The Taylorville City Council is set to meet on Monday, August 3rd, at 7PM for its first of 2 regular monthly meetings to discuss several items.

Council members are expected to recognize the Christian County Fair Queen Court and administer the oath of office to new Taylorville Firefighter Dillon Glasscock.

Among the items on the agenda is a proposed ordinance that would add language to the Taylorville City Code prohibiting kratom within the city. Council members will also consider a redevelopment agreement involving T.G. Partners, LLC and James D. Mizeur for property, located at 815 West Spresser Street, through Business Development District Number One.

The council is also expected to discuss the purchase of a new 2025 KME K180 custom chassis pumper truck for the Taylorville Fire Department. The proposal includes authorizing the city to borrow funds for the equipment.
Another ordinance on the agenda would establish special use permit rules and regulations for battery energy storage systems, also known as BESS facilities.

Council members will consider approving grant activity services from Benton Engineering for the city’s Route 48 Water Main Improvement Project, which is being funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Community Development Block Grant Program.

The meeting agenda also includes approval of a special events permit for the Kiwanis Club of Taylorville’s winter coat drive, which will collect donations in September to benefit the Head Start Program.

During committee reports, the Street and Sewer Committee will discuss a possible amendment to city code adding a no-parking restriction on the north side of the 800 block of West Market Street.

The council will also hear updates from the city attorney and mayor before considering approval of more than 419-thousand dollars in city bills.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates after Monday's meeting.

BELOW IS A COPY OF THE MEETING AGENDA.

The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, on behalf of Sangamon County and in partnership with the City of Springfield and the Village of Grandview, has launched a countywide brownfields assessment program backed by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The funding will be used to identify, assess and develop plans for the cleanup and future reuse of brownfield sites across Sangamon County. Brownfields are properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination.

The grant will fund environmental assessments, the creation of a countywide inventory of brownfield sites, community outreach efforts and planning for future redevelopment projects. Officials say the goal is to support new housing, commercial development, green space and other projects that improve public health and economic growth.

The program will initially focus on three priority areas: the Browning Road and Veterans Parkway Corridor in unincorporated Sangamon County, the Tenth Street and Rail Corridor in Springfield, and the North Grand Avenue East Corridor in Grandview. Additional properties could be added as the inventory grows and funding allows.

Community input will play a major role throughout the project, with residents and local organizations invited to participate in public engagement efforts and help shape future redevelopment plans.

The EPA grant runs from October 1st of this year through September 30th, 2030. For more information, contact the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission.

For questions or to seek more information, contact Lisa Peterson at Lisa.Peterson@sangamonil.gov or call 217-535-3110.

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

Lake Land College has recognized more than 700 part-time students for academic achievement during the Spring 2026 semester, including several students from communities in and around Taylorville.

To earn President's List honors, students completed between six and 11 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher while maintaining a grade point average between 3.8 and 4.0. Students named to the Dean's List earned GPAs between 3.65 and 3.79, while Honor's List recipients earned GPAs between 3.5 and 3.64.

Among the local students recognized were:

From Pana, President's List honorees are Kristin Hawker, Samantha Jerrell, Angela Lawrence, Wyatt Pauley, Skylar Maron, Brianna Mathis, Riley Laker, Olivia Nicholson, Gwenyth Clavin, Kaitlyn Davis, Morgan Frost, Jaycie Funneman, Lilly Jostes, Parker Moore, Laney Weber and Aaron Moss. Dean's List students are Alexis Speer and Kayla Moore. Honor's List students are Kylee Briscoe, Gracie Houser, Drake McNeely and Paige Smith.

From Shelbyville, President's List honorees include Buffy Foster, Carmen Kirksey, Brandon Plumb, Charity Boehm, Felicia Messado, Judd Snoke, Zoe Frederick, Claire Canada, Kylie Wright, Hannah Borders, Hadley Smith, Trinity Riley, Brooklyn Lynch, Hank Frederick, Ayson Fisher, Aylah Logan, Lucas Gill, Matthew Horsman, Ava Corley, Elena Lockart, Rylan Murphy, Henry Woolery, Macy Petty, Bodee Fathauer, Kadain In, Rylee King, Chase Boarman, Conner Boarman and Ephram Wood. Dean's List students are Aiden Hardy, Aidan Schumacher and Jaydon Vice. Honor's List students are Jessica Prather, Heidi Donald, Tessa Bowers, Austin Ulmer, Elaina Lopez, Jeremia Dixon, Emma Boehm, Sadie Tucker, Ryne Peavler, Mackenzie Jones and Tailyn Hancock.

