The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening in front of a packed house of over 300 people for nearly 3 ½ hours for their monthly board meeting.  Most of the board meeting was broken up into two sections; the main board meeting and data centers.  This story will focus on the data center.  A story later this week will discuss the rest of the board meeting.  Ken Loeber, who is one of the founders of Eagle Rock LLC, the company behind the proposed data center spoke to the board members answering questions for nearly 90 minutes from many who brought concerns from their constituents concerning the proposed data center to Bear Creek. 

District 4’s Jean Vandenbergh asked for people living near the project, how would the project benefit them. Loeber said, there would be several jobs created, along with money coming into the county, but did admit that people living in the area would have to think of what he called the  “greater good.”

Chairman Bryan Sharp asked about landowners property value, and if there had been any environmental impact studies done. 

Loeber told the board that no non disclosure agreements had been signed with any board members, nor had there been any talk with any city or county officials over annexing parts of the county. Loeber also said that while he wasn’t trying to “fastplay” it through, if things didn’t start rolling this summer, they might need to look elsewhere. 

Board member Vicki McMahon told Loeber that the board was not against innovation, but warned against fast movement.  Loeber said that he wanted everyone to make an informed decision.

When it came to public comments, one after one resident came up to voice their displeasure, many saying that no one had spoke to them at all about the data center and that they felt blindsided by how quickly things were progressing.  The feelings of anger, displeasure, and frustration over not having their voices heard, led Meredith Eisenbarth to skip many things that she had planned for the evening to be there in person. She encouraged the board to look at what other areas are doing saying that Nashville is concerned about moving animals because of changes to ecocenters, what does that do to humans. 

Debbie Daniels who owns a agritourism business near the proposed site says that industrial sites should be built on industrial zoned sites not farmland. 

A motion to visit a data center site in Altoona was brought to the finance board but failed.  We will have more on the Christian County Board meeting later this week. To hear the full audio from this meeting, click here.
 

 You can also see a stream of the full meeting here

Caption: Several residents hold up signs showing how far away they are from the proposed data center

The Christian County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) alerted the county of another round of severe weather in the forecast. The severe storms are expected to hit on Wednesday, June 17th, between the afternoon and late evening. The National Weather Service says that there is a potential for strong winds, damaging hail, and even strong tornado activity. 

The risk of this potential severe weather has been increasing since last weekend. Central Illinois towns such as Taylorville, Assumption, and Moweaqua are at a level 3 risk, whereas towns and cities north of Taylorville, such as Springfield, Lincoln, and Decatur, have been upgraded to a 4 out of 5 risk. 
 

The National Weather Service has also stated that the highest risk for severe weather will be along and northwest of Interstate 70 in Illinois. Residents in this area should stay weather aware and make sure that they are prepared with a severe weather plan, and ensure they have their emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, radio, phone chargers or portable power bank, and blankets prepared in the event the storms get too severe. 

The greatest potential risk of this storm system is large hail, heavy swaths of wind, and strong tornadoes.

The tornadoes could be as strong as an EF2 or EF3. Weather experts urge residents to stay alert and be prepared to take precautionary actions. 

There is also a possibility of rain-wrapped tornadoes. A rain-wrapped tornado occurs when heavy rain surrounds or completely hides a tornado, making it extremely difficult to see. Unlike traditional tornadoes that may be visible from a distance, a rain-wrapped tornado can approach without much warning, increasing the danger for those who rely on visual confirmation. These storms can produce the same destructive winds and damage as any other tornado, including downed trees, power lines, structural damage, and dangerous flying debris. Residents are urged to never attempt to see or photograph a tornado and to take immediate shelter when a tornado warning is issued, even if a funnel cloud is not visible.

Another safety concern would be driving during these storms. If you are driving when a tornado warning is issued, weather officials say the safest option is to avoid being on the road whenever possible and seek sturdy shelter before the storm arrives. If a tornado is nearby and you are unable to reach a safe building, do not try to outrun the storm or stop under a bridge or overpass, as those areas can become extremely dangerous due to high winds and flying debris.

