The Christian County Board will vote on a potential ordinance that would ban kratom within the county.  This comes after a vote by the Christian County Health Department’s board at their monthly meeting Wednesday to propose said ordinance. The board also passed a resolution expressing its support for a county-wide kratom ban.

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree native to southeast Asia.  Excessive consumption of kratom is shown to carry effects similar to illicit drugs, including opioids.  This has led to bans on the substance in the states of Utah and Washington, while officials in Massachusetts and Idaho have proposed similar measures.

During the public comment portion of Wednesday’s meeting, several community members spoke in favor of the proposal.  One person shared his story of experiencing kratom addiction. 

The ordinance, if passed, would ban the possession, distribution, delivery, or use of kratom throughout the county.  The county board must vote in favor of the proposal for it to take effect.  The next Christian County Board meeting is tentatively set for Tuesday, June 16.

Illinois lawmakers have approved new legislation aimed at preventing insurance companies from automatically lowering the value of medical services billed by healthcare providers, a practice commonly known as “downcoding.”

Senate Bill 3114 passed unanimously in both the Illinois House and Senate and now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for consideration.

Under the legislation, insurance companies would no longer be allowed to rely solely on automated systems when determining whether a medical claim should be downcoded. Instead, all downcoding decisions would have to be reviewed or approved by an actual person.

The bill would also require insurance companies to notify healthcare providers whenever a service is downcoded and explain the reason behind the decision. State Representative Bill Hauter of Morton, who is also a practicing physician, strongly supported the measure and served as a co-sponsor in the House. Hauter said healthcare providers and patients alike are being forced to deal with what he described as a growing tactic within the insurance industry.

Hauter also argued that downcoding is unfair not only to medical professionals, but also to patients who depend on accurate billing and insurance coverage for their care.

The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council originally opposed the legislation. However, the organization later shifted to a neutral position after lawmakers negotiated changes to the bill. Those changes still allow insurance companies to use automated systems during the claims process, while also ensuring healthcare providers have a clear path to dispute downcoded claims.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure increases transparency and accountability within the insurance system, while helping ensure doctors and healthcare providers are properly compensated for the care they deliver.

For more information regarding the Illinois Legislature, visit www.ilga.gov.

State Senator Steve McClure voted against one of Governor JB Pritzker’s appointments during today’s Committee on Appointments hearing. The appointment involved a nominee, Melissa Rollins, to serve on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, an agency that has faced growing scrutiny in recent years. 

Republican lawmakers, including Senator McClure, have continued to raise concerns about the board’s decision-making process, accountability, and oversight when it comes to parole determinations and inmate releases.

McClure says public safety must remain the top priority and argued that confidence in the board has been damaged by past decisions. He also emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing appointees who could play a role in future parole rulings.

McClure said that the Prisoner Review Board has appointed members in past situations that have let very violent offenders out, and one of those freshly released violent offenders killed somebody after they were released.

The Prisoner Review Board has come under criticism during the Governor’s administration, particularly following the high-profile Crosetti Brand case. That case drew statewide attention after Brand, who had been released on parole, was later accused in the stabbing death of an eleven-year-old boy in Chicago.

The Prisoner Review Board is responsible for making decisions on parole matters, clemency recommendations, and other inmate release considerations across the state of Illinois.

For more information about the prisoner review board, visit prb.illinois.gov.

For details on all of the current legislature in Illinois, visit www.ilga.gov.

State Representative Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville spoke on the House Floor Wednesday, criticizing what he called political gamesmanship during the final week of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session.

Halbrook said lawmakers have known for months about the approaching budget deadline, but negotiations continue to happen at the last minute and largely behind closed doors. He also pointed to recent reports indicating House Democrats have been discussing possible tax increases during private caucus meetings.
 

 
The spring legislative session is scheduled to conclude by the end of the month, with lawmakers expected to finalize the state budget before adjournment.

For more information on what goes on in the Illinois General Assembly, visit www.ilga.gov.

