Wind turbine tax impact. Over the past several months, I have been asked for, and given, several estimated tax benefits of the proposed wind turbine farms. I have given those estimates based on the information that I have on hand at that time. That data is constantly changing.
Wind turbines are assessed by their megawatt capacity, not their annual production. A turbine that operates 90% of the time is assessed and taxed the same as a turbine that only operates 10% of the time. All of the numbers, aside from the state assessment totals, are constantly changing numbers because most of the variables are a moving target. Friday, July 3, 2020
As Illinois' reopening advances to Phase 4, we're all understandably focused on the chance to get out and enjoy our favorite restaurant. It's easy for the source of the food on those tables to be forgotten. But COVID-19 has been especially tough on our ag economy. Saturday, June 27, 2020
Dear Editor, So, I get a telephone call today from a friend who informs me that my party, Christian County Republican Central Committee has censured me! I am guessing the reason for that is because my wife, Becky is right in the middle of the wind turbine dispute. Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Reality check for “Conflict of Interest” — Folks, we should really get our facts right. Maybe some in Speak Out do not care. The press conference was about the format of the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing. It is a disservice to all citizens of Christian County to do this via any format other than face to face so everyone can properly discuss and interact over the facts around the placing of these industrial wind generating facilities. Wherever you are on the issue you should want this. Monday, June 22, 2020
The 6/16/20 Christian County Board call-in phone meeting was certainly revealing. Lame duck county board chairman Becky Edwards said she was "Up to here" with the wind turbine issue and Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Officer Vince Harris said he had dealt with the wind turbine issue for a year and a half and he wanted to be done with it. Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Do you have any factual information y ou can print on the state of the Native American Indian per the COVID-19? I have seen only one brief segment aired on evening news: it stated that the death and infection reate as a result of the COVID-19 virus is the highest among minorities. Far exceeding Afro-Americans. Monday, June 15, 2020
The last two weeks we have seen how many stupid ignorant people we have in this country. I support the police 100%, even the two state troopers that gave me a speeding ticket in the last 50 years. I was speeding. Thursday, June 11, 2020
There are lots of reasons not to love people - they may not deserve it, they may not accept it, they may disappoint you (again), they may not look like you, they may have created their own problems, they may have caused you pain previously. Wednesday, June 10, 2020
I am proud to have marched in Taylorville's BLM protest. I am incredibly proud of our small town for pulling off such a class act. Everything remained peaceful and it was a truly beautiful sight. There was however a few anti protesters along the side lines with signs that read "Jesus says all lives matter." Now as a proud Presbyterian and fellow Christian, I certainly agree Jesus died for all. But what my fellow Christian should be reminded of is that Jesus stood up and protected the oppressed and persecuted. He spoke out against the oppressors. Saturday, June 6, 2020
This evening ABC News announced their upcoming special broadcast, “America in Pain.” During the 5:30 evening news the Chief of Police in St. Louis was shown in tears asking, “What is Happening?” Wednesday, June 3, 2020
This is a follow up letter about the bald eagles in Christian county and around the area. I see my first letter about eagles was submitted right at three months ago.. I speculated then that the eagles just north of the Nokomis rock quarries were sitting on the nest and the chicks would hatch somewhere during the middle of March. Thursday, May 28, 2020
We are blessed by the generosity of our community! The Taylorville Food Pantry would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the grant awards received from the Duncan-Kendrick Ministry Fund of Taylorville First United Methodist Church, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, and Springfield Clinic SC Gives Grant. Because of their generosity, our new paved concrete parking lot poured on the east side of our building at 1429 E. Main Cross was made possible. Wednesday, May 27, 2020
With the suspension of in-person instruction and the continuation of Remote Day Learning, our administrative team and teachers would like to thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to learning during this time period. We sincerely understand and recognize the extra effort put forth by our students, parents and family members for successful outcomes with Remote Day Learning. During this time of year, we typically are in the various stages of planning for the end of the school year with students and the numerous activities that take place among each grade level for recognition events along with preparations for the next school year. While students may not be in school and will not return for in class instruction, we want to ensure you that we continue to discuss and make appropriate preparations for finalizing our school year and addressing how we may provide adequate closure for students, parents and family members. Friday, May 22, 2020
RIP American Democracy An accommodating GOP and Trump are transforming America into a dictatorship. America is waving goodbye to its constitutional form of government under President Donald Trump? Since 2016, observers in the U.S. and around the world have remarked on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party exhibiting authoritarian "tendencies." With a sense of numb shock, we now must acknowledge the facts before us. Monday, May 18, 2020
Thank you for your efforts to supply us with timely, balanced coverage of guidelines and changes imposed upon lives by the COVID-19 virus and the Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Shelter in Place Order, Social Distancing Order and Face Masks Order. Monday, May 11, 2020
Remarkable! That is the word that comes to mind as I consider how to being acknowledging you on Teacher Appreciation Day 2020! From the bottom of my heart, “Thank you.” Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Right now! God allowed this Coronavirus pandemic, to wake up the church and this world! The awakening has transpired and Christians are back on their knees in prayer. II Timothy Chapter 3 verses 1-5 explain this worlds downward spiral. Previous times, pride, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, liars, gossipers, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God! Right now! Tuesday, April 28, 2020
I believe that God is about to bless, or promote those that remain faithful to Him. Sometimes, faithful Christians are put through trials, test and in some cases persecution. However, I am reminded today of three Hebrew men That would not bow down to worship a false god when ordered. Their faith and loyalty to the true living God remained steadfast. Because of their stand for truth, they were placed into a hot, fiery furnace. The flames and heat were so great that it killed the men that placed them into this furnace. However, when it was all said and done these three Hebrew men were not harmed. When others looked into the furnace they didn’t see three men but they seen a fourth. Friday, April 24, 2020
City finances have been strained for some time. As City Treasurer I expect a strong negative affect on the financial status of the City due to loss of sales tax revenues, water revenue losses with the closures of restaurants, the loss of gaming revenue and the potential for a decrease in City revenues due to the inability of residents to pay real estate taxes. These concerns in loss of revenues will compoound the financial challenges the City is already trying to address. Thursday, April 23, 2020
Traffic is light on Illinois roadways right now, but this will change when the pandemic passes. April is 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month,' a time when motorists are encouraged to reflect on driving habits. Distractions contribute to thousands of vehicle accidents every year. The possibility of a behind-the-wheel mistake increases whenever a driver loses focus. Some situations are resolved trouble-free. Others end in serious, sometimes fatal, crashes. Minimizing driving distractions is a conscious decision. Monday, April 20, 2020
During this time of uncertainty in the world, honesty remains strong in our community. Our checkbook was missing for over a week before we realized it. Surprisingly, it appeared completely intact, grocery list and all, in our mailbox last week. Tuesday, April 14, 2020
