The Christian County Board will again consider a kratom ban along with building renovations and more at their monthly meeting tonight.  As always, it will begin at 6 p.m., and similarly to recent occasions, it will take place in the Taylorville High School cafeteria.

The kratom ban ordinance is part of the Executive/Personal/Liquor/Legislative committee’s section of the meeting.  Members will also discuss residency waivers and provide an EMA update.

From the Highway/Building/Grounds/Environmental/Zoning/Welfare committee, there will be discussions on a cleaning of the third floor of the courthouse and the installation of a drop ceiling on the second floor.  Floor repairs to the 911 dispatcher director’s office will also be discussed.  Members will continue discussions on fiscal year 2027 – including for the Sheriff – in the Audit, Finance, and Purchasing Committee.

As is customary, before the committee-specific business, the public will have the chance to comment on county-related matters.  Stay tuned for updates after the meeting. 

County Highway 2, also known as 2100 East, north of Findlay, is tentatively scheduled to close on Wednesday, August 19th, for road oiling.

The Shelby County Highway Department says the closure is expected to take place from approximately 8 AM until 1 PM, weather and road conditions permitting.

Drivers who travel in the area are being asked to use caution and avoid driving on the roadway while the oiling work is taking place.

Motorists are also reminded not to drive through fresh oil or on the roadway if it appears black, as doing so could damage vehicles and interfere with the road work.

Shelby County Highway Department Officials urge residents to consider using an alternate route during the closure and allow for additional travel time.

Anyone with questions about the road closure or the scheduled work can contact the Shelby County Highway Department at 217-774-2721 during regular business hours.

Questions can also be submitted by email to shelbycohwy@shelbycounty-il.gov.

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

Taylorville Music Lessons is inviting the community to join in celebration of the establishment’s fifth anniversary.  They are hosting a free celebration Sunday from 2-6 p.m. featuring food, activities, vendors, and performances for those of all ages.  Mike Semerau, the owner and music director of Taylorville Music Lessons, says performances will be staggered across the afternoon. 

The instrument teachers who will be performing each specialize in different instruments, ensuring they cover all kinds. 

Taylorville Music Lessons is located at 311 South Main Street.  More information is available at www.taylorvillemusiclessons.com.

Mike Semerau appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Branch of Peoples Bank & Trust is recognizing local citizen Jodi Heberling as its Volunteer of the Quarter for her longtime commitment to the Christian County Historical Society and the community.

Peoples Bank and Trust President and CEO John Gardner says Heberling is being recognized for a lifelong commitment to serving others. He pointed to her 25 years as a 4-H leader and nearly two decades of leadership with the Christian County Historical Society as examples of her dedication.

Heberling’s connection to the Historical Society began when she was a child, volunteering alongside her parents and grandparents. She later helped bring her 4-H club into the effort, with members providing manpower for Lemonade Shake-Ups at Historical Society events.

Heberling eventually joined the Society’s Board of Directors and became president. She has held a leadership role with the organization for nearly 20 years and currently serves as co-president and food manager.

Her volunteer work includes preparing chicken and noodles, roasting pulled pork, helping with the annual Tidings of Joy meal, organizing volunteers, mowing the grounds and handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks needed to make community events possible.

Heberling says volunteering has never been about receiving recognition. Instead, she says it is about preserving local history, keeping community traditions alive and giving back to the place she calls home.

In recognition of her service, Peoples Bank & Trust has made a donation to the Christian County Historical Society. Heberling’s name will also be placed on a plaque at the bank honoring Volunteer of the Quarter recipients.

The program was established by Peoples Bank & Trust to recognize and promote outstanding volunteer efforts throughout the communities it serves.

Pictured below is  Adriana Allen - AVP Consumer Banking (LEFT), Jodi Heberling – VOTQ Recipient (MIDDLE), and Sophie Robinson – Consumer Banker (RIGHT): Photgraph courtesy of Peoples Bank & Trust.

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

The Christian County Health Department has named the HPV vaccine to be the vaccine of the month. The health department is reminding parents that preventing certain types of cancer can start during childhood, with the HPV vaccine.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common virus that can cause several types of cancer later in life. Health officials say the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to help protect children and teens from HPV-related cancers before they are exposed to the virus.

