The Christian County Health Department (CCHD) is highlighting the importance of protection against meningococcal disease as part of its Vaccine of the Month campaign.

While meningococcal disease is considered rare, health officials say it can become life-threatening very quickly. The meningococcal vaccine helps protect against four types of bacteria that can lead to meningitis and serious bloodstream infections.

Health officials recommend children receive their first dose of the vaccine between ages 11 and 12, followed by a booster shot at age 16. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 who may have missed a dose are also encouraged to get caught up on their vaccinations.

The vaccine is also recommended for certain high-risk individuals, including people with specific immune conditions, those without a functioning spleen, college students living in residence halls, and travelers visiting areas where the disease is more common.

The CCHD says most side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headaches, a mild fever, tiredness, or muscle aches. Officials also want to remind residents that the vaccine does not contain live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.

For more information or to ensure you or your child are up to date on vaccinations, contact your healthcare provider or call the CCHD at. Prevention remains one of the best defenses against serious disease.

Your regular family doctor or even some pharmacies are among options to go get vaccinated. For information on getting a vaccine contact the CCHD at 217-824-4113.

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State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur is criticizing Governor JB Pritzker's decision to sign House Bill 5093 into law.

Deering says the new law allows certain non-citizen students to qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid, arguing Illinois taxpayers should not be subsidizing those benefits. She says the measure places an additional burden on taxpayers and makes financial aid more competitive for U.S. citizens.
In response, Deering has filed House Bill 4097, which would prohibit individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States from receiving tuition or financial aid benefits that exceed those available to U.S. citizens. The legislation is currently assigned to the House Rules Committee.

Governor Pritzker has said the measure expands access to higher education for eligible Illinois students, while supporters argue it helps students who have grown up and attended school in Illinois pursue college opportunities.

The Taylorville Police Department (TPD) is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) for a special speed enforcement campaign running now through August 1st.

During the campaign, drivers can expect to see an increased police presence throughout the city, with officers paying close attention to speeding violations as well as other traffic offenses. The goal is to encourage motorists to slow down, follow the rules of the road, and help reduce crashes caused by excessive speed.

Police remind drivers that speeding doesn't just increase the likelihood of a crash but it also increases the severity of injuries when crashes do occur. Taking a few extra minutes to reach your destination safely is far better than risking a citation, or worse, a serious or fatal accident.

The enforcement effort is part of a statewide initiative supported by IDOT and the ISP, with agencies working together to make Illinois roadways safer for everyone. Taylorville Police encourage all motorists to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and drive responsibly throughout the campaign and beyond.

The July Speed Enforcement Campaign will be active through August 1st.

For information on the Taylorville Police Department, contact 217-824-2211 or online at taylorville.net/police-dept.

Information on the Illinois State Police can be found online at isp.illinois.gov.

Details on the Illinois Department Of Transportation can be found online as well by going to idot.illinois.gov.
 

Illinois State Police (ISP) have released video from a fatal crash involving an Illinois State Trooper that occurred earlier this year in Springfield.

According to ISP, the incident happened on April 25th at approximately 2:30 AM. Authorities say a trooper was traveling southbound on South 6th Street and was approaching a green traffic light at the intersection of Linton Street when the squad car struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian has been identified as 45-year-old Charles Henderson of Springfield. State police say Henderson was bent down in the roadway at the time of the crash. Troopers on scene immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Henderson was then transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

ISP also stated that troopers had encountered Henderson earlier in the evening and advised him to stay out of the roadway. As required under state law, the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation conducted an investigation into the incident. Officials say all evidence and investigative findings have been submitted to the Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office for review.

To view the video footage, CLICK HERE.

The investigation and review of the incident remain ongoing.

The following Christian County committee meetings will be taking place in July.  This includes the upcoming agendas for the Highway, Building, Grounds, Environmental, Zoning, and Welfare Committee meeting agenda, the Executive, Personnel, Liquor, and Legislative Committee meeting agenda, and the Audit, Finance, and Purchasing Committee agenda:

July 13th, 2026: Highway, Building, Grounds, Environmental, Zoning, and Welfare Committee meeting agenda:

July 14th, 2026: Executive, Personnel, Liquor, and Legislative Committee meeting agenda:

July 15, 2026: Audit, Finance, and Purchasing Committee agenda:

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A Taylorville Memorial Hospital nurse is being recognized for her dedication to patient care and teamwork.

Julie Heaton, a registered nurse who has been with the nonprofit hospital since April of 2005, has been named Taylorville Memorial Hospital's Colleague of the Month for June.

Hospital officials say Heaton is known for her dependability, willingness to work extra hours to support her department, and her commitment to helping both patients and fellow staff members.
One nominator described Heaton as a true asset to the department, saying they know it will be a good day for patients and staff whenever she is on duty.

Heaton was also recognized for her focus on patient safety, including ensuring call lights are within reach, bed rails are secured, and patients are safely transferred to the operating table.

Her dedication to quality care is reflected in her recent certification as an ambulatory peri-anesthesia nurse and her membership in professional organizations for perioperative and peri-anesthesia nursing.

The Colleague of the Month award honors Memorial Health employees who demonstrate excellence in their work while reflecting the organization's mission, vision, and values.

