Local News

Taylorville Finance Committee Meets; No Decisions Made On Small Town Taylorville

The Taylorville Finance Committee and Ordinance Committee met on Thursday evening for a 90-minute session to discuss budgets, BDD Application Reviews, and more importantly the future of Downtown/Small Town Taylorville and whether or not the budget would include them this fiscal year. Dyanne Skinner with Small Town Taylorville (STT) gave a presentation to start the discussion and informed the public who attended the meeting.  She presented the budget ideas for advertising moving forward and said that the community would miss STT if it wasn’t there. 

 

 

Alderman Randy Mitchelson opened up the floor for comments and asked that the two sides try not to repeat each other but to bring up new and valid points.  Justin Griffin, Wanda Crowder, and Lee Skinner spoke out in support of STT receiving BDD funds.  Justin Griffin says that STT is extremely important.

 

 

Opposed to STT receiving BDD funds included Pat Kretzer, Jerry Cocagne, and Shannon Boston.  Pat Kretzer says he’s not opposed to STT but he is opposed to the organization receiving BDD funds.

 

 

No motion was made at the committee meeting.  Randy Mitchelson did speak on the issue and says that many people he has spoken to feels that the focus on advertising should be on the community and not individual businesses. 

 

 

Mitchelson says he has many concerns and has asked for changes in the organization and the mission. Budgets are still needed to be set for the upcoming fiscal year. The next city council meeting is set for May 20th.

Manners Park Sampling And Testing Shows No Current Danger To Park

New sampling and testing has shown that Manners Park and the area around Manners Park is deemed safe by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.  Testing was done by Universal Engineering Sciences (UES) to perform surface soil and soil vapor sampling and testing at the Park. The sampling and testing were done to assess potential exposures to Park visitors.  More than 20 surface soil samples and six soil vapor samples were collected.  Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons or PNA/PAHs, were within IEPA concentration levels or below those levels.  Soil vapor results did NOT indicate an exposure risk via Construction Worker or residential scenario.  

 

Ameren Illinois has implemented in-situ soil solidification and stabilization (ISS) in August and September 2023.  Implementation of ISS caused mobilization and partitioning from subsurface soil to ambient air due to the mechanical mixing process.  The park does say that odors from those volatile organic compounds or VOCs did create a public nuisance and possible air inhalation exposure risk to Park visitors.  After Ameren stopped the work the odors went down.  New studies show there is no risk whatsoever to the park from those odors after the pump and treat system was sealed. 

 

Independent sampling and testing at Manners Park supports that there is NOT a current exposure risk to Park visitors from the Ameren MGP site. To see the full release from Manners Park, click here

Great Western Products Cuts Ribbon Officially Opening New Pana Plant Thursday

 

Despite rainy skies on Thursday, the weather was perfect underneath the tent where Great Western Products in Pana officially cut the ribbon to open their multi-million dollar plant that makes a variety of oil and cooking products for the concession industry.   Ground-breaking took place last fall on the facility, that employs around 50 with expectations to add jobs in the Christian County community.

 

The new building replaced a building west of Assumption that burned 2 years ago.

 

 

Great Western Vice President and General Manager Rocky Franklin told the group of employees and dignitaries the Pana expansion will enable the company to expand their offerings in the cooking industry.

 

 

 

Kirby Casner, the City of Pana’s Economic Development Director and also part of the Pana Industrial Development Corporation, was instrumental in landing the facility to build in Pana’s Industrial Park.  She told those gathered landing the Great Western plant to Pana was a big deal.

 

 

 

Doug Woltman with Woltman Construction, general contractor for the project, told attendees building the Great Western Plant from scratch took a lot of work.

 

 

 

Great Western Products was acquired by Performance Food Group, or P-F-G, in March of 2021.   Pat Haggerty with P-F-G told the crowd Thursday his company empowers local plant management to make decisions on how the facility operates.

 

 

Haggerty said he expects the Pana facility to double its present size of one-hundred thousand square feet, in coming years.

 

Following the remarks from the 4, the ribbon was officially cut to open the plant.   Lunch and tours were provided those in attendance after the ceremony.

