On Wednesday, July 28th, Hart Media Group interviewed Jeff Pilson, former bass player for Dokken and current bass player for Foreigner.

As heard on Groovy 97.3 WRAN, Pilson spoke about many topics. The first thing discussed was what his experience was like working with Dokken, and the lengthened stint he did with a band called Dio, and how it differs from Foreigner. According to Pilson, it was shockingly not all that different. 

Pilson also explained what drove him to selecting bass guitar as his instrument. Pilson explained that he started playing when he was 12 years old, and what keeps him playing to this day is his true passion for music, and love of playing.

Pilson also explained what his biggest influences are as a bass player, citing 2 of the best bass players out there, Paul McCartney from the Beatles and Chris Squire from the band Yes.

Pilson then shared a story, about a funny moment on stage while at a live show. Pilson shares a story about a time when he brought some audience members up on stage at a show. The drummer proceeded to hand one of these audience members a drumstick, and the member of the audience began to follow the current song’s rhythm by hitting Pilson’s elbow with the stick.  

To close out the interview, Pilson was asked what still motivates him to pick up a bass guitar and walk on stage night after night. Pilson responded by explaining that his passion for playing bass, and for music is what keeps him going show after show and tour after tour. Another motivator for Pilson, was the connection with the community.

The full 14 minute and 30 second interview can be heard by clicking the play button below.

Foreigner will be performing with special guest Goodbye June at the Devan Lakeshore Amphitheater on Augst 4th at 7 PM. Tickets are available online at devonamphitheater.com.

For all of your local news, visit taylorvilledailynews.com.

Community members in Mt. Auburn and beyond will come together this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the 139th annual Mt. Auburn Farmers Picnic.  This year’s theme is “blast from the past.”  As part of it, attendees can witness the opening of a time capsule buried fifty years ago.  Pageants, car shows, a parade, live music, and more will entertain visitors across the three days.

The event’s organizing committee from fifty years ago filled and buried the capsule.  The committee’s current president, Shamron Krachum, says only three people on the aforementioned committee are still around. 

The pageant takes place on the first night.  Ann Holladay, the organizing committee’s secretary and pageant director, says there are five categories, of which one has a food drive component.

The festival’s parade will run Saturday morning.  There are also awards for the best-presented groups/floats. 

More information on the Mount Auburn Farmers Picnic is available at www.mtauburnfarmerspicnic.com. 

Ann Holladay and Shamron Krachum appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Entrepreneurs in and around Nokomis will have the opportunity to launch or expand their own business in a vacant lot in town.  The Newkomis organization is holding a small business competition from August through November.  One winner will earn the opportunity to open their business in a building the city currently controls which has gone unused.  They will also receive funding towards further building rehabilitation and other necessary labor.

Initial applications can be submitted from August 1 to September 13.  Audra Elam is a community and economic development coordinator for the City of Nokomis.  She says the competition consists of multiple phases, with presentations made and business plans submitted. 

The prize for the winner includes not only the building but also grant funds through the city as well as access to physical labor services through other local businesses. 

Elam says the city and the Newkomis organization have wanted to preserve the unused building and believe giving it away through the competition is a way to do just that. 

Elam says the city and Newkomis are open to most kinds of businesses that would welcome those of all ages, but they want something that is poised to last. 

More information on the small business competition is available on its Facebook page.

Audra Elam appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

A random set of members of Shelby Electric Cooperative will have the opportunity to complete a survey on their experiences with the energy provider.  The cooperative hopes to use the feedback they collect to improve their services.  Kevin Bernson, vice president of media and public relations, says access to the survey will be sent via email or physical postcard.

Bernson says feedback from past surveys has given way to such developments as the cooperative’s new fiber offering and the introduction of Sensus meters. 

More information on Shelby Electric Cooperative is available at www.shelbyelectric.coop or by calling (217) 774-3986. 

Kevin Bernson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Jarred Rahar was welcomed by Kiwanis members as they met for their Tuesday noon luncheon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

As President of the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation, Rahar provided some insight as to what the organization is and what it does.

Rahar stated that the Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization comprised of 16 members. Two of the members are active teachers within the school district providing the needed insight as to the need for requested financial assistance. The goal of the foundation is to raise funds and give back to the children of the Taylorville School District.

