Good morning, Decatur.

Shemilah Community Outreach Center may close if funds are not restored, even though St. Paul's Lutheran Church provided a temporary space last spring to lower costs (the center has cut staff and days while offering free rides, meals, tutoring and summer programs for about 70 children).

Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur has raised $245,000 toward its $410,000 goal to fund free meals as demand grows and needs $165,000 more by the end of June.

The nonprofit relies solely on local donations to continue its service.

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois will launch the 2026 cookie season on Feb.

13 and run sales through March 29—introducing the new Exploremores cookie alongside favorites like Thin Mints and Caramel deLites. Net proceeds support troop projects, camps, and travel.

Millikin University will host the Tony Award-winning musical revue 'Ain't Misbehavin'' (part of the Artist Series) at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Saturday, Feb.

14 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are on sale.

Decatur Public Schools will host Family Empowerment Night on Tuesday, Feb.

17 at 5 p.m. at MacArthur High School - families can meet district leaders, learn about academic supports and earn summer vouchers up to $200 by attending sessions on student success and career readiness.

On Feb. 5, 2026, St. Teresa High School principal Matt Snyder & Athletic Director Tom Noonan joined Byers & Co for a preview of the upcoming Open House that will outline the school’s plan to prepare students for college.

Sheriff Jim Root will award a $500 scholarship to a full-time student from Macon County for the 2026-27 school year + eligible applicants must meet the association's criteria.

Federal data shows roughly two-thirds of 3- to 5-year-olds are on track for kindergarten, but experts say school readiness means more than just knowing ABCs (including social and motor skills).

Local families in Decatur may benefit from exploring quality preschool programs to support early learning.

The City of Decatur received a $1.4M grant to address residential lead hazards.

The funding—made up of a $1M Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and $400K Healthy Homes Supplemental funding—will help state-licensed contractors treat lead sources in homes for families with young children.

Mt. Zion High School will host a community blood drive in partnership with ImpactLife on Thursday, Feb.

19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school’s small gym (305 S. Henderson Street) to help local hospitals maintain an adequate blood supply.

Four Memorial Health hospitals earned recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Feb.

5; Decatur Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Springfield Memorial and Taylorville Memorial hospitals met rigorous standards in their cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs.

Illinois announced its participation in the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network + offering quick cross-border alerts and global health expertise to monitor and contain outbreaks.

The state took this step to improve public health after gaps in national coordination emerged.

Scovill Zoo is offering a unique Valentine’s Day promotion where you can (for $20) adopt a hissing cockroach or adopt a naked mole rat or turkey vulture for $25.

The offer includes an adoption certificate and animal photo, and orders call 217-421-7435 to support zoo programs.

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.

Pirate & Princess Party

10-11 a.m. — Forsyth Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy games, crafts, and treats while dressed as your favorite pirate or princess.