is gearing up for its annual graduation commencement set to take place on Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

This year, the spotlight will shine on Divina Sha Kluge, a local resident from Springfield, who has been chosen as the commencement speaker. Kluge, a dedicated student, is on the brink of earning her associate in applied science degree in integrated media design from LLCC. Apart from her academic pursuits, Kluge is also recognized as the weekend news anchor for WAX 93.9 FM. 

Students Alexa Maher and Olivia Marchizza will also be honored, both hailing from Auburn. Maher, who has maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA, has been actively involved in various leadership roles, including president of the Honors Program Student Club and treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa. Marchizza, named a Phi Theta Kappa 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as Vice President of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President of the Honors Program Student Club. Alongside her academic endeavors, Marchizza has been a valuable member of the women's basketball team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is set to graduate with an associate in science degree and intends to pursue a master's degree to fulfill her dream of becoming an occupational or speech therapist.

The 2024 LLCC Honored Alumni Award will be presented to David Western, an embedded software engineer at Lockheed Martin. Western's journey began at LLCC, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits. He earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, followed by a Master's degree in Space Resources from Colorado School of Mines. During his academic tenure, Western was actively engaged in research projects, including one sponsored by NASA to develop a CubeSat. Currently, Western is deeply involved in developing flight software for the U.S. Space Force's early warning missile detection and tracking satellite program, slated for launch in 2025.

As the date for the commencement ceremony draws near, anticipation rises, celebrating the achievements of these individuals and marking the beginning of new chapters in their lives.

Taylorville High School will be holding a Colors of Pride Festival on Sunday, May 5th on the Taylorville High School Turf from 12 PM to 2 PM.  The Colors of Pride is Taylorville High School’s LGBTQ Support and Advocacy Group.  It is a safe space for LGBTQ members to support one another and collaborate about promoting inclusivity in the school and community.  

The festival is being held to bring the community together and show the community that there is a bridge between community and school while promoting physical health. While you are there you can cheer on members as they participate in the 3rd Annual COP Walk-A-Thon, enjoy homemade treats from the student-led bake sale, sing and dance at the Karaoke Station, enjoy free kids activities including yard games, arts and crafts, and face-painting, participate in a selfie scavenger hunt, where you can win exciting prizes, and visit the LGBTQ information table for information and resources. 

Again, the event will be on Sunday, May 5th, at the Taylorville High School Turf from 12-2 PM. 

The Lincoln Land Community College Choir and Band are inviting the public to some upcoming free concerts that will be taking place this spring on campus. The theme of LLCC’s Choir performance is “Glory”.  The choir will perform on Friday, May 3rd at 1 PM in A. Lincoln Commons.  The performance is said to include uplifting music across different styles including American Spirituals, jazz, pop, choral classics, and folk songs.  Justin Johnson, LLCC vocal music instructor is also set to perform. The choir is directed by Dr. See Tsai Chan, an instructor of music.  

The LLCC Jazz Band is set to perform in concert on Monday, May 6th at 7 PM,  in the A. Lincoln Commons.  The performance will feature “St. James Infirmary,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “That Old Black Magic,” and more.  The band is directed by Jason Waddell, LLCC professor of music.  Soloists include Dustin Suits of Loami, Miriam Carter, Colin DeFord, Aerwyna Eastvold, Ryan O’Neal of Springfield, and Nick Horn of Mason City.  

Find out more information by visiting LLCC’s website. 

There will be two separate blood drives that will take place on May 16th and 17th. On Thursday, May 16th from 10 AM until 3 PM, Taylorville Memorial Hospital will be holding a blood drive at the ImpactLife Donor Bus at TMH. On Friday, May 17th, there will be the Taylorville Christian Church & Visionway School Community Blood Drive from 11 AM until 6 PM at the Hub at 1124 N. Webster Street in Taylorville.  

To donate at the TMH blood drive contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60050.  To donate to the Taylorville Christian Church and Visionway Blood Drive contact Steve Basham at 217-824-6621 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 61296 to locate the drive. 

Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) and weigh more than 110 pounds.  A photo ID is required to donate.  For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at 1-800-747-5401.  Donors who last gave blood on or before March 22nd are eligible to give at the drive.  

ImpactLife is the provider of blood products and services to more than 125 hospitals and Emergency Medical Services in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.  Locally, they provide to Pana Community Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. 

Illinois House Democrats Wednesday passed legislation out of the House which Republicans say was filed at the last minute and completely lacking in transparency. 

An amendment was filed on Senate Bill 2412 Wednesday morning and it was assigned to the House Executive Committee.  A hearing was held shortly there after and on Democrat votes, it passed out of committee.   Two hours later, the bill was brought forth for a vote on the House floor.

The measure would put three questions on the statewide ballot.  Illinois currently limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.  That means any other questions advocates would like to see on the ballot, have been squeezed out.   Earlier this year, advocates were in Springfield collecting signatures and discussing a possible advisory question, asking whether parents should have to grant approval for their children to receive gender-affirming care.  With the three questions approved by House Dems; the parental question, or any other planned proposal, could not be put on the fall ballot. 

State Representative Brad Halbrook says it’s an effort to freeze out Republicans.

One of the referendum issues put forth by House Dems, adds questions about a property tax relief package that Illinois Republicans say Democrats would never consider passing through the legislature to give Illinoisans the tax relief they deserve.

Senate Bill 2412 was originally about placing children in adequate homes, but the amendment has turned it into an election bill. The bill passed with 67 Democrat votes.   House Republicans all voted present as a protest vote.

The Illinois State Comptroller's Office, responsible for distributing approximately 2.9 million checks annually, is expressing concern over a proposed change in mail distribution by the US Postal Service. The change would mean redirecting state mail from a facility in Springfield, Ill., to a distribution center in St. Louis, Mo., before reaching recipients, potentially causing delays.

In a release sent by Susana Mendoza, Illinois State Comptroller, these payments are said to be crucial for providers of home service programs, emergency child support, and various human and social service entities across Illinois and neighboring states. Timely delivery is important, as even a one-day delay can significantly impact vulnerable populations served by these providers.

The Comptroller's Office is seeking assurances from USPS that the proposed change will not compromise delivery timelines. Specifically, they request a thorough impact analysis to assess potential risks and ensure plans are in place to handle any adverse effects on performance. Several Illinois Congressional delegation members have also voiced similar concerns, explaining the need for a comprehensive evaluation before implementing the distribution network shift.

The Comptroller's Office is available to discuss any questions regarding this switch and contact information can be found here. 

Car Wash City has been operating in Taylorville since 1970 and has grown into a multiple-store operation with three locations in Taylorville and two in Springfield. Owners Bob and Kathy Goeckner have made the expansion announcement for their location at 800 North Webster Street in Taylorville, introducing a new, efficient tunnel car wash and membership opportunities at all locations.

Krystal Baker, President of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce describes the current location and the self-serve dog washing factor that can be found at the 204 North Main Street location, and incoming to 800 North Webster.

The work looks to be completed at Car Wash City’s 800 North Webster location this month, says Baker.

There are two ways to gain membership with Car Wash City. One way is to download the Touch4Wash app, select your desired car wash, and find the options that suit your needs. Another way is to sign up for a membership at the car wash to receive a sticker for your vehicle that will keep membership information.

Employment is also open at Car Wash City for 800 North Webster Street, ranging from full-time to part-time and a managerial position.

Stay current on the operations at Car Wash City By following them on Facebook at Car Wash City.

Krystal Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The City of Taylorville has seen lowered instances of crime in an offense report presented by Taylorville Police Chief, Dwayne Wheeler. The report looks at crimes from 2022 to 2023, varying from simple assault, destruction of property, theft, drug offenses and more. Chief Wheeler says numbers in almost all categories have decreased since 2022 and places much of the cause on the sobriety that is being found and the dedicated forces that guide those towards clean living.

Chief Wheeler describes the relationship between his police department and Judge Brad Paisley along with Christian County States Attorney John McWard as strong. The entities remain on the same page of arresting drug dealers while working to rehabilitate drug addicts.