If possible, pull over, park safely away from traffic, and get inside a sturdy building. If no shelter is available and you are caught in the immediate path of a tornado, experts recommend staying buckled inside your vehicle, keeping your head below the window line, and protecting yourself from debris. Always remember, a vehicle offers little protection from a tornado, so the best safety measure is to plan ahead and avoid driving during dangerous storms.

Stay tuned to 96.1 WTIM, Your Only Local News Radio, and taylorvilledailynews.com to stay up to date on breaking news and weather alerts.
 

Illinois drivers appear to finally be getting some relief at the pump.

According to GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Illinois has dropped 20-and-a-half cents over the past week to $4.31 per gallon. That's nearly 77 cents lower than a month ago, but still about 90 cents higher than this time last year.

GasBuddy reports prices across the state ranged from a low of $3.67 per gallon to a high of $5.99 per gallon on Sunday.

Among nearby metro areas, Champaign saw the largest weekly decline, falling 22 cents to $4.23 per gallon. Peoria prices dropped nearly 20 cents to $4.38, while the St. Louis area average fell almost 8 cents to $3.97 per gallon.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline fell 9.3 cents during the past week to $3.99 per gallon, marking the first time since mid-April that the national average has dipped below the four-dollar mark. The national average diesel price also declined, falling nearly 12 cents to $5.18 per gallon.
GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says gas prices fell in 47 states over the past week as oil prices moved lower amid reports of a possible agreement between the United States and Iran. He says the national average could continue to decline if oil markets remain stable and diplomatic progress continues.

For comparison, Illinois motorists were paying $5.57 per gallon on this date in 2022, during the height of the fuel price surge.

A Sangamon County man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office says investigators received information in April that a 15-year-old victim had been sexually assaulted by 45-year-old Vincent P. Kallal in 2024. Authorities say the incidents allegedly occurred at Kallal's residence in the 700 block of Dirksen Parkway.

Detectives, working with a child protection investigator from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, conducted an investigation that included interviews with medical professionals, the victim, and Kallal.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant late last week charging Kallal with three counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, one count of Criminal Sexual Assault, and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. The most serious charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from six to 30 years.

Kallal was taken into custody at his home in the 700 block of South Durkin Drive at approximately 10:30 on Friday, June 12th.

Investigators say the case led to the discovery of other previously unreported crimes allegedly committed by Kallal. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.

The Sheriff's Office thanked the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Unified Child Advocacy Network, and the Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office for their assistance with the investigation.

A Watson woman is the first patient in Illinois to undergo a new procedure designed to treat atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

Seventy-five-year-old Carolyn Burk says she has experienced at least a 75 percent improvement in her health and is no longer taking medication for the condition after undergoing the procedure performed by Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan of Prairie Cardiovascular.

Burk has battled AFib since her teenage years. The condition causes irregular and often rapid heart rhythms that can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Doctors were alerted to worsening episodes of AFib through a heart monitor implanted in Burk's chest. After the monitoring team detected uncontrolled episodes and multiple pauses in her heartbeat, surgery was scheduled within days.

The procedure utilized Abbott's Volt Pulsed Field Ablation system, a newer technology that uses short electrical pulses to target and destroy heart tissue responsible for abnormal heart rhythms. Unlike traditional ablation procedures that rely on heat or extreme cold, the technology is designed to reduce the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Dr. Rajagopalan says the procedure represents the latest advancement in heart rhythm treatment and allows Prairie Cardiovascular to offer cutting-edge care close to home for patients in central Illinois.

Burk says she feels the procedure has given her a new lease on life and hopes the treatment will help others suffering from AFib.

According to the American Heart Association, people with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to experience a stroke than those without the condition.

Lake Land College's Laker Food Pantry helped combat food insecurity among students in 2025 by providing more than 6,100 meals throughout the year.

