August is tick season, and the Christian County Health Department urges community members to take steps to protect themselves.  Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health show tens of thousands of cases of tickborne diseases each year in the state.  Ryan Bowsher, lead and vector inspector at the Christian County Health Department, recommends spraying clothes with permethrin before going into wooded areas. 

The threat of West Nile Virus from mosquitoes persists, as well.  Bowsher says residents can request that the health department spray larvicide near standing water areas, where mosquitoes often breed. 

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

Ryan Bowsher appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

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.

Taylorville students who commute to and from school by bus may see different routes in the near future.  At Tuesday’s Taylorville School Board meeting, the board voted to extend the district’s contract with transportation provider Durham School Services for one more year.  The contract now includes the removal of one bus from the setup of routes and a savings for the district of $100,000.  Superintendent Brandi Bruley says the move is part of her aim to cut costs where possible, in light of the school district’s proposed budget. 

As it stands, the schools generally use Durham only for transporting students to and from school at the beginning and end of the day.  Board members and school administrators acknowledged low staffing at Durham was part of the reason. 

The next school board meeting is set for Tuesday, September 8. 

The Taylorville Police Department is preparing to begin enforcing the city’s recently passed kratom ban.  The ordinance, which passed a vote at last week’s city council meeting, will see both synthetic and natural forms of the substance banned.  Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says he expects local stakeholders to cooperate on the matter.

The police chief also credits the Christian County Health Department for their role in raising the topic of kratom in the community.

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

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The City of Assumption is reminding residents that the petition process for candidates seeking elected office in the city will begin later this month.

August 25th, 2026, will be the first day that candidates may begin circulating petitions for the April 6th, 2027 Consolidated Election.

There is one Alderperson position available in each of Assumption’s three wards. Each position carries a four-year term.

Candidates can pick up petition packets beginning Tuesday, August 25th, at Assumption City Hall, located at 229 North Chestnut Street. City Hall will have packets available from 8 AM until 4:30 PM.

Completed petitions must be filed at City Hall between November 16th and November 23rd. Filing hours during that period will be 8 AM to 5 PM.

The city is encouraging anyone interested in running for one of the available Alderperson positions to make note of those important dates and filing deadlines.

More information is available at cityofassumption.org.

The Taylorville Police Department says two people have been arrested following the execution of a search warrant Wednesday afternoon in the 1000 block of West Vine Street.

The department’s Emergency Response Team carried out the warrant as part of an ongoing investigation. Police say that investigation remains pending.

Taylorville Police officials also thanked John McWard and his office for their assistance and cooperation.

Police say the department strongly believes in recovery and will continue to show compassion and support for those working to overcome addiction, including individuals participating in Drug Court and other recovery programs.

However, police say that support does not extend to those who sell or distribute dangerous drugs in the community.

The department says officers will continue working aggressively to disrupt criminal activity involving illegal drugs, particularly activity that could interfere with the progress of people working toward recovery.

As part of the recent enforcement effort, Joshua Hawthorn was arrested on several methamphetamine-related charges.

Hawthorne was seen in Christian County Court on August 13th, to see the results from his hearing, CLICK HERE.

Kerry Decker was arrested on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Decker was also seen on August 13th in Christian County Court, for results of Deckers court hearing, CLICK HERE.

Police emphasize that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Taylorville Police Department says its investigation remains ongoing.

if further updates should become available, find them online at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold the first of its two upcoming food drives this weekend.  The first one takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the new Taylorville Community Credit Union Branch on North Webster Street.  The later drive is set for Saturday, September 12 at the same time and location.  Interested visitors can donate money or non-perishable food, which will be relayed to the Taylorville Food Pantry. The service organization has held food drives for a number of years.

Kiwanis member Will Perkins will be at the food drive.  He says, as with past editions, visitors can simply drive up for their donations to be collected. 

Sophie Robinson, another Kiwanis member, says this event directly aligns with the organization’s overall goals. 

More information on the Taylorville Kiwanis Club is available on their Facebook page. 

Will Perkins and Sophie Robinson appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The first school days this academic year at Pana Elementary School will see the local high school students become involved.  Band performances, mentorships, and more are meant to increase connections in multiple ways and improve the experience for the elementary school students.

Angela Matthews, the elementary school’s assistant principal, says the high school’s marching band visits to perform songs known to the Pana community and beyond. 

Students at the elementary school can also connect with high school students who volunteer to mentor. 

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

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

As children across the area head back to school, the Christian County Health Department is reminding parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.

Illinois has immunization requirements for students entering certain grades, and keeping vaccinations current helps protect not only individual children, but the entire school community.

For students entering kindergarten, required vaccinations include DTaP, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio; hepatitis B; and MMRV, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, or chickenpox.

Students entering sixth grade are required to have Tdap, which also protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, as well as a meningococcal vaccine, which helps protect against meningitis.