Attendance has grown at local Narcotics and alcoholics anonymous meetings and Chief Wheeler is proud to often see recovering addicts helping others in need.

For information pertaining to addiction services like Safe Passage click here.

Taylorville Chief of Police Dwayne Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lake Land College Business Division and IT Club recently welcomed 14 local high schools to the annual Business and Computer Contest. The event saw students competing in categories like accounting, general business, current events, MOS Word, MOS PowerPoint, and MOS Excel, with tests ranging from written exams to hands-on computer tasks. 

Winners were rewarded with a 3-credit-hour tuition waiver from Lake Land College, with Flora High School clinching first place in the team event. Participating high schools included Centralia, Champaign Centennial, Charleston, Dieterich, Monticello, Mt. Zion, Neoga, Oblong, Paris, Shelbyville, and Shiloh. 

Area winners include Landon Woolery of Mt. Zion, taking 2nd place in general business and current events. Elena Lockart, of Shelbyville, won 2nd place in MOS Word, and Andrew Henderson, of Neoga, took second in the same category. Aiden Hardy of Shelbyville takes 1st overall in MOS Powerpoint and Edward Davis of Dieterich places 3rd. And finishing 1st place in MOS Excel was Dieterich’s Ryan Rich and in 3rd place, was Madelyn Kendall of Mt. Zion.

Tynia Kessler, Business Division Chair, expressed delight at the turnout, speaking on the importance of students showcasing their skills and fostering interaction with area business teachers.

For more information about the event visit here. 

The 100th Annual Christian County Agriculture Fair is nearing and organizers want the public to be aware of new aspects this year that hope to remember and recognize the historic fair. New this year, opportunities for citizens to get their name engraved on a Christian County Fair plaque, CC Fair-themed license plates, and words from Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook.

Angela Ohl-Marsters, Marketing and Promotions Director for the fair describes how to get involved in these initiatives and is excited for members of the community to bring Christian County memorabilia to put up on display.

To add to the momentous week, opening ceremonies will begin with IL Representative Brad Halbrook setting the stage for the 100th year.

The wine gala will make a return for the second year in a row and Ohl-Marsters says local music performances are planned for every night.

Tickets for the Rodney Atkins and Allie Colleen concert are available now and can be purchased here.

All Christian County Fair information can be found here.

Angela Ohl-Marsters appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

You can help children and youth in the Taylorville community that have food insecurity, by donating non-perishable food and monetary donations during this Saturday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club Drive-Thru Donation Day this Saturday from 9 til noon at the Miller Media Group front parking lot, 918 East Park in Taylorville.

Kiwanis members will be on hand to collect your donations of non-perishable food or money.  At the end of Saturday’s effort, all food and money will be donated to the Taylorville Food Pantry to assist in their ongoing efforts to provide for children, youth, and families that have food insecurity.

This is the 5th consecutive year that the Taylorville Kiwanis Club are assisting the Taylorville Food Pantry to provide food for those in need.

 One of the largest single-day food collection initiatives is already underway and the Central Illinois Food Bank wants the community to be looking out for a donation notice in the mail. Brooke Dunn, Public Relations Manager for the Central IL Food Bank describes Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an annual initiative that makes donation of non-perishable food items as easy as leaving the bag of goods in your mailbox.

Dunn says the selection of homes is determined by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Such food drives supply the Central Illinois Food Bank warehouse, to begin preparing distributions for the 140 partner agencies, like the Taylorville Food Pantry that receive these donations and supply communities with a variety of items.

Learn more about the Central IL Food Bank by clicking here.

Brooke Dunn appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Federal Election Commission has fined the campaign for Rodney Davis after it was revealed that they filed to refund excess contributions.  In a letter that the FEC sent to Thomas Datwyler, Treasurer for Rodney for Congress, it is revealed that the civil penalty is $43,475.  It is due by May 17th.  The negotiated settlement was approved by the Commission on April 15th. 

