With Monday’s heat index’s reaching near 110 degrees, the American Red Cross of Illinois is reminding residents to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures move into the region this week. Health advocates say extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, and they’re encouraging everyone to remember three important steps: stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay connected.

The Red Cross recommends drinking water regularly and is urging residents to drink about a cup every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. People should avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, and parents should make sure babies are being fed often. Signs of dehydration can include fewer wet diapers or darker urine.

Residents are also encouraged to stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned locations. If your home is too warm, consider visiting places like a mall, library, or cooling center. Outdoor workers and athletes should take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water or a sports drink every 20 minutes as well.

Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Red Cross Illinois, says knowing how to protect yourself and loved ones during extreme heat can save lives. O'Connell is also asking people to check on friends, neighbors, older adults, those with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and athletes during the heat. It is also crucial to never leave a child or pet unattended inside a parked vehicle, and to make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade. 

The Red Cross says heat-related illnesses can become serious quickly. Heat cramps may include heavy sweating and muscle pain. Heat exhaustion symptoms can include weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and cool, clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should move to a cooler place, drink fluids, and seek medical help if symptoms continue.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a high body temperature, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting. Officials say to call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler location, and help lower their body temperature.

The Red Cross also warns that extreme heat combined with a power outage can be especially dangerous. Residents should stay in air conditioning when possible and keep coolers stocked with food, water, and medicine.

For additional heat safety information, the Red Cross recommends downloading the free First Aid and Emergency apps, available by searching for the American Red Cross in your smartphone's app store or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

Additional information on the American Red Cross can be found at www.redcross.org.

Shelby County-based 4-H participants are preparing for the county’s annual 4-H fair.  This year’s fair runs from Saturday, July 18 to Wednesday, July 22.  The livestock judging competitions will be a prime part of the festival, but there will be plenty else happening for participants and other attendees alike.

Yolanda Nation is the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth program coordinator for Shelby County.  She says there will also be project showings which, in most cases, are not related to agriculture.

The auctions will happen on the final day.  New this year, project submissions of value can also be put up for auction. 

Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21 feature evening side events such as the pedal pull and kids games. 

Those not yet in 4-H but who are interested in enrolling can do so starting in September.  Nation says the fair is a great way to see what being in 4-H is all about. 

More information on the Shelby County 4-H Fair is available on the University of Illinois Extension’s website.

Yolanda Nation appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

A 3.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Marion County in the early morning hours of Monday, June 29th. The earthquakes epicenter was located along the Ohio River southwest of Berryville and just northeast of West Salem.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the 3.5 magnitude earthquake was felt as far east as Jasper, IN. The earthquake was also reported to be felt in Illinois within southeastern portions of Effingham, both the north and south portions of Mt. Vernon, and even as far west as St. Louis.

 A 3.5 magnitude earthquake feels like a slightly noticeable jolt or rumble that might be mistaken for a loud clap of thunder, a minor explosion, or heavy impact. This magnitude of earthquake would cause light shaking, rattling objects on shelves or may cause a hanging lamp to sway slightly. This magnitude may even wake people up, though it's usually too weak to cause any major damage.

The quake caused the shakes at approximately 2:05 am this morning. According to USGS data, the earthquake was recorded at 21 kilometers (13 miles) below the surface with a travel time of 0.28 seconds.

There have not been any damage or injury reports at this time, given the magnitude, the most damage was likely as simple as a slight jump scare.

For further details on this and other earthquakes, visit earthquake.usgs.gov.

The Findlay Police Department is receiving new funding aimed at helping improve public safety and strengthen local law enforcement efforts.

The department has been awarded 9-thousand in Organized Retail Crime Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2027. Officials say the grant funding will be used to purchase high-definition cameras, which will help support investigations, assist officers, and provide additional resources to protect local businesses and the community.

The Findlay Police Department says the new equipment will be an important tool in helping officers respond to incidents and continue working to keep the community safe. Department officials expressed appreciation for the funding opportunity and thanked residents for their continued support. They say they look forward to putting the grant funds to work as part of their ongoing efforts to serve and protect the Findlay community.

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

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is criticizing Illinois’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate following the release of new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA’s annual Payment Error Rate report shows Illinois’ SNAP error rate at 14.67 percent, placing the state among those with some of the highest reported error rates in the country. According to Representative McCombie, the increase in Illinois’ SNAP error rate is the result of poor management within the program, and she says the consequences could impact the state’s most vulnerable residents.

State Representative McCombie says errors within the program create concerns about the effectiveness of how SNAP benefits are being administered, and she argues that Illinois residents who rely on these services could ultimately face the impact of those issues.