The Christian County Historical Society is gearing up for another edition of its summer concert series.  The concerts will take place Wednesdays from June 10 to July 29, each starting at 7 p.m.  The Taylorville Municipal Band will perform at these events, with different songs in the program each night.  The Historical Society will use the July 1 performance to also celebrate the United States’ 250 years of independence.

Jodi Heberling, a co-coordinator with the Christian County Historical Society, is helping organize the concert series.  She says the grounds are well shaded in the evening, which can help visitors feel less overcome by the summer heat. 

The Muni Band plays music from a variety of genres across the season, ensuring there is something for all musical tastes. 

The band’s July 1 performance falls closest to Independence Day, so the Historical Society will offer dinner and cake to attendees as they enjoy the show. 

Heberling says the extra significance of this year’s Independence Day aligns with the work of the Historical Society and so wished to recognize the milestone.

The Christian County Historical Society is now operating under its summer hours of Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  More information is available at www.christiancountyhistorical.com and on their Facebook page.

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

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club met Tuesday evening for its weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Recognition was given to the winners of the two Kiwanis 2026 scholarship recipients. Scholarship Committee Chairman Chuck Martin stated that 14 scholarship applications were received for consideration. Brody Garrett and Owen Mateer were selected after a review of all applications. Garrett and Mateer were each presented a check for $1,000 from the Taylorville Kiwanis Club. Garrett informed the Kiwanis members that he plans to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. Mateer stated that he plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy, specializing in Athletics. Both recipients thanked the Kiwanis membership for the scholarship.

During the meeting, Chuck Martin presented trivia questions related to coal mining history. Several questions were presented, with prizes presented to those who participated.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com or email the club at TaylorvilleKiwanis@gmail.com

Pictured below is Chuck Martin (FAR LEFT), Broady Garrett (LEFT), Owen Mateer (RIGHT), Tim Sutton (FAR RIGHT):

Taylorville Community Credit Union will soon say goodbye to a familiar face in the Pana community. After a remarkable 46-year career in financial services, Vice President and Branch Manager Al Stupek will officially retire on May 29th.

Stupek has spent the last seven years helping establish and grow TCCU’s Pana branch into one of the credit union’s most successful locations. According to TCCU President Will Perkins, Stupek played a key role in building the branch from the ground up.

Perkins says Stupek was responsible for setting up and managing the Pana office, while also hiring an experienced staff with strong ties to the community. He says the branch quickly became the fastest-growing office within the TCCU family.

Stupek says one of the things he is most proud of during his career has been the opportunity to help people achieve their goals and that he was honored that TCCU President Will Perkins trusted him with the development and staffing of the branch. Stupke also mentioned that his goal was always to make the office successful not just for the credit union, but for the people of Pana.

Stupek also reflected on the development of the Pana TCCU branch itself. He says the office first operated out of a small converted house seven years ago before eventually growing into the modern facility now located at 101 East Fifth Street.

Perkins says Stupek’s leadership, loan expertise, and ability to connect with others made him exactly the right person to lead the branch. Perkins also noted their relationship goes back many years, saying Stupek was once his freshman football coach.

Beyond banking, Stupek has remained heavily involved in the Pana community for decades. He has served with organizations including the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, the Pana Sports Foundation, and the Pana Education Foundation.

As he prepares for retirement, TCCU says Stupek leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and community involvement that has helped make both the credit union and the city of Pana stronger.

Pictured below is retiring Branch Manager and Vice President, Al Stupek.

For more information on TCCU, visit their website at www.tccu.org.

After more than 25 years in the furniture business, longtime local manager Tim Collins has officially retired from Wright’s Furniture and Flooring. Collins wrapped up nearly seven years with the family-owned company this past April.

Collins joined Wright’s in 2019 following the company’s acquisition of Jensen Home Furnishings, where he had worked for many years. Wright’s Furniture and Flooring President John Wright said Collins was instrumental during the transition and called him a tremendous asset to the company.

As a Taylorville High School graduate from the class of 1979, Collins began his career at My Store in Taylorville before also working at Summer’s Menswear and Jensen Home Furnishings. Former Jensen owner Jerry Jensen described Collins as pleasant to work with and appreciated his years of dedication.