The recommended vaccination schedule depends on age. Children ages nine through 14 generally need two doses, given six to 12 months apart. Those ages 15 through 26 generally need three doses over a six-month period.

Most side effects from the vaccine are mild and can include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, along with headache, mild fever, tiredness or muscle aches.

Dizziness or fainting can sometimes occur after vaccination, which is why those receiving the vaccine are encouraged to sit or lie down for about 15 minutes afterward.

Health officials also stress that the HPV vaccine cannot cause HPV or cancer, because it does not contain live HPV.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider or contact the Christian County Health Department to make sure they or their children are up to date on this important vaccine.

The health department says prevention starts early, and protecting against HPV today can help prevent cancer tomorrow.

Continue to get your local news, weather, sports, and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

According to Taylorville Police, homelessness continues to be a growing concern across Illinois.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says the issue is becoming increasingly visible in the local community.

Statewide data showed approximately a 30-percent increase in the official Point-in-Time homeless count between 2022 and 2023. While rural communities are also experiencing challenges with homelessness and housing instability, Wheeler says there are not reliable official numbers showing the specific increase in Taylorville or Christian County.

Wheeler says the Taylorville Police Department has seen an increase in calls involving mental health concerns and homelessness. Officers have helped individuals and families find shelter in Springfield and Decatur, while others experiencing homelessness have chosen to remain in Taylorville.

The chief says he is grateful for the compassion shown by the community, adding that he has personally witnessed TPD officers use their own money to provide food and temporary hotel rooms for people in need.

However, Wheeler says law enforcement can only do so much, and resources in rural communities are limited.

Wheeler also wants to clarify that no formal proposal for a shelter or similar service has been brought before the City or its elected officials. He says several agencies have contacted him about the possibility of providing such services.

Wheeler says he is sharing the information to begin an honest conversation and gather public feedback, noting that Taylorville may face difficult decisions regarding homelessness in the near future.

Chief Wheeler wants to know how the community should address homelessness while helping those truly in need and protecting the quality of life and safety of the community?

The Taylorville Police Chief asks that all comments remain respectful and constructive, saying public input matters to the Taylorville Police Department.
 

The Taylorville Police Department (TPD) say a woman who had been wanted on several charges has been apprehended and returned to the Christian County Jail.

According to TPD, Shalee Bayne was taken into custody this afternoon with the assistance of a task force officer with the United States Marshals Service who is identified as Lieutenant Toberman.

Police say Bayne was apprehended and brought back to the Christian County Jail after allegedly cutting off her monitoring bracelet and going on the run. The department says Bayne currently has several charges pending and alleges she remained involved in criminal activity while she was wanted.

TPD publicly thanked Lieutenant Toberman and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in locating and apprehending Bayne. The department says the arrest is an example of the importance of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Taylorville Police say their continued focus is on teamwork, dedication and serving the community.

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

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum joined members of the Springfield community Friday to honor two Black men who were killed during racial violence in Springfield more than a century ago.

The ceremony marked the 118th anniversary of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot by filling two jars with soil from the locations where Scott Burton and William Donnegan were lynched. The jars will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as part of its special exhibit, “The Second American Revolution.”

The exhibit examines efforts to rebuild the nation following the Civil War, including the push to fulfill Abraham Lincoln’s vision, and the backlash that eventually led to Jim Crow laws and decades of oppression.

The jars will remain on display through January 17th before being sent to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. The museum is part of the Equal Justice Initiative and has collected about 800 soil samples from locations connected to lynchings across the country.

Burton was a Springfield barber who was attacked by a white mob during the first night of the 1908 violence. He was beaten, dragged to his barbershop and hanged.

Pictured below is soil being added to a jar to honor Scott Burton: Photograph courtesy of ALPLM

The following day, Donnegan, an elderly Black property owner, was attacked at his home. He was beaten and hanged and later died at a hospital.

Pictured below is community leader Candice Trees and ALPLM Executive
Director Christina Shutt gathering soil to honor William Donnegan: Photograph courtesy of ALPLM.

The 1908 Springfield Race Riot began after thousands gathered at the county jail seeking two Black men accused of crimes against white residents. Police secretly moved the two men to safety, but the mob then turned its anger toward Springfield’s Black community.

