In recognition of her outstanding dedication and compassionate care, Cheyanne Renek, RN, has been named the Colleague of the Month for April at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  Renek works in the Emergency Department (ED). Renek, has been a part of the hospital since 2021 and the hospital says she has exemplified excellence in nursing, earning praise from grateful parents whose child received care under her watchful eye.

Renek's nomination for this recognition came from the parents of a young patient who required urgent care in the ED. They commended Renek for her exceptional nursing skills and her unwavering commitment to keeping them informed and supported throughout the entire process.

Her nominator expressed gratitude, saying that she was adamant about advocating for us when we had questions and concerns about how to proceed with the workup. Her nominator says that Renek always had her daughter’s best interest at heart, and never wavered. The nominator further highlighted Renek's thoughtful gesture of providing a handmade doll to comfort their daughter during a difficult time.

Renek's colleagues and hospital staff alike have applauded her dedication to patient care and her exemplary professionalism. Renek has worked for Taylorville Memorial Hospital since 2021. 

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.

Frerichs 1                     KEY                     LENGT: 38

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

Frerichs 2                     KEY                     LENGT: 26

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.

Frerichs 3                     KEY                     LENGT: 33

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.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach has recently received the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Loyalty Award for his dedicated service to the program since 1997 with 33 baseball seasons under his belt.

Ron Riggle has earned the NJCAA Loyalty Award for 2024, a recognition that goes to one junior college athletic director per year. Kyla Kruse, Chief Communications Officer at LLCC says Riggle’s focus on the student-athlete's success on and off their respective playing fields was the difference.

Kruse speaks on the loyalty award that Riggle received and how his consistent dedication to the students' success made the award very deserving.

The team average GPA sits at a number of which the athletes, the athletic director, and the administration are proud of, says Kruse.

More information about NJCAA Loyalty Award Winner Ron Riggle can be found here.

Kyla Kruse appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry welcomed 41 students from Effingham Junior High School to campus on Friday, April 26 for “Flex Tech Friday.”

During the event, students attended four sessions to explore campus, view demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities. They also met with faculty from the Lake Land College Technology Division and learned about the many opportunities available in trades, technology, and manufacturing.

Director of the Center for Business and Industry, Bonnie Moore says it was great to share programs and resources with eager students.  She says it was rewarding to see the students take an interest in technology and learn about high-demand careers at such a young age. 

“It was great to be able to share our programs and resources with so many eager students,” Director of the Center for Business and Industry Bonnie Moore said. “It’s rewarding to see the students take an interest in technology and learn about these high-demand careers at such a young age.”

To learn more about the trades and technology programs available at Lake Land College, contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232 or counsel@lakelandcollege.edu.  

Last fall, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville was designated a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the Shelbyville community.

To celebrate this momentous achievement, Good Shepherd Hospital plans to hold a community celebration for all ages on Thursday, May 16 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the hospital campus. The event will feature food, fun and a short program highlighting efforts made that supported the hospital’s journey toward being named a Critical Access Hospital.

The CAH designation is given to facilities that play a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare services in rural areas. It signifies the hospital's dedication to meeting the unique needs of the local community and providing essential medical care to those who need it most.

Good Shepherd Hospital will continue to offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency and inpatient medical care, outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and specialized clinics. This new designation enables the hospital to focus on its mission of providing accessible and quality health care to the local community whether preventative, routine or emergency.

For more information about HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, visit hshsgoodshepherd.org.

A Knox County man has drowned in Lake Shelbyville from a boating accident.  The incident occurred at Lake Shelbyville on Sunday afternoon.  Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley reported that 32-year-old Tanner D. Alvarado was alone in a boat near the 9th Street Beach and Boat Ramp when the accident happened.  Phegley says the water was choppy and when the boat hit a wave, it threw Alvarado into the water.  Phegley reported the boat continued operating until it could be recovered and shut down. The dive team, through witness interviews and the use of side scan sonar were able to locate Alvarado’s body.

The Shelby & Effingham County Dive Teams, Shelbyville Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, IL Department of Natural Resources, US Army Corp of Engineers, Shelby County Coroner and Abbott Ambulance. all assisted with the incident.  The Shelby County Dive Team thanked the Effingham County Dive Rescue Team for their support.  The Shelby County Dive Team is still working on getting back to full operational status.  
 