Collins thanked coworkers, friends, and community members for making his career meaningful, saying the relationships and memories shared over the years meant the most to him.

Collins retires while Wright’s Furniture and Flooring celebrates its 137th anniversary as a fifth-generation family-owned business serving communities across the region.

For more information on Wright’s Furniture you can visit www.wrightsfurniture.com.

Illinois State Comptroller, Susana Mendoza, is hosting the next annual Dog Days of Summer campaign. The campaign kicked off on May 26th and is set to run every Tuesday through Labor Day. The now third year of this effort features dogs available for adoption from shelters around the state who are desperately looking for a new family. 

Comptroller Mendoza said that this program has been a pleasure to carry on the Comptroller’s Critters program, started by Mendoza’s friend, Judy Baar Topinka. Mendoza also said that now that they have added in a summer social media campaign, they’ve been able to help find even more homeless pets a forever home.

Comptroller’s Critters features an online database of participating shelters around the state. The shelters are searchable by county and links to shelter websites, addresses and other information is also available for tips about pet adoption and care. Illinois shelters that would like to be added to the database are encouraged to email: critters@illinoiscomptroller.gov.

Comptroller’s Critters isn’t limited to just dogs and cats. Shelters listed also rescue hamsters, ferrets, horses, rabbits, pigs and other animals.

Comptroller Mendoza said adoption just makes financial sense and that families are saving money by adopting a pet in desperate need of a home. Being much easier and likely less expensive than shopping for an expensive animal that may not be from a reputable breeder.

Shelter pets are usually available for a nominal cost and have already been spayed or neutered, micro chipped and vaccinated. Additionally, choosing a pet from a shelter helps reduce animal control costs for local governments and makes room for other homeless animals.

For further information or to see a local list of pets up for adoption, check your local shelter’s website, or go online to www.hscipets.org.

The Taylorville Memorial Foundation has received a major donation that will help fund new medical equipment for Taylorville Memorial Hospital over the next several years.

The estate of Lorene Montgomery Miley donated 434-thousand dollars to the foundation in December of 2025. Hospital President and CEO Aaron Puchbauer says Miley’s generous spirit was well known throughout Taylorville.

Miley was born in 1914 and grew up near Taylorville in Grove City. She graduated from the Memorial School of Nursing in Springfield in 1935 before moving to New York City, where she worked as an emergency nurse in naval shipyards and later as a nursing supervisor in both industrial and hospital settings.

During a trip back home, she met Taylorville attorney Clark Miley. The two married in 1951, and Lorene later worked as a school nurse in Mt. Auburn. The couple also quietly provided coats and financial assistance to students in need.

Miley remained a longtime supporter of St. Vincent Memorial Hospital, now Taylorville Memorial Hospital, and trusted the hospital for medical care for both herself and her mother. She passed away in 2004.

Foundation Director Katie Champion Williams says the size and impact of the gift took time to fully sink in, adding that Miley’s generosity and foresight will continue benefiting patients throughout the community for years to come. A separate 434-thousand-dollar donation was also made to the Springfield Memorial Foundation in appreciation for the nursing education Miley received there in the early 1930s.

For more information on the TMH Foundation visit their website. 

The people’s Bank and Trust and WMKR Pana High School Students of the Month have been announced for May.

Pictured below are the May winners of Pana High School Student of the Month:

Freshman Aubrey Strohl (FAR LEFT), Sophomore Oliveah Foster (LEFT), Junior Haven Blodgett (MIDDLE), Senior OzzMarie Dilley (RIGHT), PBT Representative Sadie Waddington (FAR RIGHT).

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is inviting residents to learn more about a proposed multi-billion-dollar data center project coming to Christian County.

The organization will host a Project Information Fair on June 2nd at the University of Illinois Extension in Taylorville. Sessions will be held at 4, 5, and 6 p.m. and are open exclusively to Christian County residents.

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with project developer Eagle Rock Partners and learn more about the proposed 8.8 billion dollar data center project. According to CCEDC, the development could bring more than 1,000 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent jobs to the area.

The Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation explains the sessions. 

