Two people are dead after a RV struck a train on Thursday afternoon.  On April 25th, 2024 at 12:37 PM, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call for a 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. 

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.

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!

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).

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.
 

New legislation proposed by State Senator Steve McClure,  would help children facing removal from their homes after an abusive situation. When children are taken from their homes by DCFS, they sometimes end up living in a different place, far away from where they used to live. This can mean they have to switch schools, too. But Senator McClure is pushing for changes. That's why he introduced a new law to help these kids stay in the same school they were in before.

Senator McClure's new law, called Senate Bill 2824, wants to change that. It will make sure that every child who has to leave their home because of DCFS can keep going to their old school if it's best for them. This includes situations where a student is moving from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school.

The law has already passed the Senate and now moves to the Illinois House.

For more information on Senate Bill 2824 and other legislation, you can visit the Illinois Senate website or contact Senator Steve McClure's office.

The Macon County Conversation District is set to hold its 43rd annual Festival of Spring, this Saturday, April 27th from 12:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. Alysia Callison, Director of Program Services says the day will be full of fun and education for families, as groups and activities will be on hand like canoeing, homestead tours, and an appearance from some animals from Scovill Zoo.

The itinerary may say events begin at noon this Saturday but Callison notes that programs for various educational opportunities will start in the morning.

A fishing expo will take place with a professional from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says Callison.

Find more information about this weekend's Festival of Spring by clicking here.

Rock Spring Nature Center is located at 3939 Nearing Lane in Decatur.

Alysia Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.