From Tower Hill, President's List honorees are Aaron Guiot, Karalyn Endsley, Grace Elliott, Lila Wallace and Riley Adrian. Will Glick earned Dean's List honors.

From Hillsboro, Lakota Lyerla and Valerie Elliott earned President's List recognition, while Timothy Carrell was named to the Dean's List.

From Nokomis, Aubryanna Washburn earned President's List honors.

To view the complete list of students who were recognized, CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to all the students recognized for their academic achievement.

Stay up to date on local news at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Breeze-Courier is bringing back its paywall.

In a release on Friday, the Taylorville printed paper notified readers of its online content, a paywall returned as of Thursday afternoon.

Subscribers will also have to create new passwords from its old website. 

News is always free at taylorvilledailynews.com! Be sure to also connect digitally with content from the WTIM morning show and much more by finding WTIM/taylorvilledailynews on Facebook and Instagram. 

While the current tornado threat remains low, meteorologists are continuing to monitor conditions across the area as we head into the evening hours. There is also a slight risk for a few, quick spin ups on Saturday.

The current tornado risk is sitting at a level three, shown in green, with a smaller level one risk in blue through midnight tonight. Officials say it is not considered a major threat at this time, but there is still some concern due to a significant amount of wind shear in the atmosphere, which can sometimes help storms become more organized. 

Photo Sourced from WCIA 3 Meteorologist Jacob Dickey.

Forecasters are also watching the possibility of a low risk for brief and weak tornadoes in parts of the area on Saturday. The overall threat remains limited right now, but residents are encouraged to stay aware and keep an eye on updated forecasts in case conditions change.

Even with a low tornado risk, it is always a good time to review severe weather safety. If a tornado warning is issued, move indoors immediately and head to the lowest level of your home or building. Stay away from windows, and if possible, take shelter in a small interior room such as a basement, storm shelter, or bathroom.

Weather conditions can change quickly during the summer months, so continue monitoring updates from local weather officials and have a plan ready before severe weather arrives.

Stay with taylorvilledailynews.com for the latest forecast updates and any weather alerts as they become available.

The TommyTV program at Taylorville High School is looking to expand its production of broadcast-style news.  While the program is known to the local community for its production of live Tornado sports broadcasts, it has also entered IHSA-sanctioned competitions in news.  Organizers hope it will provide a new perspective in students’ broadcasting and production experiences and generate further success in state-level competitions. 

Neil Hohenstein is the teacher and facilitator for TommyTV.  He says in addition to gaining experience, students can also produce stories based on their interests. 

While these news stories can cover happenings beyond the high school’s walls, there is plenty at the school to cover, as well. 

TommyTV can be found on its Facebook and YouTube pages.

Neil Hohenstein appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Retro tractors will be the main attraction at an upcoming festival at Kitchell Park in Pana.  The 25th annual Old Tyme Tractor Show & Blacksmith Hammer-In is set for Saturday, August 8.  Tractor shows, competitions, and more are expected to attract tractor enthusiasts and casual attendees alike.  Attendees can even receive an appreciation gift for bringing an antique tractor or related equipment.

Donna McGlauchlen is the secretary and treasurer of the annual event’s organizing committee.  She says the local masonic lodge helped fund the event when it began. 

There will also be food and vendors on hand.  McGlaughlen says these elements and others are meant to inspire interest from younger attendees in antique tractors. 

As part of the day’s happenings, the antique tractors will drive by a local nursing home.  This tradition normally sees a fair number of their residents come out to watch. 

All proceeds from the event are donated to local charities and other causes.  McGlaughlen says they aim to support causes most in need. 

More information on the Old Tyme Tractor Show & Blacksmith Hammer-In is available by contacting Donna McGlauchlen at (217) 825-5967.

Donna McGlauchlen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

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.

Because rain is likely, it will be held inside the ALPLM library building at 112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking is available in the ALPLM’s parking garage at Sixth and Madison.

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.

Drivers traveling rural roads in Christian County are being reminded to use extra caution as the growing season reaches its peak.

The Christian County Health Department says cornfields are now at their tallest, creating limited visibility at many rural intersections throughout the area. Those tall crops can make it difficult for drivers to see approaching vehicles until they're already entering an intersection.

Health officials are encouraging motorists to slow down as they approach rural intersections, even if they travel those roads every day. Drivers should take time to carefully look in all directions before pulling out or crossing an intersection.

Officials also remind drivers that if you can't see another vehicle because of the corn, there's a good chance the other driver can't see you either. Taking just a few extra seconds to slow down and look twice can help prevent serious crashes and protect everyone using rural roadways.