Officials say the information fair will give residents a chance to ask questions and hear directly from developers about plans for the project. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Residents can register through the Christian County Economic Development Corporation website by clicking the Project Information Fair link.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization made up of business and government leaders focused on promoting economic growth and job creation throughout Christian County.
 

For more information, contact the CCEDC at 217-565-2280 or email at ecdchristiancounty@gmail.com. 

 PBT and WTIM Taylorville Junior High School Students of the Month for May have been announced.

The Taylorville Junior High School Students Of The Month for May are pictured below:

5th grader Dylan Rodden (FAR LEFT), 6th Grade Elliott Potter (MIDDLE LEFT), 7th Grade Jasmine Woolen (MIDDLE RIGHT)  8th Grade Ella Ralph (FAR RIGHT).

Pana schools will be without a number of faces after this school year.  Not only has another class graduated, but three long-time faculty members are retiring.  The changes come amid plenty to celebrate within the district, along with athletic venues set to move towards campus.

Superintendent Jessica Miller spoke at the commencement.  She used marigolds as a metaphor in her speech due to the characteristics of the flower. 

As for faculty, Gary Bowker, Rebecca Mahnke, and Travis Pierce are retiring at the end of this academic year.  The trio have nearly a century of combined experience at Pana schools. 

Over the summer, maintenance teams will work on the baseball field.  They will also be constructing soccer and softball fields on the campus so teams can play there instead of at fields multiple miles away. 

More information on Pana CUSD #8 is available at www.panaschools.com.

Jessica Miller appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Park Board met this evening for its regular monthly meeting at 7 pm and covered various items.

Tonight’s meeting included tennis court updates provided by Coach Robert Brown, updates on the north pond at Manner’s Park, as well as discussions on a new baseball diamond site and the dining hall.

During updates on the tennis court, it was mentioned that the bids they have received, compared to the budget, are a bit steep. Board President Marlane Miller, said also that she is hoping that she can find a cheaper bid option.

The members of the board collectively chose to table this discussion until the June meeting, and plan to work on an amended budget, or to find donors or other public assistance to cover the $60,000 difference.

The Manner’s Park North Pond update showed some promising news. Park Board President Miller says, according to a response from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the pond is currently safe to enter the water for the installation of the pond’s fountains, as long as the workers installing them do not go over the safety buoy’s during the process. However, they are still waiting for a full lab report to come back.

Towards the end of the meeting, the payment of bills and the monthly reports from maintenance supervisor Ben Dempsey, and the recreation director, Evan Mitchell, were approved by all board members.

Keep your eye on taylorvilledailynews.com to check local weather, sports, and news updates.

A packed house of more than 150 people gathered at the Pillars Event Center in Christian County Tuesday evening for the monthly Christian County Board meeting.

Following approval of the meeting minutes and discussion of the 2025 audit report, the board heard from Ted Chapman, who is organizing a local 9/11 remembrance event.

Under committee reports, the board approved Chillifest 2026 to be held on the courthouse grounds. Board members also approved a City of Assumption cleanup grant totaling nearly 19-hundred-25 dollars, along with a certificate of authority for Albert Niemerg related to highway business. Several other committee motions were also approved.

During new business, board members discussed a Tradition Energy release of utility historical information, a GFI Network assessment, and zoning regulations and procedures.

Following the regular meeting, the board opened the floor for public comment regarding a potentially proposed data center project in Christian County. No action was taken Tuesday night, but seven residents spoke in opposition to the proposed development.

The next Christian County Board meeting is scheduled for June 16th at 6 p.m.

The Taylorville Water Department has issued a boil order for the 200 block of West Main Cross as well as the address 300 West Main Cross.

This boil order will remain in effect until bacteriological samples can be taken to ensure public safety.  The public is being urged to bring water used for drinking or to use for cooking to be brought to a rolling boil for a minimum of no less than 5 minutes before using for consumption. Residents will be notified upon the lifting of this order.

Keep your eyes on taylorvilledailynews.com for details upon the lifting of this boil order.