Rahar went on to explain that the foundation accepts applications for different types of grants. Among those grants is a mini grant, which is submitted by teachers, for assistance with obtaining items that will benefit their entire class.

The primary fundraising event for the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation is the Spring Fundraiser. Entertainment is provided along with a meal making the event. This event is not only to benefit Taylorville Schools, but also to create a memorable evening for those in attendance.

For more information regarding the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation, CLICK HERE.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization focused on supporting youth and the local community. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at Taylorville Moose Lodge.

 For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com or email the club at TaylorvilleKiwanis@gmail.com

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

The Taylorville Public Library is in the closing stages of its summer reading program. The events related to the program are done, but staff are now tallying up the amount of reading its participants have completed this summer.  Library officials are reporting ever growing levels of participation with respect to summer reading.  Erin Crommett, who handles outreach and promotions for the library, says the top readers will win prizes.

Crommett says attendance at events was consistently high, including at new ones. 

More information on the Taylorville Public Library is available at www.taylorvillelibrary.org.

Erin Crommett appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

New questions are coming to light regarding an investigation into a former member of the Illinois General Assembly.  State Representative Harry Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, resigned on July 3 amid bipartisan pressure to do so.  He had been accused of sexual harassment and other unethical conduct toward a female lobbyist.  Reporting last week from the Chicago Tribune indicates a staffer first raised similar concerns back in 2023. 

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says the precise reason for the investigation playing out as it did is unclear. 

Dr. Redfield adds that Republicans may look to use this case, as well as that involving State Representative Carol Ammons, in campaigning ahead of elections this November. 

More information on the Illinois General Assembly is available at www.ilga.gov.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Community Credit Union announced that they are preparing to open the doors to its new Taylorville facility on Wednesday, August 5th. This marks the completion of months of planning, development, and construction.

The new 6,303-square-foot building, located at 820 North Webster Street, has been designed to provide members with expanded services and greater convenience. According to TCCU President Will Perkins, the modern facility features an onsite ATM, private member service offices for opening accounts and conducting financial business, personalized drive-up service, and improved accessibility.

The new location also provides room for future growth, including additional workspace for staff and a community room that will be used for training sessions, meetings, and other events.

Perkins says the project was the result of a collaborative effort between the credit union's Board of Directors, management team, design-build partner Keeley Construction, and the City of Taylorville. He says the shared goal throughout the project was to create a facility that meets both the current and future financial service needs of members.

While the new branch officially opens for business on August 5, the credit union also plans to celebrate with a combined grand opening and Member Appreciation event in early September. Additional details on that event are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Hart Media Group has attempted to contact Perkins for an interview to get more details and additional statements on the new building.

Stay tuned to taylorvilledailynews.com for updates after we’ve had the chance to speak with him.

Shelby Electric Cooperative is promoting its new use of Sensus energy meters.  While meters are a part of any home or establishment, Sensus meters are unique products designed to provide deeper insights into energy usage.  Kevin Bernson, vice president of media and public relations at Shelby Electric Cooperative, says its features will help customers save on their energy bills.  

The cooperative is in the early stages of installing the Sensus meters but looks to expand their presence soon. 

More information on Shelby Electric Cooperative is available at www.shelbyelectric.coop or by calling (217) 774-3986. 

Kevin Bernson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Members of the Illinois State House are assessing their options regarding State Representative Carol Ammons.  The Champaign-based Democrat was indicted on July 7 on charges involving wire fraud, lying to the FBI, and obstruction of justice relating to alleged misuse of campaign funds, among other actions.  Ammons has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in office despite calls to resign.  She is also running for re-election and will appear unopposed on the ballot this fall.

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says it is too late for Republicans to run a candidate against Ammons, and expulsion can only be done once on the basis of her alleged actions. 

However, if a General Assembly member is convicted of such crimes, they would become ineligible to serve in public office.  Dr. Redfield expects a trial would not begin until 2027. 

More information on the Illinois General Assembly is available at www.ilga.gov.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Agricultural Fair has come to a close. After a week filled of activities from livestock judging to a big grandstand performance. 

