Tim Zalabak

The Festival of Trees is making its debut and turning the Taylorville Township into Whoville this Saturday, December 14th, with festivities running from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This holiday tradition found a new home thanks to Taylorville Township Supervisor, Billie Heberling and her team, who stepped up to host and bring awareness to the day.

AGCO, the umbrella company of Grain Systems International (GSI), a major employer in Christian County, has been purchased by American Industrial Partners.

Taylorville Boys Basketball falls to the Mt. Zion Braves 68-50 after a week-long break for the Tornadoes. The undefeated Braves kept a fast-paced offense all night and Taylorville did all they could to hang in.

Main Street Elementary School in Shelbyville is putting the health of their students first by assembling a wellness team, targeting areas of health with easy activities and programs.

Before the first substantial snowfall, the Macon County Conservation District wants the public to know their services and parks that remain operating with family-friendly activities. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent to be taken on the many trails that traverse through Rock Springs Nature Center.

The Decatur Area Arts Council has announced Jami Fawley as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. A Decatur native, Fawley returns to DAAC following her role as Director of Education and Outreach at the Children's Museum of Illinois.

Beyers Chiropractic and Stealth Wellness in Pana has taken on some changes, adding rooms to accommodate for the red light therapy, infrared sauna, and functional medicine practices. Dr. Bill Beyers is excited provide alternative and data driven approach to ones health, using food as medicine, taking advantage of the benefits behind light frequency and having a detailed look at health through blood tests.

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.