Good morning, Decatur.

Decatur's Child 1st Center earned national re-accreditation from the National Children's Alliance on Jan.

28, confirming its full accreditation status maintained since 2000 while offering safe, specialized care to children.

Operation Enduring Support is collecting donations for deployed troops for Easter and needs items by March 12; drop-offs + are accepted at Grace Methodist Church, 901 N Main, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2025 Awards until Friday, Feb.

6 for local businesses, organizations and their employees. Winners will be honored at the awards ceremony on March 25 at the Country Club of Decatur.

In the past week, American Red Cross volunteers responded to 13 home fires across nearby communities (including Decatur), delivering emergency essentials and safe shelter to 55 affected people.

They continue to assist families as they recover.

On Feb. 3, Kyle May from Fleet Feet previewed Brooks footwear demos, new running events, and spring clothing during a discussion with Byers & Co, offering a glimpse into upcoming local athletic options.

Country Artist Craig Campbell will perform at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater on August 1, 2026 (tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on February 6).

Yesterday, Feb. 3, Jami Fawley from the Decatur Area Arts Council and Rikki Parker from the Children’s Museum of Illinois joined Byers & Co in a podcast to highlight Mardi Gras events planned at both venues.

Bob Cyphers (2022 Edward R.

Murrow Award winner) will talk about his books on cold cases at the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library on Monday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Copies of the titles will be available.

Prairie Land FAME, ADM, Workforce Investment Solutions and Richland Community College will host a Family Recruitment Night on Tuesday, Feb.

10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the National Sequestration Education Center (3357 N. President Howard Brown Blvd) for families and students considering enrollment in the new program starting August.

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.