New attorney services are being offered in Shelbyville that focus on the three F’s, food, farm, and family law. Cari Rinker, a Shelbyville native, has a Master's Degree in Beef Cattle Nutrition from the University of Illinois. With a background in science and agriculture in conjunction with her vast knowledge of the state, Rinker says she is prepared to provide services for a variety of needs for local citizens.

Cari Rinker is the Owner of Rinker Law PLLC and has authored stories that have appeared on the Top 100 Blog of the American Bar Association. Rinker was also a Past-Chair of the American Bar Association's General Practice, Solo & Small Farm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee.

Rinker Law Office can be found at 229 East Main Street in Shelbyville, visit here, for more information.

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

A new project outside of Taylorville will be bringing solar to the Ameren Grid. The Skyline Solar Project will be built on Route 48 right off McAdam. According to Angeli Chandler, Director of Communications, with Cypress Creek Renewables says that, as a benefit of being a community solar project, local Ameren Customers can sign up to receive a discount on their electric bills.  Construction began on the project at the beginning of April and is expected to be completed by the end of August. 
 

All five Memorial Health Hospitals will host flag-raising ceremonies on Tuesday, April 30th, signifying support during National Donate Life Month. Attending the event will be hospital officials and representatives from Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network and Saving Sight, they will share words for those in the public who wish to attend.

Locations and times for each flag-raising ceremony are as follows:

Decatur Memorial Hospital, 2300 North Edward Street at 11:30 a.m.

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, 1600 West Walnut Street at 3:30 p.m.

Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlut Drive at 4:00 p.m.

Springfield Memorial Hospital, 701 North First Street at 2:00 p.m.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 East Pleasant Street at 9:00 a.m.

April serves as National Donate Life Month, Memorial Health looks to honor donors and their families who have provided life-saving care in the form of organ and tissue donation.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has released rain totals from last night's storms that came thru the Regional Radio listening area.

Portions of Christian, Montgomery, and Macoupin Counties received between one-point-5 and 2 inches of rain overnight Sunday into Monday morning.

7 day rain totals from the National Weather Service shows between 4 and 5 inches of rain has fallen the past 7 days in portions of Sangamon County, while 3 to 4 inches were received in portions of Christian, Montgomery, and Macoupin counties.   Elsewhere, between 2 and 3 inches of rain has fallen.

Forecasters are predicting off-and-on rain showers and thunderstorms for the coming week.

The Shelby County CEO class has prepared all year for their CEO Trade Show, which appears on Wednesday, May 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Foxmore Venue in Shelbyville.

County CEO classes gain entrepreneurial skills through various group-based activities that venture inside businesses to understand what it takes to become a successful business owner. Once the students have these foundational skills they each begin their own business surrounding a passion of theirs.

CEO Members, Lizzie Reed and Jack Jokisch went on the WTIM Morning Show in Shelbyville to announce the trade show and describe their personal business that will be on display.

Lizzie Reed describes her business, Boat-Dash, a play on the popular food delivery service, Door-Dash, which will end the trouble of needing to get off of the water when people get hungry.

Jack Jokisch is starting up JJ Athletics, an agility program for young athletes who want to sharpen their skills.

Reed speaks on learning the soft skills of business, like proper handshakes and public speaking, and how those aspects have prepared her for the real world.

The Foxmore is located at 222 East Main Street in Shelbyville. Find more information about the Shelby County CEO class by clicking here.

Lizzie Reed and Jack Jokisch appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.

The Taylorville City Council Finance Committee voted recently to not continue to fund Small Town Taylorville. Regional Radio News has reached out to multiple people to try to get an understanding of how we got to this point. In talks with Chris Skultety, Chairman of the Finance Committee, he says he doesn’t think there is anything illegal going on, but there are too many questions that need answers.  One big point that Skultety said was that his belief is that all businesses should be involved not just certain businesses. 

Steve Craggs, Chairman of Small Town Taylorville says he feels blindsided. He doesn’t know what they are doing moving forward.

Skultety says that the council encouraged STT to come back with a different structure for more oversight from the city. He says that the council can’t give funds without having oversight of what they are giving money too. 

The next City Council meeting is set for May 6th. 

The Christian County Coroner has released the names of the couple who died in the RV/Train Crash in rural Christian County.  Joseph M and Cristina Kessler of Sarasota Florida were pronounced deceased. Both victims were 73 years of age and Joseph was identified as the driver.  Preliminary autopsy results show they died of multiple blunt force injuries. According to the family, they had been on a journey to vicit all 50 states and nearly all US National Parks.  The Kesslers were killed in their RV after it was struck by a train late last week between Stonington and Blue Mound. 

