Lake Taylorville’s beach is temporarily closed, and swimming in the lake in general is currently restricted due to a bacteriological sample showing an elevated amount of E. Coli present in the lake water.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the lake was closed around 8:45 AM on June 23rd. Deep-water samples had a bacterial count of 387.3 cfu per 100ml of water, while shallow-water samples showed a bacterial count of 365.4 cfu per 100ml. According to the IDPH, elevated bacteria levels in waterways are not unusual after heavy rains.

The IDPH says the beach must show E. coli levels that test below the allowable limit twice on the same day for the beach to reopen for swimming. The IDPH also states that, to be deemed safe to swim in and to reopen the beach, the E. coli level must be at or below 235 cfu per 100 mL in both the shallow and deep water tests.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com to find out when the lake reopens for swimming.

For information on area lake closures, CLICK HERE to be directed to the IDPH Beach Guard website.

Kaufman Realty & Auctions is ramping up its set of buildings and valuable items to bid on.  The agency, based on the southwest corner of the Taylorville square, has a number of new items up for auction.  They include vintage signs, firearms, and commercial and rental properties.  The more immediate auctions close on Monday, leaving little time remaining to bid.

Matt Corso, a realtor and auctioneer at Kaufman, says the Nokomis-based warehouse and store was once a repair shop for different kinds of household items. 

That location has a number of items inside which are being auctioned as well.  The items’ auctions end this Monday.

Next to the warehouse is a home that is also being auctioned. 

The auctions can be found here.

Matt Corso appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Memorial Health is launching a new fundraising campaign aimed at expanding access to healthcare across central Illinois. The health system has announced a $300,000 fundraising effort to establish Mobile Memorial, a mobile health program that will bring preventive and essential healthcare Services directly to neighborhoods and rural communities throughout the region.

The initiative was unveiled ahead of the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS, which runs June 25th through the 28th at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield.

Memorial Health President and CEO Mandy Eaton says improving health outcomes requires reaching people where they live, work and learn, rather than waiting until they need emergency care. The organization says the mobile unit will provide preventive screenings, vaccinations, health education, referrals and other services for individuals who may face barriers to accessing healthcare.

According to Memorial Health leaders, funds raised through the championship and donor contributions will be used to equip the mobile health van and support its operation throughout central Illinois.

Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact and Philanthropy Officer Dolan Dalpoas says significant differences in life expectancy exist across the region, and the goal of Mobile Memorial is to reduce healthcare access barriers by bringing services directly to underserved communities.

Vice President of Community Impact and Integration Valeria Cueto says the mobile program will help identify health concerns earlier, improve outcomes and expand access to care closer to home.
The Memorial Health Championship is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, which serves as a pathway for professional golfers seeking to earn PGA Tour status. While proceeds from previous championships have benefited Memorial Health's five hospital foundations, this marks the first time funds have been designated for a single large-scale initiative.

Memorial Health officials say donor support has been strong so far and that additional information about the Mobile Memorial program will be available throughout the tournament weekend. Individuals and businesses contributing to the campaign will receive tickets to the Champions Club tent during the event. More information is available at memorial.health.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2026 Hazel York Scholarship. A total of $4,500 in scholarships was awarded to Shelby County graduates pursuing careers in healthcare.

Among the recipients is Claire Holland, a 2026 graduate of Stewardson-Strasburg High School. Holland plans to study physical therapy at Maryville University. Also receiving a scholarship is Ella Gilbert, a 2022 graduate of Windsor High School. Gilbert is pursuing a degree in speech therapy at Eastern Illinois University.

The Hazel York Scholarship supports current and former Shelby County high school students who are studying medicine, nursing, or related healthcare fields. The scholarship is funded through an endowment established to help future healthcare professionals achieve their educational goals.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 200 charitable funds that provide long-term support for communities throughout southeastern Illinois.

The Christian County Historical Society’s events calendar is filling up for both the summer and the fall.  More performances in the summer concert series are still to come, including the 250th Independence Day celebration this coming Wednesday.  The Historical Society is also promoting its annual Persimmon Party and Tidings of Comfort and Joy events in November and December, respectively.

The Independence Day celebration will begin at 5 p.m., earlier than its usual time.  Co-President Jodi Heberling says dinner will be available for purchase to support the Historical Society’s work.

The Persimmon Party is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, and Tidings of Comfort and Joy will happen December 11-12.  Heberling hopes these events will generate not only strong attendance but also interest in touring the grounds during these times. 

Aside from events, the Christian County Historical Society has added three new members to its board.  They are expected to provide new perspectives and ideas for the Historical Society. 

Find out more about the CCHS at www.christiancountyhistorical.com.  More information is also available at their Facebook page.

Jodi Heberling appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Legislation aimed at helping rural ambulance services stay staffed and respond more quickly to emergencies is headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk.

The measure, sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer of Murrayville and State Senator Steve McClure of Springfield, would give rural ambulance providers more flexibility in meeting state staffing requirements.

Davidsmeyer says staffing shortages in rural communities can lead to longer wait times for patients experiencing medical emergencies. He says the legislation will allow qualifying ambulance services to use part-time employees to help keep more ambulances in service and improve response times.
McClure says ambulances provide a critical link between patients and medical care, regardless of where they live. He says the bill updates staffing standards to help ensure rural ambulance crews can remain available and continue saving lives.

Under current law, minimum staffing requirements can be difficult for rural ambulance services to meet. House Bill 5446 would allow qualifying rural providers additional staffing flexibility with the goal of reducing response times and getting patients to hospitals faster.

The legislation passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and now awaits the governor's signature.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation continues to be involved in deliberations regarding the proposed data center in the county.  Eagle Rock Partners would be the developer of this campus, which it is calling Meridian Technology Park.  The data center would be located near Clarksdale, which is between Taylorville and Palmer.  No proposal has been formally sent to the Christian County Board yet.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director Matt Hart has overseen the organization’s involvement in the proceedings.  He says Eagle Rock chose the proposed location in part due to the electrical capabilities already in place. 

In a question-and-answer session earlier this month, Eagle Rock’s founding partner Ken Loeber stated the project would produce around 1,000 construction jobs and 500 ongoing jobs once it is operational.  Hart says the need to maintain both property and technology will ensure there is consistent demand for jobs. 

Hart adds that he has looked into other data centers in Illinois and even visited one in DeKalb.  Others are located in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, and Elk Grove Village.

The proposal must pass votes from both the Christian County Zoning Board and the main board before it can be implemented. 

More information on Meridian Technology Park is available at www.meridiantechnologypark.com.  Information on Eagle Rock Partners is available at www.eaglerockrepartners.com.  The Christian County Economic Development Corporation can be found online at www.christiancountyedc.com.

Matt Hart appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.