Students entering 11th or 12th grade are also required to have a meningococcal vaccine.

Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization records and make sure they have received all required vaccines and doses for their grade level. The Christian County Health Department reminds the community that keeping vaccinations up to date can help families start the new school year healthy, protected, and ready to learn.

If you’re unsure what your child needs, contact your healthcare provider or the Christian County Health Department at (217) 824-4113 for more information.

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

With schools opening today, the Taylorville Police Department is calling on families to drive safely in the immediate surrounds of the city’s schools.  Cherokee Street, which runs by North Elementary School on its east side, is the site of the department’s most significant vigilance in that respect.  Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says new grant funding they’ve received will allow them to further patrol that area and others.

Students, faculty, and staff at Taylorville Junior High School will see a new school resource officer.  Officer Matthew Nichols will take up that role at the junior high school.

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

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Illinois General Assembly recently passed two Senate Joint Resolutions to recognize two Effingham-area soldiers who gave their lives while serving their country. Both soldiers were honored this week during a ceremony dedicating two memorial overpasses in their names.

State Representative Adam Niemerg of Dieterich and State Representative Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City sponsored the resolutions in the Illinois House and spoke during this week's dedication ceremony.

According to Representative Niemerg, sometimes these ceremonies can not only be emotional, but also the most rewarding thing he believes he can do as a legislator.

Wilhour stated that, Chief Donaldson and Sergeant Sayne truly personify army values. Wilhour also said that they are just honored to be able to play the process in getting joint resolutions like these to go through the process of the general assembly. 

Senate Joint Resolution 61 designates the Fourth Street Overpass, that crosses Interstates 57 and 70 in Effingham, as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson Memorial Overpass. 

Senate Joint Resolution 62 designates the Fayette Avenue Overpass, that crosses over Interstates 57 and 70, as the Sergeant Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass.

Donaldson was killed on May 5th, 2006, when a CH-47 Chinook military helicopter crashed during combat operations in Afghanistan.

Sayne passed away on September 11th, 2011, in Afghanistan, from injuries he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

The memorial overpasses will now serve as lasting reminders of Donaldson and Sayne, their military service, and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Pictured left is Chief Christopher Donaldson, pictured right is Sergeant Timothy Sayne:

More information can be found on the Illinois General Assembly online at www.ilga.gov.

Get all of your local news online at taylorvilledailtynews.com.

An investigation in Nokomis has determined that items found inside an abandoned residence and believed to potentially be explosive devices were not actually explosive.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says information was received by the Nokomis Police Department sometime Tuesday evening, August 11th, through Wednesday morning, August 12th, about possible explosive devices inside an abandoned residence near Shane Cole Park.

Nokomis Police, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad and the FBI investigated the report. A search warrant was obtained through the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, and a perimeter was established around the residence.

Nearby residents were advised to either evacuate their homes or shelter in place while authorities conducted the investigation.

The Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad and FBI systematically searched both the exterior and interior of the property.

During the search, authorities removed items resembling what is commonly referred to as a “pipe bomb.” Those items were analyzed and ultimately determined to be non-explosive.

The Sheriff’s Office says no explosive devices or explosive materials were located anywhere on the property.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office thanked residents who were impacted by the investigation for their cooperation and patience.

The department also thanked Nokomis Police, the Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad, the FBI, Montgomery County Emergency Management, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Nokomis Fire and Ambulance, and everyone else involved for their work in safely resolving the situation.

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

The Taylorville Park District is working to address a recent spate of moss appearing in the Manners Park pond.  Officials say they have received complaints from community members on the matter and have brought in related experts to rectify the situation.  Recreation Director Evan Mitchell says he is working with Ben Dempsey, the Park District’s maintenance superintendent, and state biologist Tad Locher on the issue.

Locher told the Park District staff that there are similar occurrences throughout the state.  The team intends to, at least to start, manually remove the moss. 

Mitchell also shares the historical context of the area.  He says it was a wetland many years ago and is, without intervention, naturally restoring itself as such. 

More information on the Taylorville Park District is available at www.taylorvilleparkdistrict.com.

Evan Mitchell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

UPDATE: Nokomis Police, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Shane Cole Park investigation is now complete.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) has confirmed that the investigation at Shane Cole Park in Nokomis has been completed, and all affected roadways are now open to traffic.

MCSO will release an official statement regarding the incident shortly. Once that information is released you will find it at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Sheriff's Office says it appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation throughout the investigation.

PREVIOUS UPDATE FOUND BELOW:

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is working alongside of the Nokomis Police Department and Illinois Secretary of State Police to investigate an incident near Shane Cole Park.

The City of Nokomis says there is currently no active threat to the community, but residents are being asked to avoid the area and follow any instructions given by law enforcement.

