May 24, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Taylor Baldner

This week we asked Taylor Baldner of Taylor-Made Photography to tell us 10 things about herself. Baldner has recently joined the Army Reserves and left for basic training last week.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is definitely when I would get to go visit my grandma and grandpa in Florida. We’d always take walks on the beach and then get ice cream afterward.

What is a book you have read that has stayed with you?
I am super busy so I don’t have much time to read books, however, one of my favorite books was called “Trance” by Linda Gerber. I love the mysterious books.

What is something people don’t know about you?
Something a lot of people don’t know about me is I love art. I love drawing or doing many types of art project in my free time.

What was the name of your first pet?
My first pets name was Chase, he was a European Shorthair Cat.

Where is your favorite place you have ever traveled to?
Definitely Costa Rica. It was a beautiful tropical vacation. We spent a lot of time touring volcanic area, the mountain side and the cities.

What is something you always carry with you?
I always carry my phone with me and my debit/ID card.

Why did you decide to join the Army?
I decided to join the army, because I love new things, the benefits are great, and I would love to serve my country. There are honestly so many reasons as to why, I just chose a few.

What is something you are looking forward to?
When I get back I want to travel more. It’s one of the things I just love to do and of course bring my camera with me to take some cool pictures.

What do you like about photography?
I love photography because you can capture such beautiful natural pictures from a different angle than you would normal see. You also meet some amazing people on the way.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to always be yourself. It’s better the stand alone for the right reason, than to stand with a thousand other people for the wrong reasons.

in People
Banner
Related Posts

‘I love feeling a part of the community’

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

Almost a year ago exactly, The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the naming and grand opening of...

Donation could change the face of sports and activities at SJO

February 16, 2021

February 16, 2021

An anonymous donor has made St. Joseph-Ogden High School an offer they couldn’t refuse. And because of it, SJO athletic...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

Welcome home: Parade set to honor Randall

October 2, 2021

October 2, 2021

Lyndsey Leemon is proud of her brother. So proud in fact, she wants to honor him with a parade to...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

Dukeman shines in classroom and in athletics

March 7, 2019

March 7, 2019

School comes easy for St. Joseph-Ogden High School junior Hannah Dukeman. Dukeman, who plays softball for SJO in addition to...

Scholarship honors, remembers Dick Duval: ‘His legend will live on in St. Joe’

October 5, 2021

October 5, 2021

If you want to know who Dick Duval truly was, all you have to do is ask St. Joseph-Ogden Superintendent...

Kids’ recycling project leads to three new benches at local parks

September 11, 2019

September 11, 2019

The residents of St. Joseph will have three new benches to sit on. The village has bought three benches for...

Comfort Quilters honor veterans

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

In June, 14 veterans were awarded comfort quilts. Two more could be awarded tonight at the St. Joseph Festival by...

St. Joseph Automotive looks to pay it forward with coat drive

December 18, 2019

December 18, 2019

Casey Phillips recognized there was a need in St. Joseph and she wanted to do something about it. The co-owner...

10 tips to get your home ready to sell

August 5, 2019

August 5, 2019

Clear out your personal belongings and declutter. It’s a good idea to eliminate clutter and depersonalize the home. You’ll want...

‘ B.J. was one who absolutely stood out’

September 10, 2021

September 10, 2021

We asked Matt Davidson, the former Legislative Director for the Illinois Municipal League for his thoughts on B.J. Hackler. Here...

Wheelhouse steps up to help community

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

Abbie Layden-Rogiers and her husband Ryan Rogiers have always wanted to help the community. The owners of The Wheelhouse in...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

10 things you don’t know about me…the SJO girls basketball team

February 22, 2019

February 22, 2019

After this weekend, Maclayne Taylor will have 12 state medals and has been apart of five team state trophies.  ...

Comments
Leave a Reply