Former athletes, friends and family, and community leaders all gathered in the Taylorville High School cafeteria for the 28th Annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. There were five individuals and one team recognized on Saturday night and a meal was provided by Judy Foxall Catering and National Honors Society students were on hand serving and cleaning up food.

The individual athletes that were inducted into the Taylorville Sports Hall of Fame was: Zach Beaty, a 2002 graduate and a three-year starter for the basketball team, earning MVP honors in all three years. Amy Hughes, a 1997 graduate and a four-year letter winner for Taylorville Softball, and is now an educator in the district. Nate Turner, a 2005 graduate and a three-year letter winner for the Taylorville Baseball Team and a two-letter earner for football. James Achenbach, a 1960 graduate, lettered in basketball and golf. And Howard “Whitey” Long, a 1956 graduate and a two-year letter winner on both Taylorville Baseball and Basketball teams.

Rounding out the inductees, the 1968-1969 Boys Basketball Team was honored. Coached by Don Williams, athletes, Mark Stevenson, Bob Bonn, Willie Walker, Wayne Orr, Andy Lovekamp, Chuck Martin, Dick Adams, Bob Fleming, Tom James, John Coady, Jim Hurtte, and Mike Durbin, were welcomed to the stage and recognized for their successful seasons.

Chuck Martin, a junior starter for the 1969 Tornado Basketball team, spoke on the honor his team received and the community engagement he felt during his years on the court.

Dave Hixenbaugh, a keynote speaker at the banquet, spoke on what it meant to remember these athletes and to continue a tradition of success.

We here at Regional Radio News congratulate all who were inducted into the Taylorville Sports Hall of Fame.

The community turned out in big numbers Saturday for the annual Taylorville Kiwanis Club Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis members organized and cooked the delicious pancakes and sausage for those who turned out.  

Several members of the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club and Junior High Builders Club, helped Kiwanis members serve the food.

Net proceeds from the day’s event go towards Kiwanis efforts for children and youth in the Taylorville community, including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, scholarships for the YMCA and high school seniors, and also funds other local non-profit organizations benefiting children in the Taylorville community.

The annual event is one of several fund-raisers the Kiwanis Club does each year to raise funds for its local efforts.

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 Shelby County Health Fair date has been announced, signaling a day of healthy living education and information for all members of the community. The health fair will appear on Thursday, May 2nd at the Shelby Christian Church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is sponsored by Soyland Access to Independent Living and the University of Illinois Extension.

Betty Watkins, a Rural Outreach Coordinator for SAIL says this day will help promote independent, healthy living for all people.

Watkins wants the community to know about the 40 door prizes that will be raffled off to attendees who sign up, and more information about the fair can be found here.

Betty Watkins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.

More service opportunities are available through Illinois Extension's 4-H program which continues to drive young people's passion for local giving. The Youth Leadership Team coordinates initiatives like food drives to benefit local pantries and organizations while fostering a sense of giving back.

Taylor Pope, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator says the 4-H members involved have expressed interest in these deeds of good service and now look to the week of the Christian County Fair, July 15th-20th, to gather donations of food.

Pope has been proud to see the 4-Her’s response to the activities that give back to the community and looks to encourage these types of initiatives in the future.

Visit here for more information on 4-H programs or to become a member.

Taylor Pope appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Police Department is urging you to come out to the 3rd annual Cops, Coffee, Cold Scoops event! The event will be taking place Friday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM. Join them at LP Coffee and Creamery to enjoy a free coffee or ice cream cone/cup courtesy of the TPD. The police department will be taking cash, check, or credit card donations to benefit Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. 

Taylorville Police say they have such a blast at this event. TPD is keeping it as a yearly fundraiser to help them reach their goals. They will also be selling LETR merchandise at the event as well. TPD encourages you to grab your friends, and family and have some fun while raising money for a great cause!

Two people are dead after an RV struck a train on Thursday afternoon.  On April 25th, 2024 at 12:37 PM, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call for an RV versus train crash.  The crash was located on 2300 North Road just west of IL Route 48.  The Christian County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash, and they along with the Blue Mound Fire Department, N/S Railroad Police, Illinois State Police, and the Christian County Coroner's Office responded to the call.  

Initial indications show that the RV was eastbound on 2300 North Road and the train was traveling northbound.  The RV crossed onto the tracks and was struck by the train.  