At this years Christian County Ag Fair, it was hard not to find something to enjoy. The beer tent hosted a great view of the track for Wednesday night’s stock car races and for Thursday’s tractor and truck pull. Aside from a great view of the track, the beer tent also hosted live music, and was where Thursday’s Community Ag Luncheon took place. 

As engines roared, the crowd cheered for the stock car races that took place on day 2 of the fair.

Pictured below are some of the moments captured by Heart Media Journalist, Dylan Clark.

Although the roaring stock care engines reached quite a high volume, the loudest volume level was from the custom built tractors that competed at the tractor and truck pull on day 3 of the fair. 

Pictured below is a photo of "Thermal Thunder" from the tractor and truck pull, courtesy of Dylan Clark.

This specific tractor used two Cobra helicopter engines for its main power.

Following the tractor and truck pull on Thursday, the beer tent featured live music from the Brandi Kristin Band, who sang cover songs from the mid 80’s all the way up to the early 2000’s. Their singer, was actually one of the original live music feat's lead vocalists from back when the band Antics used to perform there every year.

Below are some photos from the Brandi Kristin Band performance. Courtesy of Dylan Clark.

The Gary Allan concert, which left the grandstand completely sold out, took place on Friday night, with special opening act Mark Chestnut. Before the Show, Dylan Clark from Hart Media Group spoke onstage with Tuesday night’s Miss Christian County Pageant winners. The peagant queens, and moments from Mark Chestnut and Gary Allan can be seen pictured below.

Peagant Queens being interviewed by Dylan Clark (Far left) who was currently speaking to Blakely Fisher, Little Miss Christian County, next to Junior Miss Christian County Jolie Cavatorta (Middle), and Miss Christian County Alivia Kent (Right). Photo Courtesy of Joseph Clark.

Mark Chestnut's Performance: Photo Courtesy of Dylan Clark

Gary Allan's Performance: Photo Courtesy of Dylan Clark

Throughout the week, the fair hosted other events as well, such as Community Day, which featured various job seekers and vendors from both local communities as well as all around Illinois. Some of the booths at the community day event, were even businesses that sponsored the fair. There was also the Kiddie Tot Rod, which was a tractor racing event for the youth of the community to race in.

The fair was a defined as a success by some organizers considering the fair only needed to cancel one event, the Saturday Car Cruise, due to potential weather.

Saturday night, however, featured a demolition derby before closing out for the weekend.

The Christian County Fair Board gave thanks to all of those who sponsored the fair this year, and another big thanks to all of the participants who made this year's Christian County Agricultural Fair a reality.

Find "fair only" stories at taylorvilledailynews.com by going to the "County Fair" tab.

The Taylorville Police Department is inviting residents to spend an evening getting to know local officers during a community event next month. The event is free and open to the public.

"Cops, Coffee, & Cold Scoops" will be held on Friday, August 7th, from 5 to 7 PM at LP Coffee & Creamery. The event is designed to bring officers and community members together in a relaxed setting while offering families an opportunity to interact with local law enforcement.

During the event, attendees can receive a free coffee or a free scoop of ice cream, courtesy of the Taylorville Police Department. Organizers say the evening will also feature activities for children of all ages, making it a family-friendly event for the community.

One of the highlights of the evening will be a police K-9 demonstration, scheduled to begin at 6 PM, giving visitors the chance to see one of the department's K-9 teams in action and learn more about the role police dogs play in law enforcement.

The Taylorville Police Department encourages residents to stop by, meet local officers, enjoy a complimentary treat, and take part in an evening focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.

For more information, visit the Taylorville Police Department’s Facebook page. Get all your local news online, at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville Public Library is busy with events this week and next.  Today included, the schedule for the next three days focuses on reading-related events.  Next week sees representatives from the library set to attend local resource fairs to connect with the community.  Erin Crommett, who handles outreach and promotions for the library, says a book club, “homeschool hive,” and story time are on the calendar this week.  

The library will also host a “paint splash mural” event.  As of Monday, the date has not been announced. 

More information on the Taylorville Public Library is available at www.taylorvillelibrary.org.

