The Christian County Health Department is launching new programs for community members needing support in a variety of areas.  The department has done so to further broaden their services and address issues which had been set aside.  New grant funding has assisted them with these offerings.

One such program is a set of virtual classes on parenting.  Peyton Langen, the health department’s mental health case manager, says the next class is set for this Tuesday.

SNAP Connect is the name of another new offering.  Here, current and prospective beneficiaries of the food assistance program can receive assistance and support in navigating the system. 

The third program is called Gambling 101, and it’s meant to support those experiencing gambling addiction.  The state of Illinois operates this initiative, with the health department helping facilitate it locally. 

The Christian County Health Department will again host this year’s Community Health Fair.  It’s set for Thursday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on their parking lot.

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at www.cchdil.org.

Peyton Langen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted a career fair Wednesday at the Taylorville VFW, connecting community members with career opportunities across Illinois state government.

Along with food and refreshments, attendees had access to state agencies actively hiring, career counseling, and resume assistance. Central Management Services offered workshops on building stronger resumes for state jobs and provided one-on-one career guidance to help job seekers identify positions that match their skills and education. There was also a Veteran's Service Officer there assisting veterans with anything they may need.

Hart Media Group attended the event and spoke with April Wolfe of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, who said the goal of the career fair was to connect residents with state career opportunities while providing the resources needed to improve their chances of landing a position.

Hart Media Group also interviewed Michelle Brookins with the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance. Brookins highlighted the organization's career counseling, education and job training guidance, financial aid assistance, personalized career planning, unemployment insurance services, and Illinois Skills Match job search resources.

Throughout the day, WorkNet hosted resume workshops, while Central Management Services presented programs for workers with disabilities and veterans transitioning back into the civilian workforce, with multiple sessions offered.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will continue offering additional classes in the coming weeks. For information on the upcoming IDVA classes, visit veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/education.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for all of your local news updates.

Pictured below are some of the different state agencies that were there recruiting as well as a list of upcoming online IDVA classes.

LIST OF IDVA ONLINE COURSES.

YOU CAN SCAN THE QR CODE TO THE RIGHT OF EACH COURSE TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE SITE.

OR VISIT veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/education.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (IDVA)

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (HFS)

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE (ISP)

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (IDOC)

ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGECNCY (ILEPA)

PROVIDED REFRESHMENTS: SONIC BREAKFAST BURRITOS, DONUTS, AND COFFEE!

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is inviting families to get ready for the new school year during its Back 2 School Health and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 1st.

The free event will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Christian County YMCA on McAdam Drive in Taylorville and will kick off with a free community cookout at 11.

Community Health Coordinator Jay Boulanger says back-to-school season is the perfect time for families to focus on their health and well-being, adding the event is designed to provide resources that help students start the school year on the right foot.

Activities will include music, games, inflatables, Kona Ice, a petting zoo, kids' activities, a produce giveaway, health and community resource vendors, free school supplies, free haircuts, and free vision and hearing screenings.

No registration is required to attend.

The Pana Police Department is working to protect the community during a summer busy with events despite staffing shortages.  While the agency did recently hire a new officer in Alexander Rodgers, retirements and temporary leaves have forced them to rely in part on county-level support.  Pana Police Chief Daniel Bland says the department had searched for some time for new hires before finalizing the hiring of Rodgers. 

Chief Bland adds that a decrease in demand for law enforcement roles added to the challenge of filling the long-term opening. 

In addition to events in the city, officers have recently spent a greater share of time patrolling near the ongoing construction on Illinois Route 29 on the west side of Pana.  The work has reduced a portion of the road to one lane only. 

With 2026’s peak summer months having arrived, the Pana Police Department is seeing a greater prevalence of electric bicycles, as is the case elsewhere.  In Pana, these methods of transportation cannot be operated in the city’s business district. 

The department has also seen a rise in scams involving private sales of goods in the city.  Chief Bland urges buyers to carry out exchanges in public areas that have surveillance and recommends the police department as one such location. 

More information on the Pana Police Department is available at www.cityofpana.org/police-department.

Police Chief Daniel Bland appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

A creative Fourth of July display along Illinois Route 29 caught the attention of countless travelers heading to and from the lake over the holiday weekend.