College officials say the on-campus pantry distributed a total of 6,113 nutritious meals to students facing food insecurity. Located in the Luther Student Center, the pantry offers free groceries and shelf-stable food items to students in need.

Available items include canned soups, pasta, rice, cereal, granola bars, crackers, canned fruits and vegetables, and other non-perishable foods.

The Laker Food Pantry is supported through partnerships with organizations including the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, which supplies food to pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger-relief programs across 21 Illinois counties.

The pantry is open during the school year Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students interested in learning more about the pantry or volunteer opportunities can contact Lake Land College's Student Wellness Center.

The Taylorville Public Library (TPL) has announced that they have rescheduled their teen paint activity for the week to Thursday, June 18^th at 1 PM.

For any questions on openings for teen paint, go online to www.taylorvillelibrary.org. Registration to attend the teen paint activity is required and can also be done online. To register online CLICK HERE

Nara Organics of New York is voluntarily recalling all lots of its powdered infant formula currently on the market, citing an abundance of caution due to the potential risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that can produce toxins, which may lead to infant botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness in babies. The illness can occur when infants consume the spores of the bacteria, which can then grow in the intestinal tract and produce harmful neurotoxins.

Health officials say infants affected by botulism may show symptoms including constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, sluggish pupils, low muscle tone, difficulty sucking or swallowing, a weak or altered cry, general weakness, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, respiratory arrest.

The recalled Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula was distributed nationwide through Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. The company says the formula was only distributed within the United States.

The recalled products include Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula in the 700-gram size with UPC number 860013251901, and Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula in the 400-gram size with UPC number 860013251918.

Consumers who have this product are encouraged to stop using it immediately and check the packaging to determine if it is part of the recall. Parents and caregivers with questions or concerns about potential symptoms in an infant should contact a healthcare provider.

For more details about this recall and to see a full list of other recalls, CLICK HERE

The Christian County Multi-jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee met on Tuesday to discuss the local counties' tornado vulnerability analysis, results of a recent risk priority index exercise, different community lifelines, and asset vulnerability.

Speaking at Tuesday's informative committee meeting are Emergency Services Management Manager Andrea Campbell alongside of Certified Risk Assessor and Environmental Toxicologist Ken Runkle from Creek Run LLC, an environmental engineering corporation.

Ken Runkle goes over what a tornado vulnerability analysis is, and why it helps in mitigating risks. According to Runkle, this analysis is when an estimate is done on what future damages may occur from a particular hazard. When trying to assess how damaging a tornado would be in your community, Runkle states, that it all boils down to the average tornado size, and the size and number of buildings present within that jurisdiction.

Andrea Campbell then explains the risk priority index exercise results. The results come following the exercise sheets that several entities filled out during the last meeting. Campbell explains that this is a quantitative measure to ranking the hazards. The ranking assesses which hazards are the highest risk by three categories which are frequency of the hazard, impacts to life and health, and impacts to life and infrastructure.

Runkle explains what community lifelines are and why they are important to Hazard Mitigation. Community lifelines are identified by FEMA as crucial to the functionality and safety of the community and its residents. Some of those life lines include transportation, communications, water, and energy grids.

Campbell then has the attending entities fill out an asset vulnerability survey to assist with hazard mitigation. These specific surveys are done to determine what the vulnerability of each participating jurisdiction is to each identified hazard. FEMA requires a summary of key issues or problem statements and the effects that each hazard has for the jurisdictions or their assets, in order to approve of any sort of grant or for their projects to be able to move forward.

Runkle then explains what prioritization methodology is. Runkle says that prioritization methodology is a tool for assisting different jurisdictions and entities in finding out what the most important project is and the level of priority.

The final thing on the agenda is the mitigation action tables. Campbell explains, these mitigation action tables are there to help prioritize and put action to projects. Campbell also explains that in the case of state or government grants, FEMA requires these to be filled out. Campbell also explains the different categories of what can and cant be approved by FEMA for a grant to complete needed projects.

