The multi-project funding provides for work to be performed as part of Phase 5 & 6, to improve areas located along Main Street (IL. Route 16) between Washington and Broadway Streets. The upgrades will benefit the community through improved attractiveness and comfort, while increasing the historic surface transportation experiences. As an added benefit, the resulting work will also increase opportunities for business development and greatly enhance the experience for the millions of visitors who come to Lake Shelbyville every year.

City Engineer Alan Spesard, who has been spearheading the grant application preparation teams and submission process was excited to learn of the news today. “We now have the opportunity to change the look of downtown Shelbyville for the better, forever.” said Spesard.

The work is a continuation of Phases 1 thru 4 projects which have been previously approved in a 3 year phased funding plan. Phase 5 & 6 project work will run in parallel. Phase 1 is a ITEP-2010 funded bike trail connector project associated with the Dacey Trail. Phase 2 thru 4 are locally funded projects and include downtown improvements to building facades, parking lots, and the mini-park area

The program further compliments Shelbyville’s TIF District and a Business District formed in 2008 for the purpose of providing financing for downtown restoration, retaining existing business, and providing incentives for business growth.

The Phase 5 & 6 streetscape project consists of the construction of landscaping (i.e. planters, trees), decorative sidewalks (i.e. unit pavers), American Disability Act (ADA) compliant ramps & crosswalks and sidewalks (i.e. cross slope and trip hazard repair, detectable warnings), decorative pedestrian and overhead lighting, site furnishing (benches, trash receptacles), sidewalk void space repair (i.e. support for the new sidewalk), curb & gutter adjustment, parking revisions and other incidentals.

The Shelbyville "Downtown Works" committee formulated the phased approach with Phase 5 consisting of Main Street streetscape improvements from Washington Street to Morgan Street = $566,564; Phase 6: Main Street streetscape improvements from Morgan Street to Broadway Street = $780,495..

"This major investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois will help improve the quality of life for everyone," Governor Quinn said. "These projects will create hundreds of jobs while preserving our heritage, beautifying communities and creating new transportation options across our state for pedestrians.”

About Shelbyville Works
Shelbyville Works! is a group of volunteers committed to economic development in Shelbyville Illinois and enhancing the local tourism experience for visitors to Lake Shelbyville.

The post Shelbyville IL Streescape Project – City Awarded $1 Million in Funding for Downtown Improvements appeared first on .

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, first played in May 2000, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile phone device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek waterproof containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”.

An informational meeting has been scheduled for January 31st at Legends Draft House at 6 p.m. to outline the opportunities and potential benefits at-hand for all retail businesses and restaurant owners.  “We have a lot of information to share with our business community to help them capitalize on this event. We encourage all businesses owners to attend or send a representative to discover more about this awesome opportunity.” stated Mayhall.

MOGA has teamed up with the Central Illinois Geocaching Association, the US Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, and Groundspeak to make the 2013 Quest for the “Dragon’s Cache full of adventure!”

The epicenter for all events will be located in Shelbyville’s very own historical Chautauqua Auditorium in Forest Park, bringing those participating in the event into the heart of Shelbyville.

“One of the foremost goals of the Shelbyville Works! group is to create a thriving business environment in Shelbyville,” said committee member Tad Mayhall.” Having an event of this caliber will help us kick off our tourism season on a high note.”  Mayhall said the MOGA event expects to bring well over 1,000 visitors to Shelbyville, directly and positively stimulating Shelbyville’s business and tax revenue.

The event will run April 4-7 with most of the activities taking place around Lake Shelbyville property. A recent event held at Mark Twain Lake generated an additional $500,000 local spending during the event.  In addition, the event drew 26,000 additional visitors throughout the year due to the permanent caches left there and an estimated $10MM to the local economy. The event looks to further help raise food donations to Shelbyville’s local food banks during this event.

Shelbyville Works! tourism committee leader John Chambers is excited to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and MOGA to make the event successful and memorable for everyone involved.  “We know that we have an amazing community that is made up of wonderful people and assets.  We want to give those who visit during the competition the best possible experience our community has to offer”, noted Chambers.

