By ERIC TUCKER, MATTHEW LEE and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American and Russian officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top…

Grocer works toward opening doors just in time for Christmas TAYLORVILLE — Kroger Central Division announces its intention to reopen its Taylorville store before the end of the month. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency ordered its closure July 29th due to concerns about the handling and removal of flooring materials. Since then, state-approved and licensed professionals have made…

(TAYLORVILLE) — The Taylorville City Council honored several students in the Taylorville School District for their accomplishments during their Monday night meeting. In the top photo, Mayor Bruce Barry, right, awards Taylorville Junior High School student Liam Bettis, left, for finishing third in the IESA Class 3A State Cross County Meet. In the bottom photo,…

New Christian County Board Members CHRISTIAN COUNTY — A re-organizational meeting of Christian County Board was held Monday night in the Courthouse. Board members are, seated, from left, Jean Vandenbergh, Venise McWard, Chairman Bryan Sharp and Linda Curtin. In back, Thomas Snyder Jr., Jeff Nolan, Clint Epley, Ken Franklin, Clayton Walter, David Puccetti, Vicki McMahon,…

(TAYLORVILLE) — A welcome sign for area grocery shoppers as truck loads of stock have begun arriving at the Taylorville Kroger Store, 201 E. Bidwell. The store is advertising in the Breeze-Courier for help wanted in the Classified section and after being certified for employees to return to the store by the Illinois Environmental Protection…

TAYLORVILLE — Four members of the Taylorville High School Choirs participated in the Illinois Music Education Association’s District 5 Concert Festival on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. Each member had earned a spot in the Senior Mixed Choir or Treble Choir that performed that day by auditioning back in October. The ILMEA…

TAYLORVILLE — St. Mary School honored veterans during an all school assembly on November 7. The Honor Guard from VFW #4495 led a flag raising ceremony, then the entire assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance together. Principal Joanne Coady offered a special prayer for all veterans. Following the ceremony, Mrs. Schaeffer’s 6th grade students hosted…

Members of the Taylorville City Council gathered Monday evening, Nov. 21, for their regular meeting in the Municipal Building, Among the items approved was the city’s tax levy for 2023 and several business agreements for developers. Prior to the meeting, the city’s Finance Committee met to review the levy. They recommended the adoption of the…