A Taylorville High School graduate has been awarded a scholarship that will help pay for all four years of college.

The First National Bank of Pana has awarded the Dixon Zeigler Scholarship to Gabriella, or Ella, Appel. Appel is the daughter of Michael Appel and Julie Solliday and graduated from Taylorville High School in 2026.

She plans to attend Blackburn College in Carlinville, where she'll study physical therapy while also playing volleyball for the Blackburn Beavers.

During her time at Taylorville High School, Appel was active both in the classroom and in the community. She was a member of the volleyball team, the National Honor Society, and volunteered in numerous community activities.

The Dixon Zeigler Scholarship was established following Zeigler's death in 2015 to assist deserving Taylorville graduates who live within the former Stonington School District boundaries and meet academic requirements. The scholarship provides $2,500 per semester for up to four years, or until the recipient earns an undergraduate degree.

The countdown to the Christian County Fair is in its final days before the ribbon is cut on Tuesday, July 21.  Only a small number of tickets remain for the Friday night concert featuring Gary Allan and Mark Chesnutt.  The vendor fair is also filling up with new vendors, including new ones focused on mercantile goods.  Angela Ohl-Marsters, the fair’s marketing and promotions director, says this aspect of the vendor fair will be spread out across the Wednesday and Thursday. 

As for the concert, the grandstand is nearly full, while a greater share of track tickets are still available. 

The 4-H livestock shows are set for the Wednesday morning starting at 8 a.m.  Farm Credit Illinois will return as one of the sponsors.  Caleb May, a sales enablement specialist, says the organization’s involvement lines up with their efforts to guide and support those new to agriculture. 

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

Angela Ohl-Marsters and Caleb May appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning show.

Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller was in Taylorville on Thursday for a meet-and-greet opportunity. 

The Taylorville Knights of Columbus held a dinner for the Christian County Republican Women to take donations and for a chance for the community to meet Congresswoman Miller. The food included nachos and sandwiches. Both menu items did cost but the money that was gained is set to be donated.

Several familiar faces from the community were also in attendance, such as Christian County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jim Baker and Christian County State's Attorney John McWard. The Sangamon County Recorder, Frank Lesko, who is running for Senate, also made an appearance.

The event showed quite a good turnout as well. During the event, community members were given the opportunity to mingle, enjoy their dinner, and share laughs and good times. 

For a list of past and upcoming public appearances, go to marymiller.house.gov and check the "Events" page.

Pictured below is Congresswoman Mary Miller shaking hands with Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko.

The Christian County Health Department (CCHD) would like to remind food vendors planning to serve at this year's Christian County Ag Fair to make sure they have the proper permits in place before the event begins.

The CCHD says anyone preparing or selling food to the public during the fair must obtain a temporary food permit. The permits help ensure vendors are following food safety regulations and also help protect fair goers from foodborne illnesses.

Health officials are encouraging vendors to submit their applications as soon as possible. To avoid paying additional fees, completed permit applications must be received by July 16th. Applications submitted after that deadline will face an added late fee. Permit applications and food safety requirements can be found at cchdil.org.

Anyone with questions about the permitting process is encouraged to contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.

The Health Department also reminds vendors that permit applications cannot be processed unless all required sections are completed, supporting documents are included, and payment is submitted. Incomplete applications could delay approval and potentially impact a vendor's ability to operate during the fair.

With the Christian County Ag Fair quickly approaching, officials say now is the time for vendors to ensure all paperwork is in order so they can focus on serving fair goers safely during one of the county's biggest summer events. 

Further information on the Christian County Ag Fair can be found at christiancountyfair.com.

The Christian County Health Department has undergone staffing changes.  They have hired a new director of mental health and substance use in Tiffany Sims.  Additionally, Tahnee Callaway, their breastfeeding peer counselor, now also holds the title of community health worker.  The department hopes these changes will strengthen their work in supporting community members’ health.

Tiffany Sims is the most recent hire.  The SIU graduate will oversee the health department’s operations regarding mental health and substance use recovery.

Sims says she came in with several key priorities around care access. 

As for Tahnee Callaway now serving as community health worker, she will aim to help guide community members to resources and support services they need. 

Despite the change, Callaway will continue to orchestrate the breastfeeding support group sessions and classes she has been involved in.  The support group meets the final Thursday of every month from 6-7 p.m., so the next such event will happen on July 30.  The next class will take place in August, at a date and time to be announced. 

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

Tahnee Callaway and Tiffany Sims appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Police Department are investigating a three vehicle crash that occurred on the evening of July 4th just outside of the entrance of Lake Taylorville. Police have reported that there were no serious injuries, but cannot currently provide additional information. Names of the individuals involved also have yet to be released. Additional information will become available later in the month. The three vehicle crash had IL Route 29 closed in both directions for approximately 30 minutes.

Keep following taylorviledailynews.com for further updates when more information becomes available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIST OF IDVA ONLINE COURSES.

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

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

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (IDVA)

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (HFS)

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE (ISP)

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (IDOC)

ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGECNCY (ILEPA)

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

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

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

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

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

No registration is required to attend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.mtauburnfarmerspicnic.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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