The next meeting is scheduled for 08/25/2026 at 2PM, Information on Creek Run LLC can be found at creekrun.com.

Find out details after the next meeting at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Only five weeks remain before the Christian County Fair begins, and the list of offerings for visitors continues to grow.  Details on the chili cook-off and a flower and garden show in the latter part of the festivities have been finalized.  The schedule is nearly full now, and so too is space to take part in some events.  This applies especially to the concert happening on Friday, July 24, featuring Gary Allan and Mark Chesnutt.  Angela Ohl-Marsters, the fair’s marketing and promotions director, says only a small handful of grandstand tickets remain for the performance. 

The chili cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 in the beer tent area.  It’s a regular, popular event at the county’s fair that takes place on a packed final day.

The flower and garden show begins on the fair’s first day in the expo building.  Those interested in presenting any plants or other displays must pre-register.

The Christian County Farm Bureau will, as expected, be ever present at the county’s fair this summer.  This is especially so for Alec Myers, the organization’s manager.  He will be at the livestock judging competitions and auction, which run Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. 

The winners for each species take part in a Master Showmanship competition later on Wednesday.  There, each participant’s entire livestock lineup is judged together to determine a champion. 

More information on the Christian County Fair is available at www.christiancountyfair.com.

Alec Myers and Angela Ohl-Marsters appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Water Department has issued a boiling order to be in effect for North Lawrence Avenue from Western Avenue to North Western Avenue. As well as 516, 523, and 524 North Western Avenue and 604 and 611 North Western Avenue.

This order is in effect as of 06/15/2026 for water main repairs, and will remain effective until a bacteriological sample can be taken to ensure public safety.

The Taylorville Water Department urges residents within the affected area to bring any water to be used for consumption to a rolling boil for a minimum of 5 minutes.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates when the boil order is lifted.

The Christian County Board is set to meet at 6 PM on Tuesday evening for their monthly board meeting in a special location, the Taylorville High School Cafeteria, due to the topic of data centers in the county. 

During the first part of the meeting, the county will hear from the public on agenda items, appointments, a presentation of a plaque to Cliff Fry, a PurrPaws Donation Presentation to Animal Control, a review for A Courthouse Grounds Application for the 4th of July Parade and Mayor Cookout at Taylorville Main Street, and a reading of communications.  There will also be a presentation from Ken Loeber with Eagle Rock Partners to answer questions from County Board Members and Elected Officials concerning a potential data center build in the county. 

Under highway, building, grounds the county will discuss a potential data center site visit, there will be a discussion on engineering Design Services for the Bear Creek Township Bridge Replacement Project, along with courthouse updates. Under executive, the Jail administrator is looking for an additional custodian and for a move from a part-time employee to a full time employee.  There will be an EMA update, a VFW update, and a CEFS update concerning public transportation particularly with Shelby County and Effingham County.  

Under Audit and finance, the county will look at referrals from other committees, a public defender part time budget increase, a veteran’s assistance commission budget, and potential approval of a data center site visit. 

Under new business, the county will discuss the data center site visit and hear from the public.  Stay tuned to Taylorville Daily News for all the latest on the county board meeting following the conclusion of the event. 

The Christian County Farm Bureau is busy with fundraisers, initiatives with its Young Ag Leaders Program, and preparing for the Christian County Fair.  The organization’s second annual golf outing is set for Saturday, August 8 at the Lakeshore Golf Course in Taylorville.  They will also have raffles and giveaways for members and non-members alike to raise money to help them continue to provide their many services in the community.

Alec Myers is the manager at the Christian County Farm Bureau.  He says there is still room for interested participants and sponsors to sign up.  Interested participants and teams can sign up here.

The organization is also raising money through a raffle.  The prize is a cooler from the outdoor equipment brand Yeti, and tickets are still available. 