SNAP provides food assistance benefits to eligible individuals and families, with the program administered at the federal level and managed through state agencies.

Representative McCombie says the newly released error rate highlights the need for improved oversight and accountability within Illinois’ SNAP system.

Follow along with tatylorvilledailynews.com for any further updates. For information on what the House and Senate for Illinois are up to, visit www.ilga.gov.

Data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows that jobs in Christian County have dropped by nearly 18% in the last quarter-century.  This is despite a population decrease of only around 5% in the county.  New facility and road projects have sought to create more job opportunities, but they have only slightly impacted the current numbers.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation has worked to facilitate new projects like the aforementioned ones along with other job-creating endeavors.  The organization’s Executive Director, Matt Hart, says the drop came in a steady decline in the 2010s.

Hart cites – among other factors – an aging population for the trends and says they have implications on local governments’ revenue through income taxes. 

Businesses like Dollar General and Sloan Implement have expanded their footprint into Christian County, and the CCEDC looks to build on these steps. 

More information on the Christian County Economic Development Corporation is available at www.christiancountyedc.com.

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

Pana has recently welcomed a new member to its police department. The Pana Board of Fire and Police Commissioners recently recommended Alexander Rodgers for hire as the city’s newest police officer.

With approval from the Pana City Council. Rodgers, a 22-year-old Pana native, was sworn in during the June 22nd City Council meeting by his mother and City Clerk Kim Toberman. Officer Rodgers graduated from Pana High School in 2022 before attending Lake Land College, where he earned an associate degree in criminal justice.

After graduating, Rodgers began his law enforcement career as a Pana Police Dispatcher in June of 2024. He later joined the Litchfield Police Department in May of 2025 after completing training at Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, where he earned his Basic Law Enforcement Certification.

Rodgers has now returned home to serve the Pana community. He will complete an abbreviated field training program before beginning solo patrol duties. Pana Police Department extends a congratulations to Officer Alexander Rodgers, and welcome home.

For information on the Pana Police Department, visit www.cityofpana.org/police-department.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has provided the latest water level update from Lake Shelbyville.

The lake level is currently at 609.74 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). NGVD is the baseline water level used to determine flooding. At this time, the NGVD is approximately 10.04 feet above the summer pool level. The current discharge rate is listed at 730 cubic feet per second. Officials say the rising pool has impacted some areas around the lake, but plenty of locations remain open for public use.

Several fishing access points, beaches, and trails are closed, including the Dam West Handicapped Fishing Access. Some of the beaches and trails that remain closed include Coal Creek Beach, Wilborn Creek Beach, and the Chief Illini Trail. Some secondary boat ramps and shoreline areas have also been impacted.

Open areas include several fishing access points, boat ramps, beaches, and trails, giving visitors options to continue enjoying the lake. Officials are reminding visitors that conditions may continue to change with additional rainfall in the forecast. Those using the lake are encouraged to use caution, avoid closed areas, and watch for floating debris on the water.

See the picture below for a full list of closures and for what is still open at the lake.

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

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is joining communities across the country in celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a day-long block party and free museum admission on Friday, July 4, in Springfield.

The celebration begins at 9 a.m. with free admission to the museum, giving visitors access to its exhibits and attractions, including the new special exhibition, “The Second American Revolution.” The exhibit explores how the Civil War and Reconstruction reshaped the nation and features historic artifacts, including the pen Abraham Lincoln used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation and a copy of the 13th Amendment signed by Lincoln and congressional allies who helped abolish slavery.

The outdoor festivities start at 3 p.m. in Union Square Park, directly across from the museum at 212 North Sixth Street. Families are invited to take part in a Kids and Pets Parade at 3:30 p.m., with decorated wagons, strollers, children, and pets encouraged to join the fun.

Additional activities will run from 3 to 7 p.m., including bubble and foam experiences from Foam and Flight, while food trucks offer drinks and classic American favorites throughout the afternoon.
Free live music begins at 4:15 p.m. with a performance by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, an authentic recreation of a Civil War-era military band complete with period uniforms and instruments.

The evening’s featured performance starts at 6 p.m. when Chicago’s acclaimed 3rd Coast Brass takes the stage. The symphonic brass ensemble is known for combining traditional brass music with contemporary programming and features some of the region’s top musicians.

Organizers say the event is Springfield’s contribution to “America’s Ultimate Block Party,” a nationwide effort tied to the America 250 commemoration marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The festivities are expected to conclude in time for attendees to enjoy local Independence Day fireworks celebrations.

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is highlighting the impact of its Educational Leadership programs, recognizing both a successful graduate and the next generation of educators preparing to lead schools across the state and beyond.