The Coroner's Office has scheduled an autopsy to be held in Bloomington.  Names will be released pending the notification of family members. 

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and save lives! The American Red Cross, in collaboration with local organizations, is hosting a series of blood drives throughout Shelbyville, Bond, Christian, and Fayette Counties during the month of May.

Shelbyville Blood Drives:
   

• On May 16th, the First Baptist Church Shelbyville will host a blood drive from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the fellowship hall, sponsored by the Shelbyville Lions Club and co-sponsored by Shelbyville Manor.

Bond County Blood Drives:
   

• Join us on May 2nd at the VFW Post 1377 Greenville from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the VFW Post 1377 hall.
   

• St. Nicholas Church Pocahontas will hold a blood drive on May 14th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the St. Nicholas Church Pocahontas hall.

Christian County Blood Drives:

• Pana High School invites you to their blood drive on May 3rd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Pana High School multipurpose room, sponsored by the Pana High School NHS.
Fayette County Blood Drives:
   

• Brownstown Community will host a blood drive on May 8th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Brownstown Elementary School cafeteria, sponsored by the Brownstown High School NHS.
   

• Join us in Ramsey on May 9th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Ramsey Grade School cafeteria.
   

• Dutch Prairie Community will hold a blood drive on May 14th from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Heartland Carriage.
   

• The Vandalia Moose Lodge will host a blood drive on May 14th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Vandalia Moose Lodge hall.
   

• Don't miss the YMCA Vandalia blood drive on May 29th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Family YMCA of Fayette County gym.

Special May Promotions:
   

• From April 29th to May 19th, donate blood and receive a free haircut coupon via email, plus a chance to win race tickets from Sport Clips. Visit rcblood.org/win for more details!
   

• Be sure to donate blood between May 20th and June 9th to receive an exclusive Red Cross shirt, available while supplies last!

Mark your calendars and join us in making a difference in our communities. Your donation can help save lives! To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The stage is set, the instruments tuned, and voices harmonized as Taylorville gears up to present its much-anticipated annual Spring Music Festival. On Friday evening, April 26th, at 7:00 p.m., music aficionados of all ages are invited to gather at the THS West gymnasium for an evening brimming with talent and tradition.

A cornerstone of the community, this long-standing tradition showcases the musical prowess of students ranging from 4th grade to High School, embodying the district's commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and fostering a love for music among its students.

The festival will kick off with enchanting choir performances, each ensemble promising to enchant the audience with their melodic renditions. The 4th and 5th-grade choir will lead the way, inviting attendees to embark on a musical journey as they "move through music," while the combined 6th, 7th & 8th-grade choirs will illuminate the stage with their radiant voices in the "Sunshine Medley.” Closing the choir segment will be the combined THS choirs, paying homage to the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, with arrangements by the talented Dorian Chase, a proud graduate of the THS class of 2020.

Following the choir performances, the instrumental section of the event will commence, promising a symphonic delight for all in attendance. The 5th-grade band will set the stage with "The Lost Tomb," showcasing their musical talent. The 6th-grade band will then take the audience on a nostalgic journey with music from Journey, including hits like "Anyway You Want It / Don't Stop Believin'." Meanwhile, the 7th & 8th-grade band will transport listeners to the electrifying world of the movie "Grease" with their lively renditions. Bringing the instrumental segment to a crescendo will be the THS band, enthralling the audience with "Imaginarium," a musical masterpiece that promises to stir the imagination.

As the evening draws to a close, attendees will unite in a stirring finale, as the combined ensembles come together to perform the timeless classics "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a fitting tribute to unity, patriotism, and the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift.

With anticipation building and melodies echoing in the air, the Taylorville community eagerly awaits the arrival of April 26th, when the THS West gymnasium will be transformed into a veritable symphonic oasis, resonating with the harmonious strains of the Spring Music Festival.

Larry and Terry Schlabach are two members of the Mackville Bluegrass Band and will play host at this year's Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Shelbyville. Appearing on May 10th and 11th at the Forest Park Chautauqua Auditorium, many bands will perform, like a multiple-time Grammy-nominated headliner, traditional local bands, and Terry and Larry's Mackville group.

Workshops will also be in the mix of events during the Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival with one focusing on songwriting.

Food vendors will also be on hand at the festival.

Find more information about the Chet Kingery Memorial Blue Grass Festival by clicking here.