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The lights will run from 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, concluding December 30th, 2012. The Shelbyville Festival of Lights has become a great attraction for children of all ages and has brought visitors to Shelbyville from all over the Midwest.

The committee has begun the delivery  and assembly of light displays in Forest Park this past week and needs help in the continued delivery and assembly.  There are jobs that anyone and everyone can help with, to include many that do not require heavy lifting.  Work takes place daily under the skilled guidance of Bill Bly, beginning at 9 a.m. at the park maintenance building.  For those who only have time on the weekend, workdays will be every Saturday at 9 a.m. beginning Saturday, October 13th.

The festival continues to work closely with the Shelbyville High School welding and business classes.  The committee greatly appreciates the support of the community and looks forward to another great year.  For more information about volunteering, sponsorship, or general inquires, please call Tad Mayhall at 246-3592.
 

The post Shelbyville Illinois Festival of Lights – Lake Shelbyville Christmas Lights Display in Forest Park appeared first on .

There’s no need to hunt for treasure in Shelbyville Illinois– Although home to beautiful Lake Shelbyville, many of the architectural gems of the community are downtown, and they will be highlighted during a free walking tour Tuesday, October 16 starting at 5:30 p.m.  An informational session about historic preservation incentive programs will follow.

Downtown Works!, the City of Shelbyville and the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce invite the public to discover the interesting and little-known facts about Shelbyville’s unique architectural treasures.

Project Designer Anthony Rubano of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency will lead a walking tour discussing the architectural styles, materials, and treatments that make up historic downtown Shelbyville.

This free tour lasts approximately one hour and will begin in front of the historic Shelby County Courthouse at 5:30 p.m. 

After the tour, refreshments will be served at City Hall, 170 East Main Street.  At 6:30 p.m., Rubano will discuss the financial incentives available to owners of historic houses and buildings and how the Certified Local Government Program through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency can benefit the community.  

Shelbyville’s architecture has been recognized by the federal government – a large part of the city is part of a National Register of Historic Places historic district.  Becoming a Certified Local Government would allow Shelbyville to capitalize on its historic preservation efforts by allowing it to participate as a partner with the state and federal governments in preservation activities and incentives.

For more info contact:

Anthony Rubano  (217) 782-7459
Joe Dunaway  (217) 899-3407

The post Downtown Shelbyville Illinois Architectural Walk – Tuesday October 16, 2012 @ 5:30pm appeared first on .

Art Mart at the Park will be located in and around the Sister City mini-park at  Broadway and Main and will include live music, food vendors and a "Build a Scarecrow" area for kids and adults. Artists and crafters who are interested in participating as vendors can contact Kathy Mulvaney at the Shelbyville Connection, 105 East Main Street 217-774-4344. Vendor registration fee is $25.

Space is limited and the deadline to apply is October 1, 2012.

Downtown Works! is a group of volunteers committed to encouraging the restoration of buildings and developing historically appropriate streetscape in Downtown Shelbyville. Our aim is to provide an environment conducive to a thriving businesses and vibrant activity.
 

The post “Art Mart at the Park” Art and craft vendor fair to be held Sunday Oct. 6, 2012 appeared first on .

A highlight to the evening besides seeing beautiful balloons light up the night you will be able to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win the “Fight Like a Girl” Pink Motorcycle.  Shelby Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District are raffling off a unique, one-of-a-kind pink motorcycle custom built by Shelbyville resident Steve Koontz of Fighting Chance Customs in support of breast cancer. Drawing to be held on October 12th with location yet to be determined.

The Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest is being held in conjunction with the Shelbyville Scarecrow Daze providing plenty to see and do Columbus Day weekend.

Balloon schedule of events

• Friday night, Oct. 5th at 5 p.m.,

Media Flight – balloons will launch from the soccer fields at Forest Park in Shelbyville. (Best
place to view balloons, Forest Park.)

• Saturday morning, Oct. 6th at sunrise, Sponsor/Task flight – balloons leave the park to fly over the soccer fields attempting to hit a target on the field. (Best place to view balloons, Forest Park.)