3rd Annual Tommy Awards Appears at Taylorville High School June 1st

The Third Annual Tommy Awards Ceremony is set for Saturday, June 1st at 5:00 p.m. in the Taylorville High School West Gymnasium. Tickets for tables are on sale now and the members of Tommy TV, the student-run video broadcast and production group at THS, promise yet another year of entertainment and recognition of the students and community members that go the extra mile.


Drew Mickey, Emcee and Head of Sponsorship for the Tommy Awards, along with Anthony Rivecco, Producer, stopped by the WTIM Morning Show to describe the night's features and invite the community to join them in their momentous night.

 


Professional staging sets the scene for the black tie event and other than the setting, Mickey and Rivecco explain the process and coordination that is all completed by Tommy TV members.

 


Drew Mickey describes two awards that are new to this years ceremony, the Rising Star Award to highlight an elementary student, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a community member who has passed but left a legacy on the community.


Anthony Rivecco is stepping into the busy producing role this year and says he has a hand in decision-making and meeting coordination, making for a smooth ceremony night.

 


To purchase tickets for the Tommy Awards on Saturday, June 1st, visit www.tommyawards.tv/tickets, Mickey and Rivecco say there is an informational video to help with ticket purchasing.


Drew Mickey and Anthony Rivecco appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The ReSorce Cuts The Ribbon with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce

The ReSorce Alternative Natural Healing practice on the Taylorville Square held a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 17th, becoming a member of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Owner and Practitioner, Coralynn White was joined by friends and family for the ribbon cutting and told Regional Radio News She is grateful for the support she has received along her journey.

 


White describes the type of care she provides that focuses on alternative, natural practices to solve a variety of health-related problems for the community.

 


The ReSorce can be found at 205 South Washington Street in Taylorville.


To learn more about The ReSorce, Alternative Natural Healing, visit here.

 

The ReSorce Alternative Natural Healing Practice on the Taylorville Square

A new holistic and quantum healing practice has made its way to the Taylorville Square to offer an alternative type of health and wellness to the community. Coralynn White is the Owner and Practitioner at ReSorce, located at 205 South Washington Street in Taylorville. Certified in Quantum and Energy Healing, White says, the old systems keep failing us, and now she hopes to bring a new type of care to the community.

 


Some of the healing services include mind and body treatment, chakra balance, toxin release, pain relief, and yoga and meditation training.

 


White says this type of care has been met with skepticism as many are familiar with the traditional, medicinal tactics used to ease pain and cure illnesses, White continues, calling this holistic healing a two-way street as patients must put forth effort to be set on the path of healthy living.

 


To book an appointment or to find more information on ReSorce visit here.


Coralynn White appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Sheriff's Office Recognizing National Police Week

This week has served as National Police Week and in 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice law enforcement officials across the country make daily to protect and serve their communities.


Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office says this week is not only about remembering officers who have fallen in the line of duty but current law enforcement as well.

 


Chief Deputy Baker describes the policing profession as a career rather than a job as officers and deputies risk their lives to help those in need, a mindset that is instilled in most if not all individuals who take on the difficult position.

 


As National Police Week comes to a close we remember the dedicated law enforcement officials current or passed on, who strive to keep communities safe with their bravery and unwavering commitment to their duty.


Chief Deputy Jim Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.


 

Blood Drive Coming To Assumption

There will be a blood drive in Assumption at the end of the month.  Assumption Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife.  The blood drive will be from 3:30 PM to 6 PM on Thursday, May 30th, at 225 North Chestnut, inside the donor bus.  To donate, you may contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use the code 60003 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested.

 

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. 

Taylorville Estates Takes Pride in Their Community

Taylorville Estates Assisted Living remains dedicated to creating a space where individuals can find independence, an active lifestyle, and the comfort and freedom of living at home. Administrator, Toni Clark says only one room is currently available at Taylorville Estates and the cause of this can be found in the social living, daily activities, and relationships that are experienced in the assisted living arrangement.


Remodeling of the building is underway as residents have added their input into some of the painting decisions, and restructuring has been seen amongst the staff. Stephanie Pethtel has been named the Activities Director and has no shortage of ideas when it comes to getting everyone involved at Taylorville Estates.


Clark and Pathtel describe the importance of interaction and staying connected. Clark refers to the COVID-19 era and the downfalls that came to the residents during isolation.