Black-owned businesses and homes were burned, residents were attacked and many fled the city. The National Guard was eventually called in to restore order. The violence shocked the nation and helped contribute to the creation of the NAACP. 

Officials at Friday’s ceremony emphasized the importance of remembering the events of 1908 as a way to better understand the consequences of racial violence and work toward a more just future.

Continue to get all your local news, sports, weather, and much more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

One local organization looks to change the lives of local youth through Christianity. The Seeds of the Lord study group was born seven years ago out of regular bible studies at the Taylorville Steak 'n Shake.  Their aim is to guide youth to the religion and use it to further support them.  The group also organizes the annual Seasons of Change Festival, of which this year’s edition takes place Saturday, August 29. 

Melissa Zini and Catherine Culp help lead the group.  They say they launched it with the younger contingent of employees at the restaurant at the time, where the two of them also worked. 

Culp says practicing the faith helped her out of a spell of drug addiction, and this is why she seeks to pay it forward. 

For Zini, her experiences with Christianity have inspired her to “plant the seeds” for others, hence the name of their endeavor. 

The Seasons of Change Festival is free and open to the public, but interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling (217) 481-6624.  

Catherine Culp and Melissa Zini appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.  

A promotion to Fire Captain was honored at the Taylorville City Council’s second monthly meeting held on Monday.

During the personnel portion of Monday night’s meeting, a motion was made by Alderwoman Megan Bryant to promote Kobe Wheaton to Fire Captain. This motion was approved with no opposition.

Also during the meeting, Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler gave a Certificate of Appreciation to Travis Peden, Chief of the Stonington Police Department, for his assistance with covert drug operations and other operations within the community.

Chief Wheeler said that Chief Peden has been a part of the team for many years and has done a lot of work for the Taylorville Police Department. Chief Wheeler also made some light humor and showed great appreciation for Chief Peden.

Also during the meeting, Alderwoman Kathy Driskell made a motion to approve the purchase of three new police vehicles and to properly equip them for a price not to exceed $100K. The motion was approved 8 to 0. The funding for this purchase would come from Traffic Revenue Funds and Asset Forfeiture Funds, and this approved motion would also waive all bidding requirements.

All other ordinances were approved at Monday’s meeting in full with no opposition. At the end of the meeting, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry and City Attorney Rocci Romano gave their monthly updates.

Stay tuned to taylorvilledailynews.com for our upcoming story from the Taylorville City Council Meeting about the decision to add no parking regulations on the north side of the 800 block of West Market Street, and for updates on the road work on Main Cross.

Below is the agenda from Monday Night's Meeting:

The Christian County Sheriffs Office has confirmed that Illinois Route 29, which has been closed most of today pending a vehicle accident investigation, is now back open for normal traffic flow. 

Further information from the investigation has not yet been released. 

Stay tuned to taylorvilledailynews.com for updates as more information becomes available. 

According to the Christian County Sheriff's Office, Illinois Route 29 between the prison and Owaneco will be closed for an extended period of time following a car accident in the area. The amount of time the road will stay closed has not been determined.

Hart Media Group spoke with Christian County Chief Deputy Jim Baker, and according to Chief Deputy Baker, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is conducting further investigation into the incident, and will need to keep the stretch of IL 29 between the prison and Owaneco closed for until further notice to safely and thoroughly conduct the investigation.

Chief Deputy Baker mentioned that the Christian County Sherrff's Office will release more information as it becomes available and will alert the community via the Sheriff's App once the road has reopened. 

As the investigation is still ongoing to uncover more details behind the car accident, no further information is currrently available. 

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates when they become available.

A preliminary hearing for Braxton Williamson, who is charged under allegations of aggravated battery against a victim younger than 13 causing permanent disability, is scheduled for September 1st, following a court hearing that took place on Monday, August 17th, concerning the completed autopsy of a minor who fell victim to alleged battery.

Williamson appeared in custody with his appointed Public Defender, Tiffany Senger. The court was advised that the autopsy had been completed, with the defenses expert present.