Officials are asking for the public’s cooperation as the investigation continues and have stated that no further information will be released at this time, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Investigating authorites have also stated that more information will be released when the investigation is complete.

Residents are also being asked not to call Nokomis City Hall regarding the incident, as city hall staff do not have pertinent information about what is taking place.

The city says the increased law enforcement presence is precautionary while authorities handle the situation.

Anyone who is in the area should remain aware of their surroundings and follow directions from law enforcement if they are asked to leave an area or take other precautions.

The original notice was issued at 12:00 PM, on Wednesday, August 12th, by Nokomis Mayor Dylan Goldsmith.

No further information is available at this time, however, keep following taylorvilledailynews.com for updates when more information is released.

See below for the original notice sent out from Mayor Goldsmith.

The Master Gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension are preparing the community for their upcoming annual tree walk.  This year’s walk will take place at Kitchell Park in Pana on Saturday, October 24, likely from 2-4 p.m.  Last year’s walk did not take place due to scheduling conflicts, so organizers look forward to showcasing central Illinois nature this year.  Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says Kitchell Park has a wide swath of ash trees to explore. 

The city has sought to rebuild the ash tree population in that area due to recent destruction from invasive insects. 

The Master Gardeners also remind the local public that their helpdesk is open Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. through the end of the month.  Community members can bring their questions or samples to the Extension’s Christian County office at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville or call (217) 287-7246.  More information on the Master Gardeners is available at extension.illinois.edu/mg.

Gwen Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library (ALPLM) is holding a ceremony honoring two men who were killed during Springfield’s 1908 race riot will be held Friday, August 14, with community members invited to help collect soil from the locations where the men were lynched.

The ceremony is being coordinated by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield’s Lincoln Library and organizers of the city’s “3 Hot Days in August” commemoration. The event will begin at 11 AM at the northwest corner of 11th and Madison Streets in Springfield.

The event will honor 80-year-old William Donnegan and Scott Burton, two African American residents who were lynched during the Springfield race riot, which took place August 14 through August 16, 1908.

Donnegan was killed on land where the Illinois State Museum now stands. Burton, a barber, was taken from his home near 11th and Madison Streets, dragged to a tree near his barbershop and hanged.

During Friday’s ceremony, soil will be collected from the location associated with Burton’s lynching. Soil from the site of Donnegan’s lynching will also be present.

The soil will be placed in jars and displayed as a community memorial at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as part of its special exhibit, “The Second American Revolution.”

After the exhibit closes in January, the soil will be given to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, which has collected approximately 800 soil samples honoring victims of racial terror lynching through its Community Remembrance Project.

Community members are welcome to attend and participate in collecting the soil. Organizers will also be available for questions, photos and video.

Parking is available at the HSHS St. John’s Hospital lot at 10th and Madison Streets.

More information is available online at www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

A recall involving fresh jalapeño peppers from Mexico has led to additional recalls of products that may contain the affected peppers, including some items sold in Illinois.

The recall stems from Coast Citrus Distributors, which distributed fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico to wholesalers, restaurants and food-service companies nationwide. The peppers may be contaminated with Salmonella.

As a result, Taylor Fresh Foods recalled multiple products made with the affected jalapeños. The recalled products were distributed to retail distribution centers in Illinois and several other states, with “Best If Used By” dates through August 16th, 2026.

Stores that received affected products from Taylor Fresh Foods include Kroger, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Hannaford and Stop and Shop.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has also issued a public health alert for various meat and poultry products containing the recalled jalapeños.

Consumers are urged to check recall information before eating any potentially affected products.

For full lists of ongoing recalls from the USDA, CLICK HERE.

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last four to seven days. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face a greater risk of serious illness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says Coast Citrus does not appear to have supplied jalapeños directly to grocery stores, but affected peppers were distributed through food-service channels.

Fast food restaurants, Chipotle and QDOBA, both received affected jalapeños. However, both chains have stopped using the recalled product, and the FDA says there is not currently an ongoing risk from those establishments related to this outbreak.

For details on the FDA, visit www.fda.gov.

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

The company pursuing the Meridian Technology Park Data Center for Christian County, Eagle Rock Partners, has officially released a statement saying they are ending their pursuit of the proposed data center.

According to Eagle Rock officials, after careful consideration, Eagle Rock Partners has made the decision to end pursuit of its proposed Meridian Technology Park Data Center project in Christian County. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the delivery of the power infrastructure on which the project depended is no longer certain.

Eagle Rock states that they are deeply grateful for the thoughtful, transparent leadership and engagement shown by Christian County officials and community stakeholders throughout this process, and that they wish Christian County continued success as it evaluates future economic development and energy opportunities. 

Christian County officials have not yet started the process of establishing any ordinances around data centers. All discussions up to now have been preliminary. 