• Saturday night, Balloon Glow (at dusk) and Cookout starting at 4 p.m., at the Spillway Dam off Route 16. The cookout will benefit the Shelby County Rescue Squad and is sponsored by Shelbyville Moose Lodge 1294 and the Shelby Sports Club.

Lake Area Volunteers will be selling soda, water and chips to raise money for their activities. Fleenor’s Wieners will be selling hot dogs and Walkers will be selling kettle corn and lemonade shake-ups. Thunder Hits DJ service will be providing great music from late afternoon until the end of the glow. Tethered balloon rides will also be available for a small fee.

• Sunday morning, Oct.7th at sunrise, Sponsor/Task flight – balloons leave the park to fly over the 9th Street Beach attempting to hit a target on the beach. (Best place to view balloons, 9th Street Beach.)

Note: All scheduled balloon events and times are weather dependent and are at the pilot’s discretion (see box at left). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would appreciate everyone following the No Parking signs that will be posted in designated areas.

Pilot’s Discretion – Ballooning is a very weather dependent sport and if winds are high or storms are in the area, pilots could determine they do not feel it is safe to fly. They may determine they will fly but cannot take passengers for safety reasons. Even if the sun is shining and it appears to be a great day, winds could play a factor on any ballooning activity
(this is primarily a concern for safe landings).

Official Schedule:

Friday, October 5, 2012

4:00 pm: Pavilion next to Senior Center – Pilot Briefing (Media Flight). Kerry Campbell-DJ will be entertaining
5:00 pm: Soccer Fields in Forest Park – Media Flight (Best viewing area Forest Park)
8:30 pm: Media/Pilots reception (sponsored by Wireless Mikes, Your Premium Wireless Retailer)

Saturday, October 6, 2012

5:30 am: Senior Center – Pilot Briefing/Crew Call(Morning Flight)
7:00 am: Morning Flight with task at Soccer Fields (Best viewing area Forest Park) Kerry Campbell-DJ will be entertaining.
Dusk – Balloon Glow & Basket Burn (Best viewing areas are the Dam hillway and the Spillway areas.
4:00 pm: Cookout by the Shelby Sports Club & Shelbyville Moose Lodge 1294(Rope Sausage & Ribeye Sandwiches) to benefit the Shelby County Rescue Squad at East spillway area
LVA will be selling chips, soda, and water, glowsticks. Walkers Kettle Corn, Lemonade Shakeups
Thunder Hits DJ Service will be providing great music from late afternoon till the end of the glow.
Tethered rides will also be available for $10. (Weather permitting)
Tickets on sale for "Fight Like a Girl" Pink Motorcycle

Sunday, October 7, 2012

5:30 am – Pilot Briefing/Crew Call
7:00 am: Sponsor Lake Flight with task at beach area (Best viewing areas will be the beach area or parking lot or overlook areas) Kerry Campbell-DJ will be entertaining
10:00 am: Pilot awards breakfast/brunch

Due to weather, balloons may not take to the air.

SUNRISE
Oct. 5 at 6:56 am, Oct. 6 at 6:57 am,
Oct. 7 at 6:58 am

SUNSET
Oct. 5 at 6:31 pm, Oct 6 at 6:29 pm, Oct 7 at 6:28 pm

Times and Dates are Subject to Change

Follow the Touchstone Energy Balloon Team via their Face Book page www.facebook.com/CoopBalloon

The post Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest on Lake Shelbyville October 5th – 7th 2012 appeared first on .

“We are returning to our roots as we plan the festival with the theme "Back to the Future".  The festival began 16 years ago in the downtown area.  We are paying homage to that by once again holding the festival downtown,” said event organizer Dr. Katie Harley. “It is a great way to promote all of the downtown merchants and gives a sense of community pride," added Harley.

“We are happy to be part of the Scarecrow Daze weekend again this year for the third annual Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon Fest at Lake Shelbyville," said coordinator of the balloon event, Kevin Bernson.  “Mother Nature willing, this should be a great Scarecrow Daze weekend you don't want to miss & we hope people come from all over to see just what Shelbyville has to offer,” added Bernson.