The state is seeking additional examination by a forensic pathologist who specializes in the matter. The court ordered the state to provide the Williamson's defense with at least five business days’ notice of when, where and by whom any further review will be conducted. This will give the defense an opportunity to have its own expert present or confirm that the examination is video recorded.

The court also ordered that the victim's body not be released until the final medical report is completed and the defense has been given an opportunity to have its expert review the report and determine whether any additional examination is necessary.

Williamson continues to remain in custody.

A small group of protestors were also present outside of the courthouse today as well.

Pictured below are some of those standing in protest.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates as more information becomes available.

Peoples Bank & Trust is celebrating the professional growth of two of its employees following their recent graduation from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Andrew Olson, Vice President of Business Banking, and Trevor Taylor, Vice President of Credit Administration, recently completed the graduate banking program.

The bank says the accomplishment reflects their dedication to professional development, continuous learning and strengthening their knowledge of the banking industry.

Peoples Bank & Trust says it invests heavily each year in employee development through webinars, online courses, seminars, forums, conferences, software user group meetings and other industry-specific training.

In addition to those opportunities, the bank says 21 of its 39 officers are graduates of, or are currently attending, a national-level graduate school of banking.

The bank says the knowledge and experience gained through these advanced educational programs is applied by employees in their day-to-day roles, helping Peoples Bank & Trust continue providing service and expertise to the customers and communities it serves.

The bank congratulates Olson and Taylor on their accomplishment and says it is proud of their commitment to growth, learning and putting people first.

Pictured below is Trevor Taylor and Andrew Olson: Photo Courtesy of Peoples Bank and Trust.

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

The Trutter Museum and Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) will host a new exhibit featuring the work of artist Danny Houk.

Houk's piece, called “House Rules,” will be on display August 24 through September 18 at the museum and gallery, located on the upper level of Menard Hall at LLCC’s Springfield campus on Shepherd Road.

The exhibit will feature sculptures, installations, games and mixed-media works that combine humor, craftsmanship and social commentary.

Organizers say Houk’s work uses playful interaction, wordplay and handcrafted objects to explore familiar experiences and encourage visitors to reflect on personal vulnerabilities and social inequities.

The exhibit is designed to be both accessible and thought-provoking, inviting visitors to laugh, participate and question assumptions while considering the experiences that connect people across social and cultural divides.

The public can view “House Rules” weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

An artist discussion with Danny Houk will also be held Wednesday, September 16, from 5 to 7 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.

Houk holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. His work has been exhibited throughout the Midwest, including at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Art St. Louis and several colleges and galleries.

More information about the Trutter Museum and Murray Gallery, including current and upcoming exhibits, is available at llcc.edu/trutter-murray.

Continue to stay up todate on local, news, events, weather, sports, and much more, at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Experts are encouraging homeowners to consider sustainability in their property’s landscaping.  Many commercial establishments and other large-scale sites are designed with the concept in mind, but homeowners can make changes, as well.  Controlling rainwater drainage and where it goes is one major component.  Andrew Holsinger, a horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Extension, notes that topography, vegetation, drainage patterns, and wetland buffers are key factors. 

So how does one implement these sustainability efforts at home?  Holsinger suggests first taking stock of what there is to work with. 

Trees, boulders, native shrubs, and permeable paving are among the notable components of sustainable landscapes. 

More information and tips are available at stateclimatologist.isws.illinois.edu and extension.illinois.edu.

Andrew Holsinger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Sheriff's Office has reported that Illinois Route 29 is closed due to a traffic crash investigation. 

People traveling southbound from Taylorville northbound from Owaneco should consider alternate routes as IL 29 will be closed between Owaneco and the Christian County Correctional Facility. 

There has not been any more details released at this time.

Once more information becomes available, you will find it at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Christian County Health Department is seeking federal funding to help low-income homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems in rural areas of the county.

The department is requesting nearly $55,000 through the USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant program.

The proposed program would focus on homeowners in rural areas and communities of 20,000 or fewer people in Christian County, with priority given to the Lincoln Trail Road area and the Lake Bertinetti subdivision in May Township.

According to the Christian County Health Department (CCHD), approximately 620 households in Taylorville, Johnson, and May Townships rely on private septic systems rather than centralized sewer service. The department says some of those systems are aging or failing, creating concerns including wastewater backups, surface ponding, odors and potential threats to public health and nearby water resources.