The Christian County Health Department encourages all motorists to stay alert, reduce their speed when visibility is limited, and work together to keep rural roads safe throughout the growing season.

More information on the Christian County Health Department can be found online at www.cchdil.org.

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

A lawsuit filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court alleges the Catholic Archdiocese of Springfield enabled and concealed the repeated sexual abuse of a child by a former priest at St. Mary's Catholic School and Parish in Taylorville during the early 1990s.

The complaint, filed by the law firm Gould Grieco & Hensley on behalf of an unidentified plaintiff, alleges that Father John O'Connell sexually abused the child on multiple occasions between approximately 1991 and 1994 while the boy attended St. Mary's School serving as an altar boy. O'Connell died in 2002.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged abuse took place on church property, including during altar server training and while preparing for Mass. The complaint claims O'Connell used his position of authority and trust to isolate the child while he was under the church's care.

The lawsuit further alleges that church officials knew of the risks posed by clergy sexual abuse but failed to implement adequate safeguards, investigate allegations, report misconduct to law enforcement, or remove priests accused of abuse from positions where they had access to children. The complaint also alleges the Diocese of Springfield has never publicly identified O'Connell as a priest facing allegations of child sexual abuse.

Attorneys representing the plaintiff contend the church violated the trust placed in it by families and are seeking to hold the Diocese accountable for what they describe as systemic failures to protect children from abuse.

The lawsuit also references the 2023 Illinois Attorney General's investigation, which found nearly 700 Catholic clergy members across Illinois had been accused of sexual misconduct, which proves to be significantly more than had previously been disclosed by the church. The complaint alleges the Diocese of Springfield was among those that failed to fully investigate abuse claims or take meaningful action to protect children.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff continues to experience lasting emotional, psychological, and spiritual trauma stemming from the alleged abuse. The lawsuit seeks damages and accountability for the alleged failures of the Diocese while aiming to prevent similar harm in the future.

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

Kids going back to school soon – along with their families – will be able to partake in activities and visit local vendors at a health and resource fair this weekend.  The Christian County YMCA and Taylorville Memorial Hospital are collaborating to host their third annual “Back 2 School Health and Resource Fair.”  It’s scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Y.  Local vendors will be on hand along with food, giveaways, and other activities.  Jay Boulanger, community health consultant at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, says there will also be free vision and hearing screenings, which for some grades are mandatory. 

TMH has also collaborated with Operation Loaded Book Bag to provide free school materials to those in need at the resource fair. 

As of Thursday at noon, the National Weather Service’s forecast for Saturday showed an 80% chance of rain.  Boulanger says they are prepared to move some happenings indoors, with the petting zoo the only likely casualty. 

More information on Taylorville Memorial Hospital is available at memorial.health.

Jay Boulanger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The TommyTV program at Taylorville High School is gearing up for another school year full of hands-on broadcasting experience for its students.  They plan to again cover all or most Tornado football games, every home basketball game, and select events in other sports.  Their football, basketball, baseball, and softball broadcasts will again carry the commentary heard on WTIM Your Information Station, 96.5 The Chill, and New Country 104.1.  New and returning students will begin working on TommyTV in mid-August.  With the football season beginning that same month, there is little time to prepare before the red light comes on.

Neil Hohenstein is the teacher and facilitator for TommyTV.  He says acclimating the new students to the program and workflow is a key aspect of ensuring broadcasts run smoothly, especially in the beginning. 

Hohenstein adds that the level of overhead associated with television/visual broadcasts requires heavy coordination on his part. 

Last school year’s TommyTV class had the opportunity to visit the Big Ten Network’s studios in Chicago.  The program hopes to add some of BTN’s studios’ features to theirs soon. 

TommyTV can be found on its Facebook and YouTube pages.

Neil Hohenstein appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

One person is dead and another is hospitalized following a crash Wednesday morning in Christian County, after an attempted traffic stop involving the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

According to Illinois State Police (ISP), the incident began around 6:15 Wednesday morning while the ISP SWAT Team was serving a search warrant at a residence on County Highway 12 in Tower Hill.

During the operation, officers observed an occupied vehicle parked down the street that investigators believed was connected to the residence being searched.

According to information released by ISP, a Christian County Sheriff's deputy approached the vehicle, but the driver fled. A deputy briefly pursued the vehicle before ending the pursuit after the vehicle reached what State Police described as a high rate of speed.

Although the deputy lost sight of the vehicle, they continued traveling in the same direction and soon located it after it had crashed in a wooded area in the 200 block of North 2600 East Road near Pana.