Fifteen-year-old Taylorville High School sophomore Brayden McClure transformed his family's field into a massive American flag after spending months planning the project. McClure carefully designed the flag to make sure the proportions were accurate before bringing it to life over four days.

Using a lawn mower equipped with a striping kit, he created the flag's alternating light and dark stripes. Each star was then individually painted to complete the patriotic display.

McClure says he takes pride in mowing and keeping straight lines, and with so many people traveling the highway during the Fourth of July holiday, he thought creating an American flag would be a meaningful tribute to the country.

The unique display quickly became a popular sight for motorists throughout the holiday weekend. While this was his first large-scale lawn design, McClure says he enjoyed the project so much that he may create another design in the future.

For now, his one-of-a-kind American flag has become a memorable symbol of patriotism for residents and visitors celebrating Independence Day in the Taylorville area.

Stay up to date with local news, weather, sports, and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

With the Fourth of July holiday now behind us, back-to-school season is already getting underway, with school supplies filling store shelves across the area.

Along with picking up notebooks, backpacks, and pencils, local health department officials are reminding parents not to overlook one of the most important items on the back-to-school checklist. That important checklist item is making sure their child's vaccinations are up to date.

The Christian County Health Department says scheduling immunizations early can help families avoid the rush of last-minute appointments before the new school year begins. Health officials also say getting vaccinated now helps reduce stress as the first day of school approaches while simultaneously helping protect students, teachers, and classmates from preventable illnesses throughout the school year.

Health officials are encouraging parents  to check their child's immunization records now and schedule any needed vaccinations before summer comes to an end.

For more information, to ask questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113. Calling your family’s primary care provider is another way to take care of your child’s vaccination needs.

For more news, weather, sports, and more, continue following taylorvilledailynews.com.

The 139th Annual Mount Auburn Farmers' Picnic is set to return July 30th through August 1st at Mount Auburn Park, bringing three days of family fun, community tradition, and a special look back at local history. The events start on July 30th and 31st at 5 PM, with a full day of activities on Saturday August 1st beginning at 7 AM.

A highlight of this year's celebration will be the opening of the Mount Auburn Bicentennial Time Capsule, which was buried in 1976 during America's Bicentennial celebration. After nearly 50 years underground, the capsule will be opened for the community, giving residents a chance to rediscover keepsakes, messages, and memories left behind by those who celebrated both the nation's 200th birthday and Mount Auburn's history.

The annual Farmers' Picnic has been a Mount Auburn tradition since 1887 and continues to offer something for all ages. Admission is free, with food vendors, bounce houses, games, and plenty of activities throughout the weekend.

The schedule also features two classic car shows, a community parade, a chili cook-off, the annual picnic pageant, a soap box derby showcasing hand-built racers, and live music and entertainment each day.

Organizers say the Farmers' Picnic is all about bringing the community together while celebrating the town's rich heritage. Whether you're a longtime attendee or making your first visit, everyone is invited to enjoy one of central Illinois' longest-running summer traditions at Mount Auburn Park, July 30th through August 1st.

For more information, visit www.mtauburnfarmerspicnic.com.

Keep following taylorvilledailynews.com for all of your local news, weather, sports and more.

The Village of Moweaqua is recognizing the retirement of a longtime employee who has helped keep the community running smoothly for the past seven years.

Friday marks the final day on the job for Street Department Supervisor Brad Sams, who is retiring after seven years of service to the village. The Village of Moweaqua Board of Trustees and various village employees thanked Sams for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the community throughout his time with the Street Department.

Village officials also say they are grateful for his years of hard work and wish him the very best as he begins retirement. They also noted that the timing makes the occasion even more special, as Friday also happens to be Sams' birthday.

The Village extended birthday wishes along with congratulations on his retirement, saying they hope he enjoys spending time at his cabin, creating new memories, and taking time to relax after years of serving the community.

Village leaders thanked Sams for everything he has done for Moweaqua and wished him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.

Follow along with taylorvilledailynews.com for local news, weather, sports, and more.

The Christian County YMCA has a busy upcoming month with respect to recreational programs.  Early-bird registration for their fall soccer program is open now, and their youth swimming lessons will continue in the coming weeks.  Basketball has been a popular sport in terms of camps and competitions, and a basketball tournament is planned for later this month.

Executive Director Bruce Blanshan is overseeing all these plans and several others.  He says the fall soccer program is one of the more popular offerings at the Y.