Dr. Kenneth Spells, superintendent of Hoke County Schools in North Carolina, says Eastern Illinois University played an important role in preparing him for a career focused on serving students, families, and communities. Spells, who is a recipient of EIU’s Distinguished Educator Award, was recently featured by the National Publication District Administration for his leadership approach and commitment to student success.

Spells earned both his master’s degree and specialist degree from EIU before beginning a career that has included leadership positions in Illinois and across the country. In a recent interview, Spells explained that his leadership philosophy centers around putting students first while building strong relationships within the communities his schools serve.

He emphasized the importance of listening to families, working with community members, and making sure every employee, from teachers to transportation and support staff, feels valued as part of the educational mission. University officials say Spells’ recognition reflects the ongoing mission of Eastern Illinois University’s Educational Leadership programs: preparing educators who become leaders and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.

That same mission continues with current EIU students. This year, dozens of students were recognized through departmental awards and scholarships honoring academic achievement, professional dedication, and a commitment to serving Illinois schools.

Educational Leadership students recognized include recipients from communities across the state, including Charleston, Danville, Decatur, Mahomet, Monticello, Paris, Salem, Urbana, Villa Grove, and many others. Among those recognized were students receiving the Errett and Mazie Warner Presidential Award, the John and Joyce Dively Educational Leadership Scholarship, the Denver Foltz Educational Leadership Scholarship, the Harry J. Merigis Memorial Education Fund, the Hans C. Olsen Scholarship, and the Rohn Family Scholarship in Educational Administration.

University officials say the achievements of leaders like Dr. Spells, along with the accomplishments of today’s students, demonstrate Eastern Illinois University’s continued role in preparing the future leaders of education.

For more information on Eastern Illinois University, go online to www.eiu.edu.

Pana First Methodist Church will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife on Wednesday, July 8th, at 619 Kitchell Street in Pana. The blood drive will take place in the churches Fellowship Hall.

Blood drive donations will be open from 1 PM to 6 PM. To make a donation, ImpactLife requests that you call the Springfield Office at (800) 747-5401 or by going online to www.bloodcenter.org and using code 60036 to find the blood drive and properly register your appointment.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are requested be made in advance to save time and to ensure the best outcome. To donate, you must be 17 years of age or older to donate alone, or no younger than 16 with a parental permission form. The permission forms can be found online at www.bloodcenter.org. The donor must also way 110 pounds or more with a valid photo ID.

Donors, who last gave blood on or before 5/13/26, are eligible to partake in this drive, and successful donors will receive a donor reward of their choice. ImpactLife reminds that blood donation is a safe, and simple procedure that should only take around 45 minutes to complete.

ImpactLife can be contacted via telephone by dialing (800) 747-5401 or online at www.bloodcenter.org.

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. 

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.

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. 

A confirmed EF-0 tornado touched down in Shelby County on Sunday, June 21st.

According to Shelby County Emergency Management, the county received four tornado warnings from the National Weather Service in Lincoln that afternoon due to concerns about rotation seen on radar, along with reports from local weather spotters.

A National Weather Service survey team later confirmed an EF-0 tornado had moved through Prairie Township near 100 North between 2400 East and 2700 East roads. Shelby County Emergency Management responded to the affected area and spoke with one landowner. Officials reported non-structural damage to a farm building, a small farm shed that was toppled, and minor roof damage to a residence.

No other significant damage was reported or observed at this time. Shelby County Emergency Management thanks the National Weather Service in Lincoln for their efforts in helping keep communities safe and prepared during severe weather events.

Officials also thanked local news agencies for their reporting on the storm, saying their live coverage from the area helped prepare and reassure residents throughout the county. A special thank you was also given to first responders who helped dispatch weather spotters, especially members of the Stewardson Fire and Ambulance District, who were among the first to report the tornado. Officials said the work of weather spotters can be dangerous, and their communication is critical in helping provide advanced warnings.

Shelby County Emergency Management Director Scott McKee said the coordination between weather officials, first responders, and the community played an important role during the severe weather event.

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

Due to forecasted rain on Friday, June 26th, the Hart Media Group Summer Scramble Golf Outing has been postponed until August 14th. 

The updated event will have different start times. The original shotgun start/tee off time of 12:00 PM has been pushed back to 10 AM on 08/14. Groovy 97.3 WRAN morning show host, Dylan Clark, will go live at the event starting at approximately 9 AM. Lunch is still set to be served and provided by the Lakeshore Golf Course. 

If you're already registered, you're all set! Your registration will automatically carry over to the new date. Thank you for supporting local news, local sports, and local communities. We can't wait to spend the day with you on August 14th!