The Lake Bertinetti subdivision is described as having particularly significant problems, with reports of septic system failures, wastewater entering groundwater and visible discharges into the lake. The proposed grant program would provide assistance to eligible low income homeowners to repair or replace deficient septic systems and address related health and safety concerns.

The Health Department estimates septic repairs could cost between $5,000 and $25,000, while a complete replacement could cost between $30,000 and $40,000. Because of those costs, the department anticipates the funding could assist approximately three to four households. Applications would be reviewed based on factors including household income, the severity of the septic failure and the threat to health and safety.

The proposed program would operate over a 12-month period, beginning with community outreach and applications, followed by property inspections, project planning, septic repairs or replacements, and final inspections.
If you have a public comment, please submit it to email address info@christiancountyhealth.org with the subject “Septic repair NOFO funding comment.” The comment period will be open until August 31, 2026.

The department says more information about eligibility and applications will be made available as the program moves forward. Once that information is available, you can find it at taylorvilledailynews.com.
 

The Montgomery County Health Department reminds the community, that those struggling to go through recovery from addiction, or even illness, can reach their goals with the right support.

The health department says a great start is to have hope. According to the health department, hope is the foundation of recovery.

Recovery is a highly personal process, and there are many different pathways. Those pathways can include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other resources.

Recovery focuses on the whole person and is built around an individual's strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and values. Support from family, friends, peers, and the community can also play an important role.

The Montgomery County Health Department highlights four major dimensions of recovery. The first is health. Managing a disease or symptoms, overcoming addiction, and making healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being fall in this category.

The second is home. Having a stable and safe place to live is crucial to recovery. The third is purpose. The feeling of having meaningful daily activities, such as work, school, volunteering, family responsibilities, or creative activities, along with the resources and independence needed to participate in the community. Keeping busy helps keep the mind occupied with more constructive thoughts.

Finally, the fourth is community. By having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope, the recovery journey is easier to navigate.

The health department says setbacks are a natural part of life and recovery, making resilience an important part of continuing to grow and improve overall health and wellness.

More information on recovery can be found at samhsa.gov.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com to stay up to date on all the latest local news, sports, weather, and much more.

Community members in Taylorville will have the opportunity to enjoy a festival with a religious touch near the end of this month.  The second annual “Seasons of Change Festival” will take place Saturday, August 29 from 2-7 p.m. at the Lake Taylorville Marina.  The aforementioned religious touch comes in the form of a Christian service and baptisms in the lake.

Catherine Culp and Melissa Zini are members of the “Seeds of the Lord” study group, which is putting the event on.  They promise “fellowship, food, fun, and music.”

Visitors who wish to be baptized do so starting at five right in the lake, which is part of the reason the event takes place there. 

Culp and Zini note that there are bathrooms at the marina for people to use to change clothes.  The event is free and open to the public, but interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling (217) 481-6624.  

Catherine Culp and Melissa Zini appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.  

The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood as the organization responds to what it calls only the second national blood crisis in its history.

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening an emergency shortage that could already be affecting patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions.

The Red Cross is asking eligible donors to take action now and help replenish the nation’s blood supply. A Taylorville Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th, from 1 to 5 PM at the Taylorville Fire Department Training Room, located at 202 North Main street.

Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or 1-800-733-2767, or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

The Red Cross says donors can also save up to 15 minutes at their appointment by completing RapidPass before arriving. Information and access to RapidPAss can be found at redcrossblood.org.

There is also an added incentive for those who donate during August. Donors are eligible to receive a 20-dollar Amazon gift card by email, while supplies last. Terms and conditions are also available at redcrossblood.org.

Every blood donation can help save lives, and officials say the current shortage makes those donations especially important.

For appointments or more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Stay up to date with the community by following taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville City Council will meet tonight at 7 for its second regular monthly meeting, with several items on the agenda involving city infrastructure, public safety, development, and Lake Taylorville.

Among the items up for consideration is an ordinance that would amend the Taylorville City Code regarding water main tapping specifications and pipe installation. Council members will also consider adding a no-parking restriction to the north side of the 800 block of West Market Street.