According to investigators, the male driver, who’s name has not yet been released, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. An also unidentified female passenger suffered injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

The ISP Division of Internal Investigation has taken over the investigation. State Police stated that investigators are processing evidence, conducting interviews, and gathering all available facts.

Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the Christian County State's Attorney's Office for review.

Hart Media Group will be reaching out to both the ISP and Christian County Sheriff’s Office to obtain further information.

We'll continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available online at taylorvilledailynews.com. 

Local non-profit organizations could see larger financial contributions this year from Shelby Electric Cooperative.  Lending company CoBank, which matches such donations from Shelby Electric Cooperative, will increase its match capacity even further from past years.  Even from previous match numbers, non-profits have received donations summing to six figures in recent years.  Kevin Bernson, vice president of media and public relations at Shelby Electric Cooperative, says the initiative corresponds with their desire to support the local community. 

The cooperative is interested to learn what other non-profits are looking to raise funds. 

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. 

The Taylorville Public Library is looking to fill internal job openings.  They include that of director, youth services coordinator, and processing specialist.  Current library administrators encourage all interested community members to apply.  Interim Director Mindy Hill is overseeing the hiring process alongside Erin Crommett, who handles outreach and promotions for the library.  They say the youth services coordinator will work closely with Crommett on event planning, while all employees assist at the circulation desk. 

Online applications are available through Indeed for all three openings (director, youth services coordinator, and processing specialist).  Interested candidates can also apply by emailing director@taylorvillelibrary.org and including a résumé.  More information on the Taylorville Public Library is available at www.taylorvillelibrary.org.

Erin Crommett and Mindy Hill appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

A Taylorville Memorial Hospital employee is being recognized for her dedication to patient care and her commitment to supporting her coworkers.

Destiny Evrley, a rehabilitation technician in the hospital's physical therapy department, has been named Taylorville Memorial Hospital's July Colleague of the Month.

According to the hospital, Evrley is known for her attention to detail, reliability and willingness to go the extra mile to keep the department operating smoothly, even during busy or challenging situations. Hospital officials say she is also recognized for staying late when needed to ensure work is completed thoroughly.

Evrley recently played an important role during a flooring replacement project by assisting with cleaning and organizing efforts throughout the department. Her work helped maintain daily operations while ensuring a safe environment for both patients and staff.

In her nomination, a coworker praised Evrley's strong work ethic and commitment to keeping the department clean, safe and prepared for patient care. The nomination also highlighted her ability to work well with colleagues and her pride in supporting positive outcomes for patients.

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

Continue to stay up to date with local news, weather, and sports at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Recent scandals involving two members of the Illinois State House are renewing calls for reforms surrounding General Assembly members’ conduct.  State Representative Carol Ammons, a Democrat from Urbana, was charged on July 7 with misusing campaign funds and scheming to receive financial kickbacks.  Also this month, another representative from the same party, Harry Benton of Plainfield, resigned amid bipartisan pressure to do so.  He had been accused of sexual harassment and other unethical conduct.  Politicians and insiders are pointing to staffing/supervisory arrangements involving legislators, as well as transparency levels and investigation processes.

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says that for staffers of General Assembly members, it is often unclear to whom they can address conduct-related matters. 

Dr. Redfield adds that investigations often happen behind closed doors in the interest of privacy, but this circumstance can raise questions about their thoroughness. 

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. 

Lake Land College is getting ready to welcome students back to campus with a full week of activities designed to help both new and returning students start the fall semester on the right foot.

The college's annual Welcome Week will take place Tuesday, August 18th through Saturday, August 22nd, and continue Monday, August 24th through Thursday, August 27th. The event is designed to help students become familiar with campus, connect with faculty and staff, and learn about the many resources available to support their success throughout the school year.

Throughout Welcome Week, students can take part in campus tours, visit information tables, attend technology workshops, pick up textbooks, enjoy games, giveaways, food trucks, and meet fellow classmates before and during the first week of classes.
The week's activities will wrap up with Welcome Day on Wednesday, August 26th, in the Lake Land College Field House, located at 5001 Lake Land Boulevard in Mattoon. Hosted by the Student Activity Board, the celebration will feature a free lunch, games, giveaways, and information about student clubs and organizations. 

Students attending classes in Effingham will also have a dedicated Welcome Day event at the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center, located at 1201 Althoff Drive in Effingham, on Thursday, August 27th from 10 AM until noon.

For a complete Welcome Week schedule and additional information, CLICK HERE. 

Continue to get all of your local news, sports, weather, and more at taylorvilledailynews.com.

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. 

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.