 


Pethtel, Activities Director at Taylorville Estates has the creative freedom to draw up any game, sport, or adventure that excites the residents. From accessibility sports to Wine Wednesday and Beer and Pretzel Night, a community has been formed among those at Taylorville Estates.

 


Clark describes the apprehension of some individuals entering into assisted living. Clark and Pethtel described the quick and willing transition to the new living arrangements once they see what kind of active and social life they will be living.

 


You can find more information about Taylorville Estates Assisted Living here.


Toni Clark and Stephanie Pethtel appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

 

Photo courtesy of Taylorville Estates Facebook Page
 

Loop Lake Bike Ride Coming To Shelbyville

The US Army Corps of Engineers and Friends of Lake Shelbyville will be hosting a Loop Lake Shelbyville bike ride on Saturday, June 8th, 2024. All rides will start from the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center and will include options for a 30-mile, 48-mile, or 65-mile ride. Proceeds for the ride will benefit the Friends of Lake Shelbyville (FOLS).  The FOLS provides education, historical interpretation, and recreational and environmental improvements at Lake Shelbyville. 

 

Loop Lake Shelbyville bike ride will start at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center.  Rest stops will be provided every 10-13 miles for riders with water and snacks available.  The 30-mile ride will take riders to Findlay, across Findlay Bridge, south toward Wolf Creek, then across to Sand Creek Road to Lithia Road, and ferry across the lake at Lithia Springs.  The 48-mile and 65-mile routes, will loop Lake Shelbyville, ferry across the lake at Lithia Springs, and head back to the Visitor Center.  Check-in is available at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center at 7 AM and ends at 8 AM.  Riders may start riding after they have checked in.  Participants should plan their route to be back at the Visitor Center no later than 3 PM.

 

Riders must be over the age of 14.  If under the age of 18, riders must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  All riders will be required to wear a helmet for the duration of the ride and obey all applicable Illinois State rules of the road.  Online registration can be found at www.bikereg.com/loop-lake-shelbyville.  To secure an event t-shirt, registration must be submitted by May 17th.  After that date, no shirts are guaranteed. 

 

This event coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, which encourages Americans to seek out healthy, active outdoor lifestyles, connect with nature, and embrace public lands.  For more on Lake Shelbyville, call 217-774-3951 ext. 2. 

TMH Auxiliary To Host Golf Outing

The Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host the 16th annual golf outing on Friday, June 21st, at the Lakeshore Golf Course.  Costs for the event is $90 per golfer and include 18 holes of golf, a gift, a box lunch, and light refreshments.  Becky Murrow, TMH Director of Hospitality, says that they are offering a chance to win a $10,000 hole-in-one sponsored by Keri Austwick with Edward Jones.  All proceeds go to support and promote the mission of Taylorville Memorial Hospital and other community and healthcare-related projects and scholarships. 

 

Registration opens at noon on June 21st at Lakeshore Golf Course, 1460 E. 1000 N. Road, with a 1 PM shotgun start.  Box lunches will be available from noon until 1 PM.  Awards and light refreshments will follow at 5 PM.  Sponsorships are available.  To sign up a team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, you are encouraged to contact Becky Murrow, at 217-707-5256 or email at morrow.becky.mhsil.com.

 

The Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was established in 1950 to support the mission of the hospital through service to patients and the community, and to sponsor healthcare projects through fundraising efforts.  The Auxiliary is one of the largest financial contributors to the hospital.

Catching Up On Upcoming Lake Shelbyville Kids Fishing Tournament

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville with Friends of Lake Shelbyville, is gearing up to host an opportunity for young anglers. On Saturday, June 1, 2024, children aged 12 and under are invited to participate in a free fishing tournament at Opossum Pond, situated near the entrance to the Opossum Creek Recreation Area.

 

The tournament kicks off with registration check-in starting at 8:00 a.m. for children aged 6 and under. Fishing for this category will take place from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Registration for ages 7-9 and 10-12 starts at 8:45 a.m., with fishing scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

 

Prizes will await winners in various categories, including biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish in each age division. Additionally, every participant will receive a certificate of participation.

 

Safety is a top priority, with the tournament limited to bank fishing and all participants required to wear life jackets. Fishing equipment, including tackle and bait, will not be provided, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Moreover, the event follows a catch-and-release policy after the weigh-in.