Another ordinance would authorize a second amendment to the Business Development District Number One Redevelopment Agreement involving 100 and 102 South Main Street. Council members are also expected to consider a resolution supporting a State of Illinois Community Development Block Grant.

Several public safety-related purchases and personnel matters are on the agenda as well. Those include bidding for a full-time lead dispatcher position in the Police Department, the promotion of Colby Wheaton to Fire Captain, and purchases of turnout gear for the Fire Department and training ammunition.

The council will also consider purchasing three police vehicles, with a cost not to exceed $100,000, using Department of Justice, traffic revenue and asset forfeiture funds. Water Department business includes a proposed $2,300 surge protector purchase and beginning the bidding process for potholing work associated with the city's lead service line inventory.

Lake-related business includes seeking an appraisal of nearly seven acres for a potential property sale, seeking bids for four Lake Taylorville farmland parcels, and purchasing an emergency phone for the marina. The council will also hear city attorney and mayor updates before considering payment of more than $706,000 in bills.

Stay tuned to taylorvilledailynews.com for more details after tonight's meeting.

Students at Pana Elementary School will experience changes to curricula, especially with respect to literacy, as the school year gets underway.  Faculty and administrators hope to successfully implement activities they have previously trialed, as well as integrate other areas of education into students’ learning.  Assistant Principal Angela Matthews says one of these initiatives, called “Panther Pages,” will unify each grade level around projects related to reading. 

Teachers are even aiming to incorporate hands-on experiences related to the books their students read. 

More information on Pana Elementary School is available at www.panaschools.com. 

Angela Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is preparing for Mission 78, set for Tuesday, September 1st, departing from Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.

The mission will honor 92 veterans, including five Korean War veterans and 87 Vietnam-era veterans. The veterans come from 52 Illinois communities, including Taylorville, Shelbyville, Decatur, Effingham, Springfield, Mattoon, Pana-area communities, and many others. Veterans from Indiana, Missouri and Florida will also take part.

The veterans and their guardians will report to the Springfield airport at 4 a.m. on September 1st, before boarding a chartered Sun Country 737 bound for Washington, D.C.

During the day, they’ll visit the World War Two, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial and the U.S. Air Force Memorial.

The Honor Flight experience is provided at no cost to the veterans and is funded entirely through donations from the public.

The veterans are scheduled to return to Springfield at approximately 9:30 p.m. that evening, and the public is encouraged to gather at the airport to welcome them home.

Organizers say that welcome-home experience is especially meaningful for many veterans who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned from service.

Parking at the airport will be free, with volunteers available to assist guests, and a shuttle will take visitors from the parking area to the terminal.

Veterans who served through May 7th, 1975, may be eligible for an Honor Flight. Applications for veterans and guardians are available at LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org.

The organization also offers a Flightless Honor Flight program for eligible veterans whose physical condition prevents them from participating in an actual flight.

Get your local news, weather, sports, and much more, at taylorvileedailynews.com.

Two federal lawsuits are now seeking to block Illinois’ new assisted suicide law before it takes effect next month.

The “End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act,” signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, is scheduled to take effect September 12th. The law allows mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and six months or less to live to request medication intended to end their lives.

State Representative and physician Bill Hauter, a Republican from Morton, opposed the measure during the most recent legislative session. Hauter says the law conflicts with a physician’s oath and their duty to heal and accompany patients during the final stages of serious illness.

Hauter also says there is a legal basis for the lawsuit, arguing the law could require physicians to participate in assisted suicide, despite provisions stating that doctors cannot be forced to do so. Even if a physician doesnt want to participate, they are required to make a referral, which is still participation even if they aren't the ones administering the end of life medication. 

The latest lawsuit was filed on behalf of several Central Illinois religious leaders and four Illinois physicians. The Thomas More Society is representing the plaintiffs and is asking a federal court to block the law before it takes effect. The group argues the law could potentially require physicians and other medical professionals with religious objections to help facilitate patient suicides, which is something they say conflicts with the Hippocratic Oath, longstanding medical traditions, and their deeply held religious beliefs.

Despite also being a physician himself, Hauter is not one of the physicians filing the lawsuit. 

More information on the legislation and its status can be found through the Illinois General Assembly at www.ilga.gov.