The Christian County Farm Bureau will, as expected, be ever present at the county’s fair this summer.  They will provide banners for the livestock show winners and participate in the ag group luncheon on Thursday, July 23.

The Bureau will also be set up in the expo building all week long.  They will advertise their services and offer cold sweet treats as well to visitors.

More information on the Christian County Farm Bureau is available at www.christiancfb.org.

Alec Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Hazard Mitigation and Planning Committee is set to meet at the Taylorville Fire Station Training Room, located at 202 North Main Street in Taylorville. The meeting is scheduled to start at 2 PM to discuss with multiple area jurisdictions the results and outcomes of a recent vulnerability analysis.  

Multiple entities were asked at the last meeting to put together details to analyze vulnerability. The committee also asked the jurisdiction's representatives to fill out some worksheets that go over the risk priorities and community lifelines. 

These committee meetings and the results of these different analyses and worksheets are required to happen in order for the county to receive grant money from the state in the event of a widespread emergency. 

Those grants could help with cleanup efforts after severe weather or natural disasters, or even provide assistance for a jurisdiction to acquire better equipment and safety measures to keep the community safe.

The committee asks that those in attendance bring their draft mitigation project forms as well as any other completed forms from the first two meetings.  The committee also said that any of the jurisdictions that wish to participate, if you missed the first two meetings, then attendance at today's meeting is crucial.

Find out more information after the meeting by following along with taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday for its second regular monthly meeting. During the meeting, the council recognized the Taylorville High School Bass Fishing Team, along with the recent Illinois Principals Association Leadership Award (IPALA)  winners. 

In recognition of the Taylorville High School Bass Fishing Team, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry complimented Griffin Gregory and Vinny Verardi. Mayor Barry acknowledged them for their abilities and skills in the competition, as well as several other individual contributors, for the time and influence that they offered to make the bass fishing team and its achievements a reality.

Mayor Barry also gave recognition to 4 recipients of the Illinois Principals Association Leadership Award, acknowledging them for the leadership skills that they have shown in the schools they attend. The awards were given to students from North Elementary School, Taylorville Memorial Elementary School, Taylorville Junior High School, and Taylorville High School. 

Pictured Below are Griffin Gregory and Vinny Verardi from the THS Bass Fishing Team:

Pictured below are recipients of the IPALA Award:

Under ordinance, the council discussed a motion amending paragraph A. of section 9-8-3 of the Taylorville City Code. This discussion would be on a $250.00 sign permit fee. The City Code amendment was approved 8-0. There was a motion to approve the resolution providing indemnity for directors and employees of the Taylorville Public Library, which was approved 7-0.

There was an approval to direct the Taylorville City Clerk’s Office to prepare the appropriations ordinance for the 2026/27 fiscal year, and be available for public view in the city clerk’s office no later than July 17, 2026. This motion was approved 7-0.

The council approved a motion to approve Fire Chief Matt Adermann to purchase tires for engine 2 and squad 1 from Neal Tires at a cost of $5,433.85. 

The council also approved the purchase of ammunition from Kiesler’s Police Supply at a cost of $5,440.40 and the tactical training of 2 police officers at a cost of $1,600. Both items were approved 7-0.

At the end of the meeting, the council received updates from Taylorville City Attorney Rocci Romano and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.

Keep following taylorvilledailynews.com for more updates following Taylorville City Council meetings.
 

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet tonight at 7 PM for its regular monthly meeting. During the meeting, the council will give recognition to the Taylorville High School Bass Fishing Team and will also recognize the IPALA Award Winners. 

Under ordinance, the council will discuss amending paragraph A. of section 9-8-3 of the Taylorville City Code. This discussion would be on a $250.00 sign permit fee. There will also be a motion to approve the resolution providing indemnity for directors and employees of the Taylorville Public Library.

Other motions include directing the Taylorville City Clerk’s Office to prepare the appropriations ordinance for the 2026/27 fiscal year, and that the document be available for public view in the city clerk’s office no later than July 17, 2026. 

