Good morning, Decatur.

On Jan. 19, Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co’s podcast to discuss Martin Luther King Day and community building, focusing on reaching young men and working with DMH leadership.

On Monday, the Metro Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a church service in Decatur to honor Martin Luther King Jr., featuring prayers, dance performances, and choir songs.

Bishop James Wills said the event aimed to unite community groups and boost local safety.

Yesterday, Kari Ferguson, Holy Family’s Director of Development, joined co-hosts Megan Breheny-Bennett & John Ellis on Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday to discuss the upcoming Holy Family Dinner with events and prize packages.

The podcast highlighted details for community members ahead of the event.

Fire officials warn that more vacant home fires may occur during winter as unsafe heating methods are used in abandoned buildings + delayed reports can increase risks for crews and nearby neighborhoods in Central Illinois.

Jordan Davis, a multi-platinum country artist, will perform at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur on July 9.

Public ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 22 (tickets are not part of the season package) at devonamphitheater.com.

Millikin University's School of Music will host its Valentine’s Gala at The Hostetler on Saturday, Feb.

14 — featuring live jazz by Jazz Band I with guest vocalist Alexandra Manfredo and a dinner by Coney McKanes; tickets cost $40 and proceeds benefit the music school.

The Decatur Area Arts Council will open a Mardi Gras-themed exhibit with a First Friday Opening Reception on Friday, Feb.

6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anne Lloyd Gallery in the Madden Arts Center — featuring live jazz, New Orleans-style food, and family workshop details.

The Illinois Sheriffs' Association announced more than $58,000 in scholarships statewide for full-time college students for the 2026–2027 academic year (covering tuition, books, and fees).

In Macon County, Sheriff James Root will award a $500 scholarship, and applications must be postmarked by March 13 (through local sheriff’s offices).

Aetna Better Health of Illinois is hosting a free community health and resource fair tomorrow at the Empowerment Opportunity Center (360 East Marietta Street) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Residents will have access to wellness resources including health screenings and flu shots.

Brian Barnhart joined Byers & Co on Jan.

19 to recap the Illini win over Minnesota and preview Monday Morning Quarterbacks on a podcast recorded yesterday.

Strings of the Heart: Candlelit Valentine’s Concert & Dinner

7-9:30 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center & Hotel — Cost varies — Enjoy a romantic evening of live strings and a curated dinner in a candlelit atmosphere.