Blanshan expects the enrollment to be even higher than usual this fall thanks to the ongoing men’s FIFA World Cup.

As for the youth swimming lessons, the YMCA’s next sessions begin this coming Monday.  They have several groups based on age and experience.

The Christian County YMCA will organize a youth 3x3 basketball tournament, to take place at the Pana Popcorn Festival on Saturday, July 25. 

On the topic of basketball, on July 1, the YMCA’s facilities hosted a basketball camp which former Tornado player Allison Duncan (née Curtin) organized.  Blanshan noted that she regularly visited the Y to practice and play while growing up in Stonington.

More information on the Christian County YMCA, as well as registration for any of the aforementioned programs, is available at www.ccymca.org.

Bruce Blanshan appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Construction and future projects continue to progress in the surroundings of the Taylorville square.  In addition, a project related to the state’s Safe Routes to School initiative will begin soon.  Future work on the square has also been discussed, and talks are expected to continue.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says work on the underground infrastructure has been completed.

Regarding the Safe Routes to School project, Mayor Barry expects it to be completed before the school year starts.

The city has already received funding for other work on streets around the Taylorville square.  It’s expected to begin near the turn of the year. 

The Mayor also spoke on a future project within the square, which had been discussed at a special meeting last month.  He says the proposal to add public restrooms on the square – which was part of the initial blueprint – is now not likely to come to fruition. 

More information on the City of Taylorville is available by visiting www.taylorville.net.

Bruce Barry appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Public Library Board of Trustees released a statement in regard to finding a new Library Director. That statement is as follows:

“The Trustees of the Taylorville Public Library hold unwavering confidence in our existing library staff. To inform the public of the governance backing our team, our Trustees possess a diverse cross-section of professional backgrounds.

The Library Board is comprised of individuals with managerial experience and a collective skillset that ensures the Board is fully equipped to think independently, to support our team, and maintain operational integrity.

The Taylorville Public Library is actively beginning a structured search for a new Director.

The Board of Trustees and the TPL staff are committed to continuing all established programs, to serving our patrons and to promote the betterment of the Taylorville Public Library. We thank the public for their patience and continued support of our staff as we endeavor to serve the Taylorville Community.”

The library has promoted a processing employee for the library, Mindy Hill, to be the interim library director. Hill will be in this position until the board can find a new permanent library director.

For updates on this matter, keep following taylorvilledailynews.com.

For information on the Taylorville Public Library and its trustees, visit www.taylorvillelibrary.org/about-us.

Amid the mid-summer heat wave, experts are urging people to hydrate regularly and consistently.  Different studies and organizations have different recommendations on how much water to drink per day.  Individual health factors can play a role, as well.  In any case, dehydration can carry a number of negative consequences, both temporary and long-term.  Lisa Peterson, a food and nutrition educator with the University of Illinois Extension, says water can also improve one’s skin health and digestive processes. 

Hydration has also been shown to be good for the brain, as it helps with memory and concentration.

One way to determine if you have consumed enough water is through urine color.  Darker colors mean not enough hydration. 

More information on the University of Illinois Extension is available at extension.illinois.edu.

Lisa Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

An annual Assumption tradition is returning in August when the St. Jude runners come to town.  The runners participate to raise money for the children’s hospital network by running from Memphis to Peoria. Two local participants are in the run this year, adding to the significance of the stop in Assumption.  In addition, fundraisers this week and later this month will provide community members the opportunity to contribute to the cause.

Derek Page is the president of Assumption Community Pride.  He says the runners will arrive in Assumption at 1 a.m. on Saturday, August 1.

There will be a fundraiser this Friday, which is a trivia night at the 1905 Brewing Company.  Food will be served, and proceeds from both sources will benefit the St. Jude runners. 

Then, on July 26, Assumption Community Pride will host a puzzle competition at the Knotty Pine Bar & Grill.

Outside of the St. Jude runners, Assumption is expected to have its own water plant by the end of this month.  The city received federal funding which is being used for this effort. 

More information on Assumption Community Pride is available at their Facebook page.

Derek Page appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Village of Edinburg has issued a boil order for the entire village. Edinburg is pulling water from Stonington and the main was struck by lightening.

Health officials warn that any water used for cooking or drinking should be boiled for a minimum of 15 minutes before drinking or cooking. The boil order will be lifted once laboratory samples can confirm the water is safe for consumption.