Registration remains open. Register online by clicking HERE.

Follow along with taylorvilledailynews.com for any additional updates.

The Social Security Administration reminds disability benefits recipients to properly report their income to the agency if they work while enrolled.  This ensures they receive what they are eligible for and follow the relevant guidelines to prove continued eligibility.  The two main benefit programs, Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), each have different reporting requirements.

Jack Myers, a public affairs specialist with the SSA, says the SSDI offering is available to adults below the full retirement age who have worked and paid into Social Security. 

As for SSI, it is a need-based program meant for those of retirement age or who are disabled. 

Beneficiaries through either program who start a new job must inform the Social Security Administration and provide the employer’s Employer Identification Number.  This can be completed over the phone by calling the main number, (800) 772-1213, or the Springfield office, which can be reached at (877) 279-9504.

For SSI beneficiaries, there are two other ways to report wages outside of business hours: the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting App, or the automated phone line at (866) 772-0953.

More information on the Social Security Administration and these benefits is available at www.ssa.gov.

Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Elizabeth Fines-Workman is approaching one year in charge of Lincoln Land Community College’s Taylorville campus.  In that time, the campus has welcomed in area youth for tours and hosted camps and professional development seminars.  In addition, the facility continues to be the regular site for a selection of courses, including some for high school students in the College Now program.  Fines-Workman says she hopes to see enrollment among traditional students grow in the coming years. 

One of the accomplishments of which she has been most proud is hosting tours for fourth- and eighth-grade students.  She says it’s a way to give back to the community.

Fines-Workman has also looked to increase the campus’s outreach to the community and schools.  She hopes to continue this and also feature other local businesses. 

Fines-Workman shares what inspired her to pursue and take on the role as campus director: Her late grandmother went back to school at the age of 58 to pursue a teaching certificate.  

More information on Lincoln Land Community College is available at www.llcc.edu.

Elizabeth Fines-Workman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Illinois residents seeking reproductive health care will soon have additional protections for their private medical information.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation backed by State Senator Celina Villanueva aimed at safeguarding reproductive health records, including abortion-related medical information, from unauthorized access and out-of-state entities.

The measure, known as the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, requires health information exchanges to limit access to abortion-related records, prevent most sharing of that data across state lines, and separate abortion information from other portions of a patient's medical record.
Villanueva says the law is designed to protect patient privacy following the 2022 overturning of Roe versus Wade.

The law also allows patients to seek civil action if their privacy rights are violated and gives individuals the option to authorize sharing their reproductive health information with specific providers outside Illinois.

House Bill 5295 takes effect July 1st, 2027.

A unique Independence Day celebration is coming up at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur. This event will give visitors the chance to experience the Fourth of July the way it may have been celebrated more than 160 years ago.

The Homestead Prairie Farm will host the Independence Day 1860 celebration on Saturday, June 27th, from 6 to 8 PM. This free, all-ages event is open to the public and does not require registration. Visitors can step back in time and explore the historic Homestead Prairie Farm, which features an 1860s-era farmhouse that has been converted into a museum. Tours will be led by costumed interpreters, offering a look into what life was like during that time period.

Guests can also visit the heirloom garden, where Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension will be available to answer gardening questions and share their knowledge. The event will also feature activities for all ages, including the opportunity to try out children’s toys and games from the 1800s, giving visitors a chance to experience some of the simple entertainment enjoyed by families generations ago.

At 6:30 PM, the Rock Springs Dulcimer Club will provide live musical entertainment. Organizers say visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the evening outdoors. Shaded tables and benches will be available, and guests can also bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax under the trees.

The event will continue rain or shine. If weather conditions become an issue, the concert will move indoors to the auditorium at the Rock Springs Nature Center, while other activities will continue as planned.

For more information and full event details, visit MaconCCD.org.

The Christian County Health Department (CCHD) shares a reminder about the safe disposal of used needles and other sharps. The health department says used needles, syringes, and other sharp medical items should never be placed in household trash or recycling bins, as improper disposal can create serious safety risks for sanitation workers, pets, and others in the community.

The CCHD is providing residents with a safe, free, and convenient option to properly dispose of sharps. A designated drop box is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing residents to safely dispose of items including needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors, such as EpiPens.

Residents are reminded that sharps should always be placed inside a puncture-resistant container before disposal, such as an approved sharps container. For those who do not have a sharps container, the health department says residents can stop by their office to pick one up. If a container is needed outside of regular office hours, the health department’s harm reduction vending machine also has them available around the clock.

For more information, head online to www.cchdil.org.