Get all your local news online at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Cover photo sourced from the Illinois State Police.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) reminds drivers across Illinois of an important roadway safety rule: when you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down and move over.

Illinois’ Move Over Law, sometimes referred to as “Scott’s Law,” applies to a wide range of roadside workers. Among those roadside workers are emergency responders, tow and recovery operators, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway personnel, and construction workers. 

ISP reports that so far in the year 2026 alone, Illinois has seen 9 Scott’s Law violations resulting in car crashes as well as 2 troopers who sustained injuries due to a Scott’s Law violation. State Police hope that bill recently signed into law by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will make drivers think twice before ignoring regulations. 

Drivers who fail to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles and cause the injury or death of another person originally were charged with a class 4 felony and their driver’s license would be suspended. Now, their license would be completely revoked.

The law requires drivers to slow down and move over for authorized emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights while working on the roadway ahead. Importantly, those vehicles do not have to be stationary for the law to apply.

Drivers are required to take the same precautions whether the emergency vehicle is stopped or moving. The law also protects workers operating non-emergency vehicles with their hazard lights activated. Drivers approaching these vehicles are required to slow down and move over when possible, as well.

The purpose of the law is to give roadside workers and emergency responders additional space and time to safely perform their jobs while reducing the risk of crashes involving passing traffic. ISP encourages drivers to stay alert, watch for flashing or hazard lights, and be prepared to change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching vehicles stopped or working along the roadway.

A few seconds of slowing down and moving over can make a major difference for the people working just feet away from traffic. When you see flashing lights on the roadside, remember to slow down and move over. 

More information on the Illinois State Police can be found at isp.illinois.gov.

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

Students at Pana Elementary School can expect a number of engaging activities in the opening days of the new school year.  The first day for students is Friday, but they will have the opportunity to meet their teachers and classmates at a “meet the teacher” night on Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m.  Assistant Principal Angela Matthews says students will meet not only their teacher but also their classmates, and parents can learn more about what to expect. 

For kindergartners, their first three days will be half-days.  Matthews says this is to further acclimate them to the school environment. 

Pana Elementary Schools notes to families of kindergartners that bus service will not be available to such students on those three days. 

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

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

A company from Chicago, City Foods, Incorporated, is recalling approximately 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef products over concerns they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall Monday. The affected products were produced July 16th and have a 60-day shelf life. They include Midamar Premium Beef Pastrami, Bea’s Best Cooked Corned Beef Brisket, and Kirsch Delicatessen Style Cooked Corned Beef Brisket.

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 1896” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped to food service locations in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and may have been distributed nationwide. The issue was discovered during routine inspection activities. There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the products.

Consumers and institutions that purchased the recalled products are urged not to eat them. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.

Those in higher-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms after eating potentially contaminated food should seek medical attention and tell their healthcare provider about the possible exposure. Additional recall information and distribution lists are available through the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service online at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Get your latest local news updates, weather information, sports scores, and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Taylorville CUSD #3 will likely turn to its financial reserves as part of its budget for fiscal year 2027.  That’s according to the proposed budget, the presentation of which dominated Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Superintendent Brandi Bruley led the presentation.  When board member Tom Finks asked about the district’s financial capabilities, Bruley said the beginning balances will allow for the plans. 

Bruley and the board note that the proposed budget, even with the expenses where they are expected to be, accounts for a number of cuts to various areas. 

The budget accounts for the school district’s projects as well as newly signed legislation to go into effect. 

The board voted for the public budget hearing to take place Tuesday, September 8 at 5:45 p.m.  They will then vote on the budget in the subsequent general meeting that same evening.

Other motions the board passed regard:

• An extension of the school district’s contract with Durham School Services,
• A facility usage agreement with the Christian County Board, 
• Proceeding with The Real Estate Group for selling the property at 609 East Stevenson Street, which students in the high school’s Building Trades program built.

Stay tuned for another story from the Hart Media Group in the coming days on the Durham contract extension and its potential implications.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about confusing notifications being generated during a software update to the correctional facility’s inmate communication system.

Some people may receive notifications related to previous communications from an inmate. The messages may tell recipients to “Reply YES” to accept a service or “Reply STOP” to opt out.

The Sheriff’s Office says no action is needed if the notification is connected to a previous communication. Recipients can simply disregard and delete the message.

Officials say the notification format is a legitimate part of the inmate communication system and will be used for future communications involving individuals who are incarcerated after the software update is completed.

If residents receive a notification regarding a future incarcerated individual, they should review the message and follow the instructions provided if they want to receive or respond to the communication.

The current notifications involving previous communications are being generated because of the software update. The service provider and Christian County Sheriff’s Office information technology personnel are aware of the issue and are working to correct it.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office states that they apologize for any confusion or inconvenience and thanked the public for its patience and understanding while the system update is completed.

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