 

Volunteers are encouraged to lend a hand with various activities, such as baiting, weighing, and assisting children, and will receive one free night of camping at Lake Shelbyville's U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground in appreciation for their support.

 

Pre-registration is required, and interested participants can register by calling 217-774-3951 ext. 2 or emailing lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil. Questions regarding fishing, volunteering or general event information can call the same number. 
 

Taylorville's May Clean Up Day Appears This Saturday

Spring cleaning up day in Taylorville is back this Saturday, May 18th with dumpsters available for use at the Taylorville Street Department, 205 North Cherokee Street, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until dumpsters are filled. 


Items that are prohibited from being thrown in the dumpsters include electronics such as TVs, computers, monitors, printers, or anything that contains freon or refrigerants. No concrete, railroad ties, bricks, tires, used oil, paint, gasoline products, or hazardous waste. No shingles, drywall, palettes, lumber, or construction materials. And No contractor or business allowed.


Proof of residence within city limits will be required upon showing up to dump. Volunteers will be on hand from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
 

Taylorville School Board Holds May Meeting

The Taylorville School Board met Tuesday evening to celebrate their retirees, honor their graduates, look at updates on the gym and classroom additions, and discuss the performing arts center at their monthly meeting. Tracie Boehme spoke during public comments and urged the board to do something with the art program for the elementary school.  She was very concerned about space as it appears the art program will be moving from a classroom to “art on a cart” that will go to various rooms instead of an actual classroom.  This is in part due to smaller classroom sizes. 

 

 

The board said they would discuss art options moving forward. The board received a construction update from Jeff Pflederer, Project Manager with Midwest Construction on the gym and classroom addition at THS.  

 

 

There was a heavy discussion on the performing arts center. Tom Finks asked for a discussion in the future for future development and construction of a performing arts center. Finks said he didn’t see what the issue was with having a discussion.  Ann Chandler said it was too early for a discussion. 

 

 

After much discussion, a decision was made to set up a future discussion on the performing arts center. The list of seniors eligible for graduation was approved. Updates were approved for both the Junior High, High School, and Elementary Schools. 

 

A ceremony was held for retirees including Jacqueline Foil—20 years, Lynn Durham—34 years, Melissa Williams—23 years, Diane Wilham—33 years, Jean Ninmer—23 years, Sara Pennock—30 years, Tracie Boehme—31 years, Deon McConnell—25 years, Lynn Dexheimer—8 years, Katie Dubre—30 years, and Connie Beaman—13 years.  We here at Regional Radio News, salute all of the retirees and graduates!

Taylorville Kiwanis Holds Annual Prayer Luncheon, Names "Outstanding Spiritual Leader"

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their annual Prayer Luncheon, and presented the club’s “Outstanding Spiritual Leader” award, at their weekly Tuesday meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

 

 

Kiwanis Spiritual Aims Chair Dick Wamsley emceed the event.   After lunch, Wamsley (left) presented the club’s “Outstanding Spiritual Leader” award to James Jones (right), pastor of the Taylorville Christian Church, for his ministry to his congregation and the community.

 

 

Guest speaker for the annual Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon was Dr. Richard Tribble, Jr., a long-time pastor of churches in the United States and Europe.   Tribble who spoke about the importance of prayer in his own life, and in the nation’s history.   He challenged Kiwanis members to find God’s will thru prayer.

 

 

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.

Memorial Health Celebrates National Hospital Week

 This week is National Hospital Week, an opportunity to recognize the healthcare workers and their techniques to care and connect to individuals who need their help daily. Kim Bourne, President of Memorial Health is happy to be celebrating these important individuals and also highlights the numerous employment opportunities that are available in the healthcare industry that are other than doctors and nurses.

 

 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has been given a four star rating from the National Rural Rating System, an honor that was received after seeing significant trends in positive patient satisfaction surveys.

 

 

Creating an environment that patients can feel comfortable and safe in is at the core of values for Memorial Health and Bourne thanks the Taylorville community for supporting TMH and concluded that the healthcare workers at all Memorial Health locations are here to serve you.

 

Kim Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville School Board Meets Tonight

The Taylorville School Board of Education will meet today for their May Meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office, 1100 North Sportsman Drive in Taylorville.