Summer evenings in Central Illinois are about to sound a little sweeter as the 9th annual Rock Springs Summer Concert Series returns with free live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a lineup filled with folk, Americana, bluegrass, and more.

Sponsored by Stifel Investment Services, the Rock Springs Summer Concert Series begins May 31st and continues every other Sunday throughout the summer from 7 to 8 PM at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur, Illinois. Organizers say the event is designed to give families and music lovers a relaxing way to spend a summer evening outdoors.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and to settle in on the lawn near the pavilions for the hour-long performances, which begin each night at 7 PM.

This year’s series opens with Dusty James and Abalone Pearl, a St. Louis-based folk duo known for its use of a variety of instruments and energetic performances. On June 14th, returning favorite Tim Crosby takes the stage once again, bringing his blend of Americana and roots music back to Rock Springs after appearing in last year’s series.

The music continues on June 28th with WisenHeart, a mother-daughter Americana duo making their first appearance at the event.

The second half of the summer introduces even more new performers. Broken Brogue, a four-piece Celtic folk band, will fill the air with traditional Irish and Scottish sounds on July 12th. Then on July 26th, Back Porch Trio will perform a wide range of easy-listening music spanning several genres.

Closing out the series on August 9th will be Harlem Hayfield, a group known for their unique style described by listeners as “rustbelt soul.”

Snacks will be available for purchase during each concert, and organizers say that if rain moves into the area, performances will simply move indoors to the Rock Springs Nature Center.

Further detailed information can be found at MaconCCD.org.

State Representative Regan Deering is advancing legislation aimed at improving transparency from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) during child abuse and neglect investigations.

House Bill 4242 (HB4242) has now passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. The measure would require DCFS to provide written notification to an alleged perpetrator in an investigation, regardless of whether that person requests an administrative appeal.

Under the legislation, the written notice must include several key details. Those include a statement of the allegation and indicated finding, how long the finding will remain in the state’s central register, and information explaining the right to request an administrative appeal.

The bill also requires DCFS to explain the time frame for filing an appeal, how to begin that process, and how individuals can request a copy of the investigative file, even if they choose not to appeal the finding.

Representative Deering says the legislation was introduced to help families better understand the investigation process during what can often be a stressful and confusing time, and that it is important for DCFS to provide clarity and support to families while ensuring that state agencies continue following clear and workable policies that are written into law.

Representative Deering also thanked lawmakers in both chambers for supporting the measure, saying the legislation helps uphold integrity in state government while supporting the agency responsible for handling child abuse and neglect investigations.

House Bill 4242 now waits for approval from Governor JB Pritzker before becoming law.

The bill’s deciding vote, allowing it to be carried to the next step in the legislative process, was cast by State Senator Darby Hills of Barrington Hills. Residents who would like to track the bill’s progress can visit the Illinois General Assembly website at www.ilga.gov.

For more information, contact Representative Deering’s office at 217-876-1968 or visit repdeering.com.

Christian County Health Officials have offered rsources on the health risks of kratom. Kratom isa controversial herbal substance sold in gas stations and smoke shops. This substance is facing growing scrutiny across Illinois and the country.

Kratom comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and contains compounds that can act as stimulants in small doses, but produce opioid-like effects in larger amounts. Some people use it for pain relief, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal symptoms, but health officials warn it can also lead to dependence, addiction, and serious side effects.

The FDA has not approved kratom for medical use, and public health agencies have raised concerns about contaminated products and the rise of highly concentrated extracts known as 7-OH, which experts say act more like powerful opioids. Poison control calls connected to kratom have increased significantly over the past decade.

In Illinois, kratom remains legal for adults statewide, but a growing number of cities and counties have enacted local bans or restrictions, including Edwardsville, Murphysboro, Pekin, and Orland Park.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Springfield are debating several bills that range from a complete statewide ban to stricter regulations. Those regulations would include higher age limits, product testing requirements, and warning labels.

The debate over kratom continues as officials weigh consumer access against growing public health and safety concerns.

More information about kratom can be found on the National Institute For Drug Abuse (NIDA) website at nida.nih.gov, under the research topics tab, select “kratom”.