Once the water samples come back as safe, the Village will update that the boil order has been lifted.

Keep following taylorvilledailynews.com to find out when the boil order has been lifted. 

To speak to the water superintendant about any further details on this boil order, call  217-623-5542.

The Taylorville Fire Department is looking to boost its number of firefighters ready to serve the community.  They will begin testing for incoming applicants in the fall before finalizing its list of eligible staff by March.  The department encourages all interested community members who meet their eligibility requirements to apply.  Chief Matt Adermann says the process includes a written exam and an oral interview. 

From there, the department creates a priority list of eligible candidates.  When there’s an opening, the highest-ranked candidate not already on the squad earns the opportunity to join. 

Generally, candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 35 and have at least a high school diploma or GED to be eligible. 

Chief Adermann says his department will release more information on logistics and registration through their Facebook page. 

More information on the Taylorville Fire Department is available at www.taylorville.net/fire-dept.

Chief Matt Adermann appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville City Council met at 7 PM on Monday to discuss various ordinances and different approvals. However, a key point from Monday’s meeting was during the public comment portion.

During the public comment section, three local business owners spoke out to explain that they are not satisfied with the city’s reasoning or possible decision to remove the brick pavers that make up the current sidewalk on the Taylorville Town Square. The bigger public discussion was about the Library Board Director, Ann Chandler, choosing to terminate the employment of the Library Director, Lorachelle Eck.

During the meeting, Eck spoke up about her disappointment and how the library board was running the library. Eck stressed that the work environment was hostile, and that employees were scared to raise concerns in the workplace without receiving retaliation.

Upon the termination of Eck, two staff members of the library resigned immediately. One of those staff members was former Youth Director, Audrey Miller, who also spoke during the public comments portion of the city council meeting. Miller asked that the city seriously examine how library trustees are appointed and if they have received adequate training on Illinois library governance. Miller urged the city to require periodic review of board policies by the city attorney. Miller also asked that the council hold the appointed officials accountable for their actions with the responsibility and authority appointed to them.

There was also a member of the community, Kayla McGraw, who spoke to represent the 508 residents who signed a petition demanding accountability from the library board of trustees. According to McGraw, in the time that Eck was director of the library, the library saw nothing but growth, and that during Eck’s one year of being the library director the community has become more involved in the library. McGraw also noted that the library board of trustees, terminated Eck, with no formal charges filed, or any evidence given that she violated library policy.

Prior to the public comment section, the meeting's regular agenda items were discussed.

Among those agenda items were various ordinances that required approvals. The first ordinance discussed was making appropriations of 1.5 million dollars to defray the Expenditures of the City of Taylorville. This appropriation was approved across the board.

The next item under ordinance was the approval of amending section 9-2-1 of chapter 2 of title 9 of the Taylorville City Code. This amendment would add the 2026 update of the NFPA 855 Life Safety Code. To learn about this specific city code, CLICK HERE. This motion was also approved 8-0.

The board also discussed approving the execution of a business development district number 1 redevelopment agreement by and between The City of Taylorville and David Brummer of 137 East Vine Street, Will Bland and Courtney Bland of LOV Properties, and Robert Goeckner and Goeckner Incorporated. These three redevelopment agreements were approved 8-0 with Mayor Barry as the deciding vote. However, there was a redevelopment agreement as well that was by and between the city and Bekim Letniku, which passed 7-1, with Alderwoman Megan Bryant voting no.

The motions to approve the special events permits for the Annual Old Timers Boogie, the graduation parade, and the homecoming parade were all approved 7-0.

The council also heard from Ted Bailey of Bailey Energy Group, who gave a short update on energy renewal pricing.

Under the street and sewer portion, the motion to approve the purchase of steel wheels for the sewer camera from EJ Equipment at a cost not to exceed, $3,500 dollars, a motion to approve Benton Engineering to proceed with the engineering design phase for the pavement, sidewalks, and curbs on the downtown project, as well as a motion to accept the proposal from Illinois Valley Paving of $85,078.37 for work associated with resurfacing West Main Cross from Houston Street to west of Silver Street in Taylorville were all approved 7-0.

To conclude the meeting, Mayor Bruce Barry gave his mayoral update, and the council also heard updates from the City Attorney, Rocci Romano. The treasurer's report and the motion to approve the payment of bills totaling $439,373.38 were also approved 7-0.