Erin Crommett appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Health Department is inviting expectant parents and growing families to attend a free Breastfeeding Basics Class designed to help participants begin their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

The class will be held on Friday, August 7th, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Christian County Health Department, located at 730 North Pawnee Street in Taylorville.

Led by Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Tahnee Callaway, the session is open to first-time parents, those expecting another child, or anyone looking for a refresher on breastfeeding basics. Organizers say the class will provide practical information in a relaxed and supportive environment, helping families feel more prepared before welcoming their new baby.

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is encouraged. Those interested can reserve a spot by calling the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.

Health Department officials say they look forward to providing support, education, and encouragement to families as they prepare for their breastfeeding journey. More details are available online at cchdil.org. 

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

The Taylorville Park Board met Monday Evening to discuss new and old business covering various topics including updates on the pool, a space rental agreement between the park district and Taylorville Music Lessons, and to hear the regular reports from the Maintenance Superintendent Ben Dempsey, Recreation Director Evan Mitchell, and Office Coordinator Linda Moomey.

The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the June meeting. This approval was made with all in favor. For the Treasurers Report, which included discussions on the balances of the beginning financial balance for the month of June, the balance received during the month, and the balance dispersed. The motion to accept the treasurers’ report was approved with no opposition.

Under new business, the park board discussed Geri Nieman and their relation to Perkinson Park. Nieman is a master Gardner, who wants to see if she can get approved to gather a group of volunteer’s that would be volunteering to take care of the fruit plants and other edible plants that are growing at Perkinson Park. The allocation of Nieman to maintain Perkinson Park was approved with no opposition. Park Board President Marlane Miller said they would love to have her on board. 

Next on the agenda for the evening was discussion of old business. Topics discussed under old business included an update on the manners park pool.

For the Pool update, the park board has been working with contractors to renovate the pool area, and it seems like a larger portion of the time it’s taking to re-open has been due to decisions on how to maintain the new pool, and time being allocated to get the renovation project started and moving. There also have been delays in assigning an arbitrator and needing a demolition contract to take out the old pool before renovations can begin. 

The park board also gave the public a chance to speak towards the beginning of the meeting, and closed out with an executive session. The monthly reports from Ben Dempsey, Evan Mitchell, and Linda Moomey were all approved.

Follow along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates after future meetings. 

The National Weather Service has reported yet another round of extreme heat indexes across Illinois. In some parts of the state, communities are seeing heat indexes as high as 117 degrees, which for areas surrounded by corn, can easily become between 120 and 125 degrees. Cooling centers in many communities are available to provide those who cant find air conditioning or ways to stay cool an option to not overheat. 

Taylorville’s Fire Department have announced on social media that during the extremely hot portion of today, the fire department can be used as a cooling center. To find a cooling center in your community, reach out to your local emergency management, or call the local police stations non-emergency number.

Aside from extreme heat, the NWS is also urging residents across Central and Eastern Illinois to remain weather aware this afternoon and evening as the potential for severe thunderstorms continues.

Forecasters say there is still some uncertainty regarding exactly how the storms will develop. A level 2 out of 5 risk is in place for Christian County and for most of the central portion of the state, but a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather is in place for areas east of a line extending from Henry to Bloomington and south to Paris, Illinois.

The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds, with some wind gusts potentially exceeding 70 to 75 miles per hour. Isolated large hail is also possible with the strongest storms. Tornado potential has not been ruled out but is deemed by the NWS as unlikely. There is still a potential for a pop up tornado, which are usually on the weaker end and don’t stay on the ground for long. 

The highest threat for severe weather is expected between 2:00 o'clock this afternoon and 9:00 o'clock this evening, with storms moving from north to south across the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts throughout the day, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe weather develops.

More information on the National Weather Service can be found at www.weather.gov.

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

Hart Media Group interviewed Democratic candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor Christian Mitchell on Saturday to discuss his public service career and his priorities for the state if elected.

Mitchell previously served as Illinois Deputy Governor under Governor JB Pritzker, where he worked on initiatives involving infrastructure, energy, and statewide development. He also currently serves in the Illinois National Guard and said his commitment to public service was inspired by his mother, and grandfather.

When asked about his top priorities, Mitchell said he would focus on lowering costs, raising wages, and supporting Illinois farmers, businesses, and workers while working to keep the cost of living affordable.