The events begin on Friday, October 5 out at Forest Park, which is the only night that Scarecrow Daze events will be held at the park.  The day begins downtown with the quilt show at the Methodist church basement on Main Street.  Then that evening, the Senior Center will host the fish fry and flu shots will be available as well.  BINGA is once again at the Lion's building.  Shelby Memorial is sponsoring a Poker Walk on the Dacey trail. The Balloon Fest media launch as well as the all-new event, pumpkin chucking, are both held at the soccer fields.  And the Roxy is showing "Back to the Future" at 9 PM, sponsored by PWR-net Wireless Broadband Internet.

Saturday, October 6 starts bright and early at sunrise! The hot air balloons will perform their task flights as they try to hit targets on the soccer fields at Forest Park.  The car show will be at Main Street School.  The downtown shops will have sidewalk sales and the quilt show once again is at the Methodist church.  Art, craft and food vendors stimulate all the senses as they sell their wares to the tune of a live bluegrass band.

The biggest parade in Shelbyville kicks off at 10 AM.  The route is the same, just backwards, in keeping with the theme! Line up is at the park and will travel south down Morgan Street then east on First Street and dispersing from there.

The kiddie tractor pull will be on South Morgan Street.  There will be tons of fun with kiddie games and "Make it and Take it" scarecrows in the courthouse parking lot and the mini park.  The mini park will also have art vendors and a working apple press with samples to taste.

The Big Tent aka "Scarecrow Lounge" will be hopping all day!  We have a hot dog eating contest, dog show, beer tasting and of course a beer tent, complete with some well known local artists who will be bringing us "Back to the Future."  Put on your thinking caps for the ever popular Scavenger Hunt (FYI this best done before the beer tasting.)

If you missed it on Friday night and are looking for something to do after the colorful balloon glow at the spillway dam on Saturday evening, the Roxy is once again showing "Back to the Future" at 9, sponsored by PWR-net or hang out in the Scarecrow Lounge. All proceeds from the movie go towards the mandatory digital upgrade.

Sunday, October 7 the balloons take off for another task flight over the 9th street beach area. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers and Lake Volunteers Association are hosting "History in Stone" cemetery walk at Glenwood Cemetery. 

Official Schedule:

Friday, October 5th

9 am – 5 pm     Main Street Quilt Co. Quilt Show @Methodist Church Basement-HDCP accessible.
4:30 – 6:30 pm    Fish Fry at Shelby County Senior Center in Forest Park (Flu Shots will also be available)
4:30 pm        Flu Shots provided by Shelbyville Community Medical Center @ Senior Center. ($25 or bring your Medicare Card)
4:30 – 7:00 pm     Pumpkin Chucking at the Soccer fields in Forest Park (proceeds go to Big Mama's Closet)
5 – 7 pm     DJ-Kerry Campbell-All Kindz of Soundz @ soccer field
5 – 8 pm     Binga at the Lions Club Building in Forest Park
5 – 8 pm     Poker Walk on the General Dacey Trail sponsored by Shelby Memorial Hospital Rehabilitative Services
9:00 pm     "Back to the Future" will be showing at the Roxy Theatre-downtown (Sponsored by PWR-Net, proceeds towards digital upgrade)

Saturday, October 6th

9 am – 3 pm     Car Show at Main Street School-Downtown, registration 9am-Noon
9 am – 3 pm     Quilt Show at 1st United Methodist Church basement-Downtown-HDCP accessible
9 am – 4 pm     "Make It and Take It" Scarecrows at the courthouse parking lot and the Mini Park
9am – 4 pm     "Art Mart at the Park" Art and Craft vendors will showcase their work and demonstrations.
9 am – 5 pm     Art, Craft, and Food Vendors-Downtown
9 am         Sidewalk Sales Downtown
10:00 am     Scarecrow Daze Annual Parade. This year the parade will start at Forest Park, go south on North Morgan and end at 1st street. Theme is "Back to the Future"
11 am – 2 pm     Working Apple Press with samples at the Mini Park
11 am – 5 pm     Kiddie Games @ Courthouse Parking Lot
Noon – 3 pm     Bluegrass Music by Thrashin' Grass
Noon        Hot Dog eating contest sponsered by Fleeners Weiners @ Scarecrow Lounge
2 – 3 pm     Binga @ Scarecrow Lounge
3 – 5 pm     Music by Doug Meeks @ Scarecrow Lounge
5 – 8 pm     Beer Tasting sponsered by Legend's Draft House @ Scarecrow Lounge
6 – 8:30 pm     Adult Scavenger Hunt: Registration 6 pm, Hunt begins at 6:30 pm, and ends at 8:30 pm. $30 per team-6 per team
7 – 8 pm     Music by Mark Montgomery
8 – 11 pm     Beer Tent with live music by Forest Parker
9:00 pm     "Back to the Future" will be showing at the Roxy Theatre-Downtown (sponsored by PWR-Net) proceeds towards digital upgrade.