For more updates on city council meetings, keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com.

Loving Arms Pregnancy Center is in what it calls a “season of strengthening.”  The Taylorville- and Pana-based ministry provides support to new parents and parents-to-be through mentoring, resources, classes, and more.  While details are sparse, they are looking to expand their mission to better reach the community members who can most benefit from their services.

The “season” comes on the back of Executive Director Cathy Coker’s 20th anniversary with Loving Arms.  She says cultural changes and trends in families’ ongoing use of the ministry’s resources are factors in their evolution.

Coker adds that Loving Arms will require investment – financially and in terms of volunteers and staffing – to thrive amid its changes. 

In the meantime, Loving Arms Pregnancy Center is promoting its many educational resources for visitors.  These courses, along with their other services, are free. 

While many of their courses are meant for the timeframe from pregnancy to the child turning two, others can benefit parents of a child of any age. 

More information on Loving Arms Pregnancy Center is available at www.lovingarmsillinois.com.

Cathy Coker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

At approximately 3 AM on Sunday, July 5th, The Sharpsburg Public Water supply has issued a boiling order for ALL homes, businesses, and properties that run off of the Sharpsburg water system.

Health officials state that all water used for cooking or drinking should be brought to a rolling boil for a minimum of 15 minutes in order to guarantee safe consumption.

The boil order will remain in effect until laboratory samples can confirm the water is safe to drink. Once the water samples come back from testing showing clean, and safe, the boil order will be lifted.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com to be notified when this boiling order has been lifted. 
 

Heartland CASA is expanding volunteer training opportunities this summer and fall as the organization works to recruit more Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in need.

The first training session at Kemmerer Village will be held Mondays from July 27th through August 31st, running from 11 AM until 2 PM.

Currently, 256 children across Christian, Macon, DeWitt and Moultrie counties are waiting to be matched with a CASA volunteer. To help meet that need, Heartland CASA is partnering with Kemmerer Village to offer two special summer training classes at the organization's Assumption campus.

Heartland CASA Recruitment and Retention Manager, Lori McDaniel, says the partnership will make it easier for people to become volunteers by offering more flexible training options, including daytime and evening sessions, as well as in-person and Zoom classes. She says the goal is to remove barriers so more community members can step forward to advocate for children involved in the court system.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, providing a consistent voice and support throughout the court process.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or learning more about upcoming training opportunities is encouraged to contact Heartland CASA at (217) 428-8424.

Only slightly more than two months remain before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and, with it, a remembrance ceremony in Taylorville.  It’s set to take place on that anniversary at 10 a.m. on the Christian County courthouse grounds, weather permitting.  The alternate location is the Christian County fairgrounds.  There will be several speakers and musical performances, all with the goal of honoring first responders and ensuring the events of that day are never forgotten.

Ted Chapman is organizing the remembrance event.  He says the first responder tributes will be both for local ones as well as those involved in the aftermath of 9/11.

There will be bleachers, but attendees are also recommended to bring a lawn chair in case the bleachers fill up.

Chapman credits several local officials and agencies for working with him to put the event on.

More information on the ceremony is available by calling Chapman at (217) 827-4155.

Ted Chapman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A local author, from Taylorville, recently saw quite the accomplishment as her book found itself in the top 10,000 books on Amazon.com.

The lifelong resident of Taylorville, under the pen name Genevieve Steinhardt, wrote a children’s cookbook titled, Learn to Read Activity Workbook: Knowledge in the Kitchen. On Amazon.com, the book received a #3 ranking in multiple children’s and young adult cookbook categories.

A copy of Learn to Read Activity Workbook: Knowledge in the Kitchen, can be purchased directly from Amazon, and is a great tool for teaching your child how to cook, especially if you are unsure where to start. The book features plenty of different ways to get your child cooking up five star meals, from pre-cooking prep, to utensil safety.

The book begins with the basics of identifying utensils and appliances. From there, your child will dive into a deep understanding of how to stay safe when in the kitchen, while also partaking in the cut-out activities meant for hands-on learning.

Some of the topics covered in Steinhardt’s book include how to set a table, using measuring spoons and cups, weighing produce and meat, how to safely use a stove or oven, how to read a meat thermometer, reading dates on food, and storing food safely. The book is set up to assist your child in being able to cook full meals safely, following cross-contamination guidelines and other best practices in the kitchen.

