Good morning, Decatur.

After a December kitchen fire destroyed their home on East Olive Street, Calvin and Tenika Carson Smith moved into a new house with help from local groups (Northeast Community Fund, Red Cross, Antioch Baptist Church, and neighbors) and nearly $7,000 in GoFundMe support.

HSHS nurse practitioner Alyson Webb says colon cancer screening usually starts at 45 but should be done earlier for those with a family history, rectal bleeding, or other symptoms (consulting a primary care doctor is advised) to catch cancer early.

Terry Scott from Environmental Services at Decatur Memorial Hospital was named the 2025 Colleague of the Year on Jan.

29 - he was recognized for his effective work in the ED and his positive impact on teamwork. He joined in 2023 and previously earned Colleague of the Month in June 2025.

Decatur Park District will host the 15th annual 4V4 Indoor Futsal Tournament at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center on February 21.

Teams from 8U to adult will pay $225 if registered by Jan. 31 (or $250 after) and schedules will be posted online.

Mark Tupper previewed the Illini’s matchup with Washington on his podcast on Jan.

29, 2026 + he discussed star freshmen, the Illini women, and Brian Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub to update local sports fans.

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.