The fees come from the 2022 campaign. According to the letter that was sent, a candidate must refund excessive contributions within 60 days if they don’t redesignate it for a campaign.  The FEC found one contribution of $3,625 and general election contributions of $479,783.82 were not refunded in the timeframe allotted.  The FEC says that all contributions have been remedied, but they weren’t done in the time required. 

The Committee states it intends to terminate its political status upon resolution. To see the letter that was sent click here. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the City of Taylorville’s Building and Zoning Officer, who is also the Manager of Taylorville Municipal Airport, at their weekly Tuesday meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Club president Chuck Martin (left) presided at the meeting.  Andy Goodall (center) wears multiple hats and told Kiwanis members how to research City of Taylorville City Codes, Animal Control issues and Tax Assessor information.   

He also shared information on the Taylorville Municipal Airport, telling Kiwanis members the airport property includes 292 acres including buildings, three runways and leased ground for grass to feed livestock.   Goodall added there were some 186-thousand dollars in self-serve aviation fuel sales in 2023, with about a thousand flights per year.

Club secretary Martin Vota (right) was Tuesday's program chair.

Kiwanis Membership Chair Adam Jeffrey (right) inducted new member Trisha Phillips (left), manager at Spurling Title in Taylorville.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

The Taylorville Police Department has announced its Officer of the Quarter. Officer Matthew Nichols was named the recipient of the award for his performance this cycle.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says Officer Nichols, a valued member of Platoon A, has demonstrated unwavering dedication and outstanding commitment to his duties, particularly in the area of apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants. Wheeler says his relentless determination has made a significant impact on ensuring the safety and security of our community.

In addition to his exemplary work in the field, Officer Nichols has displayed a strong commitment to professional development. His enrollment in sniper school and continuous pursuit of self-improvement as a sniper highlight his dedication to enhancing his skills and expertise for the betterment of the department and the community.

Chief Wheeler continued by commending Officer Nichols for his positive attitude, willingness to collaborate with colleagues, and eagerness to embrace learning opportunities exemplify the values and principles of the Taylorville Police Department.

We here at Regional Radio News salute you Officer Nichols!

When Robin Williams passed away in 2014, one of the last things he said was “I just want to reboot my brain.”  An autopsy showed Williams suffered from Lewy body dementia or LBD.  LBD is still relevant for over 1.4 million Americans says Courtney McFarlin, PA, an OSF HealthCare provider who specializes in geriatrics.  It’s the second most common type of dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease. 

McFarlin says LBD is associated with Parkinson’s disease in that they both have Lewy bodies as a medical finding.  This is usually in an autopsy.  If the person is living, McFarlin says an LBD diagnosis is one of exclusion after providers have ruled other things out.  A Lewy body is an abnormal protein clump that forms in the brain’s neurons.  It’s named for Frederic Lewy, the neurologist who discovered it. 

McFarlin says that he symptoms start in conjunction with Parkinson’s type features.

The National Institute on Aging says LBD symptoms include things like visual hallucinations, changes in concentration and alertness, loss of thinking abilities, movement issues, sleep issues, behavioral changes, changes in body temperature, sensitivity to heat and cold, a poor sense of smell, and urinary incontinence. 

Treatment for LBD includes medication like Namenda, Aricept, and Exelon.  Since it’s related to Parkinson’s, Sinemet can help as well.  Patients and their caregivers must also commit to changing daily habits to make the person comfortable. There are also support groups, whether online or in person, for those who help loved ones with dementia. 

Learn more about LBD, by talking to your primary care physician. 

Soon there might be no excuse to send your child off to college without a college savings fund, as new legislation is pushing for these savings to roll over into a Roth IRA if the money is not used. Illinois State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs began this initiative in late March and says accounts like Illinois 529 savings funds, if not used, would be transferred into an IRA to kick start that student's career post-college.

Parents often think for their child's future before the child can, Frerichs says these funds can ultimately lead toward retirement savings.

Frerichs says getting this higher education is important, but many graduated students feel the looming pressures of acquiring income before things like student debt kick in.

For more information about Illinois college savings funds and the legislation click here.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.