After those motions, the council will hear committee reports. During the committee reports, the council will hear a motion to approve Assurity’s open enrollment date to be moved to June of 2026, with an effective date of July 1st.

The council will hear a motion to approve Fire Chief Matt Adermann to purchase tires for engine 2 and squad 1 from Neal Tires at a cost of $5,433.85. There will also be a motion to approve the purchase of ammunition from Kiesler’s Police Supply at a cost of $5,440.40 and a motion to approve the tactical training of 2 police officers at a cost of $1,600.

At the end of the meeting, the council will receive updates from Taylorville City Attorney Rocci Romano and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.

Keep following taylorvilledailynews.com after the meeting concludes for more updates.

Members of the Taylorville Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter brought home multiple honors during the event, including a State Championship title for the chapter’s Livestock Judging Team. The team was recognized with a State Championship plaque, marking another major achievement for the Taylorville FFA program. 

The chapter also received national recognition, being named a National Finalist Chapter. The honor highlights the hard work, dedication, and involvement of FFA members throughout the year. 

Several Taylorville students also represented their chapter through special performances at the convention. Elsie Williamson was selected to perform as part of the State FFA Drum Line, while Abby Wamsley wrapped up the final convention session as a member of the State FFA Band. 

The Taylorville FFA Chapter says these accomplishments showcase the commitment and talent of its students, as they continue to represent their school and community at the state level. 

Congratulations to the Taylorville FFA students, advisors, and families on these outstanding achievements. 

For more information on the Future Farmers of America, visit www.ffa.org. Use the Chapter Locator feature found under the “Explore FFA” tab on the website to locate Taylorville’s FFA Chapter. 

Lake Land College is inviting the community to come together and celebrate Juneteenth with a special event on Thursday, June 18. 

The celebration will take place from 9 AM until 2 PM in the Luther Student Center and is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Organizers say the event will feature a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Black-owned business fair, games, music, family-friendly activities, and an authentic fashion and hair show. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to see a performance by magician and mind-reader Noah Sonie. Sonie gained national attention after appearing on the television magic competition series Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 

In addition to the entertainment, participants can take part in a Walk for Freedom designed to celebrate Juneteenth while supporting Lake Land College students. Indoor, outdoor and wheelchair-accessible walking routes will be available across campus throughout the event. 

The walk is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mattoon, which has pledged to donate up to one thousand dollars to the Lake Land College Opportunity Fund. The fund helps students facing unexpected financial hardships. For every mile walked during the event, the Rotary Club will contribute ten dollars to the fund. 

College officials say the Juneteenth celebration is one of several events taking place throughout the Coles County area this year in recognition of the holiday. 

For more information about the Lake Land College Juneteenth celebration or other Juneteenth events in the community, contact Mercury Bowe by sending an email to mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu or go online to www.lakelandcollege.edu. 

Brian M. Grove, a man accused of possessing, reproducing, and distributing child sexual abuse materials (CSAMs), was seen again on Friday, June 12th, in Christian County Court. During his court hearing, more evidence was brought to the surface that resulted in Grove receiving the added charges of criminal sexual assault against a minor, on top of an additional criminal sexual assault charge, but also in him being ordered into custody. 

There are 3 total victims of the sexual assault charges. 2 of the alleged victims are now over the age of 18, but they had reported that Grove had made them perform sexual acts on him also while on camera. According to the 2 alleged teenage victims, the assaults took place back when they were minors.  

The third alleged victim is an adult. The alleged adult victim was unaware at the time of the incident due to being incapacitated, until a video was discovered that showed Grove allegedly committing acts of criminal sexual assault while she was either sleeping or incapacitated. The adult victim has chosen to press charges.  