Under new business, the board will hear May Talking Points from Board President Brenda Patrick, and designate the new superintendent, Brandi Bruley, to prepare a tentative budget for the 2024-2025 School Year. An annual approval of eligible seniors to graduate will seek approval along with the adoption of the elementary disciplinary code with Karen Kuntzman.


Topics from previous meetings that will be discussed include a second reading of the IASB press policy and a construction update from MCP on the gymnasium and classroom addition at Taylorville High School. Also under old business, discussion and planning will continue for the future development and construction of the performing arts center.


The Meeting will conclude with an executive session and stay tuned to Regional Radio News for updates upon the conclusion of the meeting.

Champley Wins Music Scholarship Award

Taylorville High School band senior Justin Champley was presented with the Jim H. Smith Music Scholarship Award at the THS Senior Awards Night ceremony on Wednesday. This scholarship was started in 2022 by former Taylorville Director of Music Jim Smith, and comes with a $1000 monetary award for a band or choir student who plans to pursue music as a career. Champley will be attending the University of Missouri next year majoring in music education. We here at Regional Radio News salute you Justin Champley!!!

Christian County Genealogical Society To Hold Cemetery Walk This Sunday

The Christian County Genealogical Society is hosting their 18th Cemetery Walk this Sunday, May 19th, beginning at 1: p.m. at Harper's Ferry Cemetery in Palmer Il. Preparation and restoration of the cemetery have been taking place to not only uncover the history of the late 1800s but also to provide proper grounds to learn the history of the cemetery with informed, time-period actors leading the walk.


Vauna Crowder, Vice President of the CC Genealogical Society explains the important job Ralph Falconbury completed at Harper's Ferry cemetery to set the scene for the walk.

 


Matt McKinney, Mayor of Palmer, was involved in the year-long process of preparing the cemetery and noted how enjoyable it was to see the dedicated work come to fruition.

 


Along with William Harper, local residents of the time that have been found in Harper's Ferry Cemetery will be played by area residents.

 


Find more information about the Harper’s Ferry Cemetery Walk by visiting the CC Genealogical Society's Facebook page.


Vauna Crowder and Matt McKinney appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

Lake Land College Recognizes TRIO Students At Annual Banquet

Lake Land College recently hosted its annual banquet to honor the achievements of students enrolled in the TRIO program. The event celebrated the dedication and success of several outstanding individuals.

 

Among the highlights of the evening were the awards presented to deserving students. Deanna Clark from Bethany, Gage Hone, and Ronald Mason from Mattoon, Delaney Nation from Tower Hill, and Amber Roan from Toledo were honored with the Leadership Award for their exemplary roles in student involvement and service as TRIO ambassadors.

 

Tyra Bednar of Effingham and Georgia Firnhaber of Shelbyville were among the TRIO Members who were recognized as well. 

 

The banquet also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the participation and contributions of all students involved in the Lake Land College TRIO Student Support Services program.

 

The evening was filled with pride and celebration as these individuals were recognized for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence in their academic pursuits.

Summer Programs Available Through U of I Extension

There is still time to book a U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Education Program during the summer months. Valerie Belusko is the educator for these programs that she says can take whatever agency, organization, or non-profit you have and introduce positive forms of teamwork, communication, and goal setting.


Valerie Belusko speaks on five different programs that are offered that include, exploration of career paths, journaling for inspiration and empowerment, setting SMART goals, boosting resilience, and time management.

 


Belusko says organizations can benefit from setting SMART goals, an acronym that creates a framework for proper goal setting to create a sense of success in a workplace.

 


Belusko shares some of the groups that have utilized these programs to give team members a boost of confidence or education.

 


You can call Valerie Belusko for program information at 217-532-3941.


Valerie Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.


 

Taylorville Ace Hardware Sold

Ace Hardware in Taylorville will have new ownership.  Ace Retail Holdings will be acquiring Bishop Ace Hardware, which owns 13 stores, including the one in Taylorville.  George Preckwinkle and Lucy Stafford own Bishop Ace Hardware and say that it’s a Grade A store with an excellent community and a great team on hand. The store, which is located at 1713 Spresser Street in Taylorville, will see a seamless transition of ownership and store management, personnel, and product offerings. 