In his interview, Mitchell was asked about his top priorities are for the state of Illinois should he be elected. Mitchell stated that his main priority would be to lower costs and raise wages. Mitchell also states he plans to stand up for our farmers, businesses, and our workers in the state to ensure that the cost to live in our state remains affordable.

Mitchell also said that, based on conversations with voters, the issues he hears about most are the rising cost of living and access to healthcare. Mitchell also added that he would continue efforts to improve Illinois roads and bridges to help ensure safe travel for residents across the state.

Learn more about the Illinois General Assembly at www.ilga.gov. For more local news, weather, sports, and community updates, visit taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Christian County Health Department has confirmed the county's first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample of the 2026 season. Thankfully, state health officials report there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois so far this year.

The mosquitoes were collected in Taylorville on July 20 and tested by the department's Environmental Health staff on July 22nd. Confirmatory testing was completed at the Christian County Health Department laboratory. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a county is considered positive for West Nile virus when the virus is detected in a mosquito, bird, horse, or human.

Health officials say recent warm and humid weather has created ideal conditions for mosquito populations across the area. Public Health Administrator Dr. Chad Anderson says the department conducts mosquito surveillance throughout the season to identify West Nile virus activity early and keep residents informed.

Anderson adds that ongoing surveillance, combined with community efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent mosquito bites, plays an important role in protecting public health.

The Christian County Health Department will continue monitoring and testing mosquitoes throughout the county for the remainder of the season.

Residents are encouraged to reduce standing water around their homes, where mosquitoes breed, and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites when spending time outdoors.

For more information about West Nile virus or other disease-carrying insects, contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.

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

The Christian County Prevention Coalition wants community members to know of the host of recovery resources with which they are partnered.  Celebrate Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Safe Passage each have their own defined target audience.  Nic Banning, a member of the Coalition, says AA and NA meet most days of the week in Taylorville. 

Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at Davis Memorial Christian Church, also in Taylorville. 

Banning adds that the CCPC looks to understand the needs of the community when refining the work they do

The Christian County Prevention Coalition meets once a month at the Taylorville Public Library, and the public is invited. 

More information on the Christian County Prevention Coalition is available at www.cc-pc.org.

Nic Banning appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Park Board is set to meet for its regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 PM to discuss various approvals, new and old business, and hear departmental reports.

The park board is set to begin the meeting by considering approval of the minutes from their June 22 meeting, followed by a review of the treasurer's report.

Under new business, the board will discuss Perkinson Park with Geri Nieman. Under old business, members are expected to receive an update on the city pool, review an Environmental Protection Agency letter dated July 10, acknowledge receipt of a letter from Sikich, and continue discussions regarding Taylorville Music Lessons rentals.

The board will also hear reports from Maintenance Superintendent Ben Dempsey, Recreation Director Evan Mitchell, and Office Administrator Linda Moomey. The meeting will conclude with committee reports before board members consider approval of bills and departmental reports.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates after tonight’s meeting.

See below for tonights meeting agenda:

Fans of antique treasures and hidden history may soon have a chance to see their collections featured on national television.

The hit History Channel series American Pickers is planning to return to Illinois and Iowa this September to film new episodes, and the show's hosts are looking for private collections filled with unique antiques, rare artifacts, and memorable stories.

The documentary series follows expert pickers as they travel the country's back roads searching for historically significant items and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Producers say they're especially interested in meeting people with unusual collections and learning the stories behind the objects they've spent years preserving.

The show is not looking for retail businesses, flea markets, antique malls, museums, auction houses, or other collections that are open to the public. Instead, producers want to visit private properties where forgotten treasures may be tucked away in barns, garages, basements, or outbuildings.

If you or someone you know has a unique collection and would be willing to sell some of the items, the American Pickers team is encouraging you to reach out by phone at (646) 493-2184 or email at AmericanPickers@cineflix.com.

Interested collectors should provide their name, phone number, location, a description of the collection, and photos for consideration.

For more news, weather, and sports for your local area, visit taylorvilledailynews.com.

A new Illinois law is aimed at improving how schools support students who rely on service animals.