The alleged sexual assault took place in Grove’s former home, which is in Macoupin County. The Macoupin County States Attorney has been made aware of the discovery of this evidence and is now also filing charges in Macoupin County. Upon discovery of this new evidence, an arrest warrant was issued. Grove attempted to turn himself in Thursday night but was refused by the jail due to his underlying health conditions and need for regular medical treatment.  

The state called the Christian County Sheriff’s Office’s Administrative Assistant, Cecil Polley, to the witness stand. Polley was sworn in and gave testimony. The court discussed the conditions of the jail and its ability to accommodate Grove’s medical needs.

Upon confirmation of the jail’s ability to provide the medical resources Grove would need, the judge approved the state's request to have Grove detained, and an order of detention is now set in motion. Grove was set to be processed into the Christian County Jail immediately. The Christian County Court will see Grove again for a status hearing on June 15th, 2026, at 10 AM. 

A previous story on Brian Grove after his original arrest, CLICK HERE. Keep following along with our website after his next court appearance for further updates. 

Experts are warning the public of a number of potential water-related hazards as official summer approaches.  These dangers primarily involve the potential exposure of water to electricity.  From open water to swimming pools and even puddles following heavy rain, being aware of risks and what to know and look for can save lives. 

The University of Illinois Extension has partnered with SafeElectricity.org to educate the public on this matter.  Valerie Belusko, a community and economic development educator at the Extension, says downed power lines after a storm can energize water in puddles they contact. 

Marinas are another aquatic location of concern.  Belusko says people should not swim near marinas due to the many electrical components that exist in these places. 

Homes on lakes such as Bertinetti Lake may have floating docks.  The level of safety with swimming near these docks depends on a number of factors, such as their electrical capabilities and other surroundings. 

There are precautions to take for swimming pools, as well.  Swimmers are urged to – among other things – check for electrical equipment and know the location of circuit breakers. 

Belusko also advises reminding guests of these safety tips, as they may otherwise not know where circuit breakers and other safety equipment are located. 

More information on this topic is available at www.safeelectricity.org.  More information on the University of Illinois Extension is available at extension.illinois.edu. 

Valerie Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Some of Illinois' top high school football talent will take the field later this month for a good cause.

The 52nd Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game is set for Saturday, June 20th at Tucci Stadium on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 AM, with pregame festivities beginning at 10 AM.

The all-star event will feature 97 of the state's best graduating high school football players and serves as a fundraiser for Shriner's Children's hospitals in Chicago and St.

Louis. Last year's game raised nearly $16,000, with every dollar supporting patient care programs.

Among the athletes selected to participate is a familiar local name. South Fork High School graduate George Bailey of Kincaid will represent the area in the game. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back earned a spot among Illinois' elite players and will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on a statewide stage while helping raise money for children in need.

Admission to the Shrine Game is $12, with tickets available at the gate. Organizers say the event is designed not only to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding student-athletes, but also to raise awareness and support for the life-changing care provided by Shriner's Children's.

To find out more information and for details following the game, head online to taylorvilledailynews.com after the game concludes.

People's Bank & Trust (PBT) is welcoming back a familiar face to its consumer banking team. 

The bank announced that Sarah Van Huss has rejoined the organization as a Consumer Banking Officer. Based at the Taylorville branch, Van Huss will support the consumer banking department while working directly with customers across the bank's service area. 

PBT President and CEO John Gardner says the bank is excited to welcome Van Huss back, noting that her extensive banking experience, leadership background, and strong community connections make her an outstanding addition to the team. Gardner added that her knowledge and dedication to customer service will help strengthen consumer banking operations and support customers throughout the organization. 

In her new role, Van Huss will report directly to Jennifer Nagle and provide support to the consumer banking department bank-wide. Officials say the newly created position reflects the bank's continued commitment to enhancing customer service and providing personalized financial solutions. 

Van Huss is no stranger to PBT. From 2013 through 2022, she served in several positions within the consumer banking department, including Assistant Vice President of Consumer Banking in Taylorville. She returns with an additional four years of banking experience and is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she completed the program in 2022. 