 

 

Stafford and Preckwinkle says they were born into the hardware business after their parents founded the business in 1960 in Springfield with one small, local hardware store. Taylorville store has been there since 1972.

 

 

Ace Retail Holdings, is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation. Joe Jeffries, President and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings says that Bishop Ace Hardware has always placed a priority on making sure that customers throughout Illinois are provided with products, support, and world-class service.  He says it is an honor to continue Stafford and Preckwinkle’s legacy. 

 

Ace Bishop also owns stores in Carlinville, Chatham, Dwight, Havana, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Normal, Pittsfield, Pontiac, and Springfield. The acquisition is set to go into effect on July 28th.

An Update From Small Town Taylorville

After the Taylorville Finance Committee voted to defund the organization Small Town Taylorville, there has been a lot of drama that has come to the surface as people have taken sides. Regional Radio News spoke with Steve Craggs, Chairman of Small Town Taylorville, who says that a lot of the issues started with a letter that was circulated among City Council that he says is full of lies.  Craggs also wants to know where the letter came from.

 

 

Craggs says they welcome Aldermen Chris Skultety onto the Small Town Taylorville Board in an effort to redo the advertising campaign and reach everyone they need too which is something the Council requested STT does. 

 

 

Steve Craggs has asked that Aldermen Randy Mitchelson and Megan Bryant be recused off the Finance committee budget meeting on the 16th as Craggs says that they are biased and he believes they will not be able to come to the meeting with an open mind. 

 

 

Craggs does say he was very pleased when Aldermen Mitchelson said that after investigation they found no wrongdoing in STT.  Craggs says that they are working on adding more businesses to STT in the future, but the original goal was shopping and dining. He added that the intent was never to exclude any businesses.

 

 

Craggs says despite everything, Small Town Taylorville will not die.  He says a lot will hinge on how the Finance Committee meeting goes on May 16th. The finance committee meeting will take place at 6 PM on May 16th at the Municipal Building. 

Picture Perfect Weekend for the Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Shelbyville

 

It was a picture-perfect weather weekend for the Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival, which was held Friday night and Saturday in Shelbyville’s Chautauqua Auditorium at Forest Park.

 

The Festival has been held in various communities since around 2008 when a group of bluegrass bands got together and asked Chet’s wife if they could hold a festival in his name, since he passed away in the late 90’s and was heavily involved in bluegrass music.

 

 

 

The bell rang precisely at 11am Saturday to begin the second day of the Festival.  It was the same way Chautauqua meetings would be called in the Park in the early 1900's when the Auditorium was built.

 

In a live broadcast on WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 Saturday morning, Chet’s son Ron told us his mom was thrilled.

 

 

 

City of Shelbyville Parks and Public Property Commissioner Mark Shanks told WMKR listeners that the Auditorium had fallen into disrepair, but the city along with many in the community raised and spent over a million dollars to restore the Chautauqua Auditorium which re-opened 2 years ago.

 

 

Shanks added the restored Auditorium will attract more and more events and performances to bring more people to Shelbyville.

 

 

The 2-day Festival attracted major bluegrass acts like Blue Highway, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, the Kings Highway Band, the Kody Norris Show, and the host band which was Mackville.

 

 

WMKR interviewed several band members during its live broadcast from the festival Saturday morning.  They’re linked below.

 

Kings Highway band members Mark Hargis and Mike Fulkerson:

 

 

Elijah Doty:

 

 

Ron Kingery, son of Chet Kingery in whose name the festival is named after:

 

 

Kody Norris (in 2 segments):

 

 

 

David Davis:

 

 

Main Event Celebration Back in Shelbyville on Monday

An end-of-year celebration is making its way back for Shelbyville Elementary Preschoolers as the Main Event will appear at the Forest Park Chautauqua in Shelbyville. Main Street School Principal, Ryan Scott, says the focus of the celebration has shifted into a culmination of all the youth accomplishments throughout the year.


The Main Event is for students K-3 and will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13th.


Scott describes the day's events of family-friendly activities and some of the music performances that will be involved.

 

 

A food truck, Moose Lodge Grill and snow cones will be available among other fun activities at the Main Event, says Scott

 


More information about this Monday's Main Event in Shelbyville can be found here.


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

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