Sunday, October 7th

2:00 pm        "History in Stone" cemetery walk at Glenwood Cemetary on 6th St.

Come out and support the community! If you are interested in volunteering to help with any of the events, contact the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce at 217-774-2221.  Every little bit helps! For more info, check us out on Facebook "Scarecrow Daze" and these links:

http://www.scarecrowdaze.com

http://www.shelbyvillechamberofcommerce.com/

http://www.shelbyelectric.coop

http://www.facebook.com/YourCoop

The post Shelbyville Illinois Scarecrow Daze – The Place To Be Columbus Day Weekend Oct 5-7, 2012 appeared first on .

Local residents and businesses may help by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from now to August 31st.

"As our world becomes more global, competition within our younger generations continues to rise, emphasizing the importance of a quality education," said Mayhall. "We're proud to support the academic development of young minds in this community through this summer's school supply donation program.

The branch address is 101 S. Vine St., Shelbyville, telephone 217-774-1342.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals — from college savings to retirement — and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

In January 2012, for the 13th year, Edward Jones was named one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE Magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 5 overall and No. 3 in Large Size Companies. These 13 FORTUNE rankings include top 10 finishes for nine years, consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003, and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with and do not endorse products or services of Edward Jones.

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Wednesday, July 11:

Features, child development, clothing, consumer education, computer, interior design, 4-H photography, filmmaking/video, and scrapbooking will be judged at the 4-H Center building beginning at 9 a.m. A 4-H foods demonstration contest will be held at 2 p.m. also at the 4-H Center.

Saturday, July 14:

4-H dog care and dog obedience will be judged at the show arena beginning at 2 p.m.

Monday, July 16:

At the 4-H Center and the Produce Building various projects will be judged on featuring sheep, dairy cattle, and goats in the show arena.A rocket launch will also take place at 12:30 p.m. north of the Cook Shack.

The 4-H and Junior Horse and Pony Show will begin at 3 p.m. at the Horse Arena.

Monday evening the Shelby County Young Farmers will be hosting three children's activities in the Show Arena beginning at 6:30 p.m

The 7th Annual Cutest Little Farmer contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. for boys and girls ages 1 to 3 years old. Children dressed as a farmer will parade around the 4-H Show Arena for the crowd.  The Young Farmers Committee will award six $50 Savings Bonds from the entries.

Money in the Straw will be held at 7 p.m. for children ages 1 to 3 years-old. Children can hunt for quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies and more in a straw pile.  Over $50 will be buried in the straw.

The last event of Monday night is the Pedal Pull for children ages 4-7 years old.  Entry fee for the event will be a non-perishable food item.

Tuesday July, 17th:

Events include more project judging at the 4-H Center and the Produce Building, and swine judging at the show arena.

The evening events include  the dog obedience and agility show at 5:30 p.m. in the show arena, the Speed Horse Show at 6 p.m. at the Horse arena, and the  Fashion Revue at 6:30 p.m. in the 4-H Center.

Wes Wheeler and the Battle Creek Band will perform from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Darrell Gregg Pavilion

Wednesday July, 18th:

Judging continues with the beef judging beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the show arena. Cats and small aged animals will be judged in the Produce Building beginning at 9 a.m.

Awarding of 11 college scholarships will be held at 6 p.m. at the show arena. The 4-H Livestock Sale will follow at 6:30 p.m.

All events are held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds ,free of charge.  For more information, contact the Shelby County Farm Bureau at 217-774-2151 or shelbycofb@consolidated.net.

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