Tim Zalabak

More than 72.5 million Americans will see their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments rise by 2.5% in 2025, thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to offset inflation. This increase affects nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries and 7.5 million SSI recipients and will take effect with January payments, arriving December 31st for SSI recipients. The COLA ensures that benefits maintain their purchasing power as prices climb, with adjustments based on the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for Urban and Clerical Wage Earners.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office and the Taylorville Police Department joined forces to carry out a large drug bust in late November, an operation that was made possible by recent fixes in jurisdiction for the Community Action Team. The CAT is comprised of officers from Taylorville, Assumption, Edinburgh, Kincaid, Stonington, Morrisonville, and deputies from the CCSO.

The 15th annual Dacey Trail Candle Light Walk is nearing and organizers invite the community out to see the 2-mile trial shining with over 700 total luminaries. The Candle Light Walk is Saturday, January 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and attendees can expect Hot chocolate and cider served around the bonfire.

The Macon County Conservation District is getting the message out early for their trips to Starved Rock State Park for their yearly eagle viewing expedition. Alysia Callison, Director of Program services at the MCCD looks forward to the event every year and says registration is open now for citizens looking to take the adventure.

Pana High School is excited to host its first-ever Student Job Fair and Mock Interview Day on January 16. This event aims to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their future careers. Local businesses, community members, and potential employers are invited to participate in this important day.

The holiday spirit illuminated Manners Park this year as the annual "Christmas in the Park" event achieved resounding success once again. Over 7,000 vehicles made their way through the park to enjoy the dazzling light displays, have some hot chocolate, and support a remaining tradition.

The new year will bring new areas of focus for the Memorial Health Hospitals as a new community health needs assessment has been finalized, providing a frame work for priorities advocated for by citizens.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital and the Christian County YMCA, two local organizations dedicated to promoting health and wellness, have joined forces to kick off the new year with their first annual Winter Walk-a-thon. Both the Taylorville High School track and the CC YMCA will be open, free of charge, encouraging participants to log at least 10 miles of walking. Those who reach this goal will earn a commemorative Walk-a-thon t-shirt, while a leaderboard will track participants with the most miles logged for those eager to go the extra mile.

Taylorville Park District's "Christmas in the Park" featured many new and returning events in 2024, but one has stuck with Recreation Director, Jessica Franks, that brought joy to a different group.

As heard on WTIM your information station, the Taylorville boys took a resounding win over Charleston Friday night, dominating the Trojans 60-36. Taylorville improved to 7-7 and 3-2 in Apollo games. A combination of persistent defense, controlled offensive pace, and success beyond the three-point line sealed the game for the Tornadoes.