Curated current events in Decatur, daily.

Daily Decatur is a daily 5-minute newsletter highlighting local news in Decatur

Our mission is to make local news more accessible and highlight extraordinary people in our community. Thousands of Illinoisans start their mornings with Daily Decatur.

Recent News in Decatur

Sep 19th, 2024 👍 3561 💬 661
Quick Release for Decatur Murder Accomplice

Chase N. Freeman was sentenced to 4½ years for his role in concealing the homicide of 41-year-old Norma J. Crutchfield in Decatur, but was released the same day due to time served and credits. Despite not participating in the dismemberment, Freeman helped move Crutchfield’s body and later disposed of her remains in his trash, leading to a loss of evidence in the Macon County landfill. Troy D. Slaw, the perpetrator of the murder, was sentenced to 28 years after taking a plea deal. Freeman’s testimony was crucial in charging Slaw, and he is set to be discharged from parole in February 2025.

Sep 19th, 2024 👍 3398 💬 697
Ensure Your Child's Safety: Free Car Seat Check Event

The Macon County Health Department will conduct a free car seat check event on September 20, 2024, to ensure child passenger safety.

Sep 19th, 2024 👍 3444 💬 491
Enrollment at Richland Community College Surges

Richland Community College in Decatur has experienced a significant enrollment increase of nearly 5% from the previous year, with 2,206 students attending this fall. The diverse student body includes 27% African American and 5.5% Hispanic/Latino students, and a third are dual credit students, benefiting from partnerships with local schools like the Decatur Public Schools' Prep Academy. In addition to enrollment, students are taking 6% more credit hours compared to the previous fall. The college offers extensive support services, including a food pantry, free city bus rides, tutoring, and a scholarship program that awarded $1.75 million last year. Furthermore, the Board of Trustees has extended President Cris Valdez's contract until 2027 and approved a new three-year contract with the faculty, ensuring raises over the next three years.

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