Legislation championed by State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield requires schools to include training on the proper handling of service animals as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act training already provided to teachers, administrators and school support staff.

Federal law already protects the rights of students with disabilities to use service animals in public schools. Supporters say the new measure will help ensure school personnel better understand those protections while promoting a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

The legislation was inspired by a Rochester High School student who relies on a medical alert dog to help manage Type 1 diabetes. The dog alerts the student when her blood sugar drops to dangerous levels, allowing her to respond before the situation becomes life-threatening.

Last year, the student reported repeated harassment involving her service animal, including classmates stepping on the dog's legs, pulling its tail, throwing food at it, and barking at it in school hallways. She also shared her concerns publicly, saying more needed to be done to protect both her and her service animal.

Senator Turner says every student deserves to feel welcome at school and that families who depend on accommodations should be met with compassion rather than discrimination.

Senate Bill 2761 was signed into law on Friday and is scheduled to take effect January 1st, 2027.

Information on the Illinois General Assembly can be found at www.ilga.gov.

For all of you local news, weather, sports, and more, visit taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is inviting families to kick off the back-to-school season with a free day of educational fun during its annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 1, in Springfield.

The event will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM at Union Square Park, located at 500 East Madison Street next to the Lincoln Presidential Museum. If rain is in the forecast, activities will move inside the presidential library. Free parking will be available in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum parking garage at Sixth and Madison Streets.

Children attending the event will have the opportunity to answer trivia questions, participate in hands-on art and science activities, meet animals from the Henson Robinson Zoo, and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits. New this year, Foam and Flight Bubble Parties will provide bubble-filled entertainment, while the StoneLion Puppet Theatre will bring bears, monsters, and giant insects to life through live puppet performances. A food truck will also be on-site offering snacks and drinks for purchase.

The Back to School Bash also offers resources for parents and caregivers. Families can take advantage of free children's haircuts, learn about programs available through the Lincoln Public Library, receive safety information, and connect with local organizations offering educational and community services.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Executive Director Christina Shutt said the event is designed to help children transition from summer vacation back into the classroom through fun, hands-on learning experiences while also providing parents with valuable back-to-school resources.

Several organizations are expected to participate, including the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois State Museum, University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts, the YMCA, Sangamon County Health Department, iMagic Nation, and many other community partners.

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

One member of the Christian County Prevention Coalition is sharing his story of recovering from drug abuse.  Richard “Chase” Holbrook is now three years sober, thanks in part to the services of a local resource known as Celebrate Recovery.  The Coalition promotes the availability of this resource and others as part of its mission to bring such partners together and help community members in need.

Holbrook says a near-death experience from drug use is when he first saw the need to pursue recovery. 

Holbrook says discovering the Celebrate Recovery program showed him that escaping drug addiction was possible and feasible. 

Holbrook adds that the program helped him discover that the underlying challenge he faced was not the drug use but rather emotional and mental challenges. 

Learning about others’ journeys and working through setbacks were other major factors in his road to sobriety. 

The Celebrate Recovery chapter at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville meets Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m.  More information is available at www.davismemorialchristian.org/celebrate-recovery-taylorville.

Richard “Chase” Holbrook appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Jill Ruot was welcomed by Kiwanis Members as their guest speaker as they met for their Tuesday noon luncheon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

Ruot is the human resources and special events coordinator for the Christian County YMCA.  Ruot focused on the many programs that are scheduled for area youth, including a back-to-school basketball skills camp, along with fall soccer and basketball leagues.  New this year is a "Punt, Pass, and Kick Day" scheduled to be held in October and a "Santa Shoot-Out" for girls. 

Ruot also informed members that there are many programs designed for adults as well, including racquetball and pickleball.

The YMCA is involved in community events in an effort to assist area youth on a year-round basis.  Ruot stated that the Y will be seen at several events throughout the year, including Chillifest and the Christian County Fair.

The Y also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Back to School Health and Resource Fair and the Strong Kids Sustaining Drive.

To find out more about what the Christian County YMCA has to offer, visit their web page at www.ccymca.org. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization focused on supporting youth and the local community.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to www.taylorvillekiwanis.com or email the club at TaylorvilleKiwanis@gmail.com.