Beyond her banking career, Van Huss has remained active in the Taylorville community. She is a former school board member and a past Chamber of Commerce board member. She currently serves as an Elder at Davis Memorial Christian Church and is part of the leadership team for the church's Celebrate Recovery program. She also volunteers as a CEO Mentor. 

For detailed information about Peoples Bank & Trust, visit www.bankpbt.com.

Pictured below is Sara Van Huss.

The Christian County Jail has undergone significant changes in recent months and years.  Many of these changes are aesthetic ones, with renovations to increase safety and security and improve the overall quality of the buildings.  Others involve introducing programs to help inmates recover from drug addiction and other personal challenges. 

Cecil Polley, the jail administrator for the Christian County Sheriff's Office, has overseen these alterations.  He calls some of the improvements "life-saving."

The Christian County Jail has also begun the Medically Assisted Recovery (MAR) Now program.  The Sheriff's Office received federal funding which has allowed for this move.  The jail collaborates with Family Guidance, a Springfield-based drug treatment center.  Polley says this allows inmates to access care and necessary prescription drugs more easily. 

Polley contrasts his agency's work with that of Safe Passage.  He says the ("Mar") MAR Now program works with those already serving time in jail, whereas Safe Passage aims to keep their visitors out of jail.

The jail has assisted 65 people through the MAR Now program.  Most, but not all, were in the jail at that point. 

The Christian County Jail also welcomes local recovery groups in to host sessions with inmates who can benefit from their work. 

More information on the Christian County Sheriff's Office is available at www.christiancountysheriff.com.

Cecil Polley appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The City of Taylorville is celebrating a new addition at Oak Hill Cemetery with the grand opening of its new columbarium, providing families with a permanent and dignified option for the placement of cremated remains.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday morning to celebrate and honor the new addition at the cemetery. Taylorville City Council Member and Ward 3 Alderwoman Megan Bryant held the scissors and did the cutting of the ribbon.  

Bryant said that the ribbon cutting is to commemorate this new columbarium having reached its long-awaited arrival, and that local leadership believes it will be good for the community. Bryant also said it is a well-done job and hopes the community will have a chance to come and see it.

City officials say the project was developed in response to the growing number of families choosing cremation while still wanting a lasting place to honor and remember loved ones. The columbarium offers a peaceful setting within Oak Hill Cemetery and is designed to complement the beauty and tradition of the historic cemetery grounds.  

The structure features 98 secure niches for the inurnment of cremated remains. Each niche can accommodate up to two sets of cremated human remains, allowing families the opportunity to keep loved ones together in a permanent memorial space. The purchase price for a niche is $1,500 and includes the initial opening and closing of the niche. Additional fees may apply for a second inurnment and other services as outlined in City Code.  

A detailed list of memorial services and how much they cost can be found at taylorville.net underneath the “Government” tab, select “Oak Hill Cemetery Pricing.” 

For more news stories like this one, keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com 

For further information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), visit www.taylorvillechamber.com. 

Pictured below from left to right: Steve Dennis, Jolynne Richardson, Megan Bryant, Mike Tennant, Holly Cahill, Tracy Bentley, and Mark Wolfe.

HSHS Medical Group is welcoming a new Physician and expanding its medical staff in Taylorville.
Dr. Ujunwa Ebili has joined HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care on West Burnett Drive as a family medicine physician. She will provide care for patients of all ages, with a focus on preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and supporting long-term health needs.

Dr. Ebili also has a special interest in geriatrics and has experience caring for older adults and patients with complex medical conditions. She says family medicine plays an important role in maintaining a healthy community and that she looks forward to serving patients in Taylorville.

Dr. Ebili earned her medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, completed her family medicine residency training in Chicago, and later completed a geriatrics fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She is board certified in family and lifestyle medicine.

Appointments can be scheduled through HSHS Medical Group by calling 217-321-9310 or by visiting the HSHS website.