To purchase this book from Amazon.com, CLICK HERE. The paperback copy is currently listed at $10.75 on Amazon.

Taylorville residents are being reminded to know the rules before hitting the road on an electric bike. The Taylorville Police Department is sharing information about Illinois' e-bike laws, encouraging riders to stay safe and avoid costly violations.

Under state law, Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, with motor assistance ending at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes can use a throttle and also have a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and can reach up to 28 miles per hour. Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, while Class 3 riders must be at least 16.

Police say e-bikes are allowed on public streets, but they are not permitted to operate on sidewalks anywhere in Illinois. Riders under the age of 18 are also prohibited from carrying passengers unless that passenger is an immediate family member.

While helmets are not required by state law, the department strongly encourages every rider to wear one for added safety.

Officials also remind residents that once an electric bike exceeds 750 watts of power or is capable of traveling faster than 28 miles per hour, it is no longer considered an e-bike under Illinois law. Those higher-speed devices may be classified as motor-driven cycles and could require a valid driver's license, liability insurance, registration and a title.

Violating the law can result in traffic citations, and in some cases, police may impound the vehicle. Operating an unregistered, uninsured or improperly classified motor-driven cycle can also lead to more serious legal consequences, including DUI charges if the rider is impaired.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler also shared an eductional video about E-Bikes on the Taylorville Police Department Facebook Page.

Get all your local news, sports, weather and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Sydney Lynn's Little Book Shop & Vinyl in Taylorville is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone next month. The downtown business will host its Big 5 Anniversary Bash on Saturday, August 1st, with festivities running from 9 AM until 6 PM at 109 West Main Cross on the Taylorville Square.

The celebration will feature day-long sales, free swag, gift certificate giveaways, and chances to win prizes by spinning the prize wheel. Live music is also planned throughout the day. Brady Joe Patton takes the stage at 10 AM, followed by Either/Or at 12:30 PM, and Unchained at 3 PM.

Shoppers can also take advantage of anniversary discounts across the store. Used vinyl records priced under $100 will be 30 percent off, while used vinyl over $100 will be 20 percent off. All new vinyl will also be 20 percent off during the event.

Book lovers will find special pricing as well, with select hardcover books available for $2 each and select standard-size paperbacks priced at $1.50 each. The anniversary celebration is open to the public and is designed as a full day of music, shopping, giveaways, and community fun as Sydney Lynn's Little Book Shop & Vinyl marks five years in downtown Taylorville.

For additional information, visit the shop's Facebook page or call 217-287-7888.

Get all your local news, weather, sports, and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Agencies with the state of Illinois want to help those looking for jobs with the state.  They are holding classes and career counseling sessions in conjunction with the upcoming career fair in Taylorville.  The career fair set for Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VFW facility at 515 North West Avenue.  Organizers say the classes are critical due to the nuances associated with pursuing these public jobs.

Brittany Clark is a statewide recruitment manager for the Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) agency.  She says career counselors’ guidance aims to strengthen the applications of those who pursue work with the state.

Ann Holladay, a recruiter with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, says counselors will not only review résumés but also point out job openings relevant to them.

Over 20 agencies will be at the career fair, with CMS and the Veterans Affairs agencies also providing several sub-departments. 

The recruiters also stress that a variety of jobs exist, with both desk jobs and others that involve more physical activity.

More information on state employment opportunities is available at illinois.jobs2web.com.

Brittany Clark and Ann Holladay appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Young nature lovers will have the chance to explore one of the plant world's most fascinating predators later this month at the Nokomis Public Library.

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free, hands-on program all about carnivorous plants on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 2 PM. During the program, participants will learn how these unique plants survive by trapping insects for food.

The class will introduce three well-known carnivorous plants, the Venus flytrap, sundew, and pitcher plant, and will explain the special adaptations that make each one unique.

As part of the experience, every participant will receive their own Venus flytrap to take home and care for, giving them the opportunity to watch the plant's insect-catching abilities up close.

The program is free and will be held at the Nokomis Public Library, located at 100 North Spruce Street. Advance registration is requested.

To sign up, visit go.illinois.edu/montflytrap, or call the Montgomery County Extension office at 217-532-3941.