Daily
Decatur
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dave Wendt of the Village of Forsyth spoke with Byers & Co on February 17 about Chic-fil-A plans, a new disc golf course, roadwork, TIF district incentives, and farm land details. Now Decatur
- ➤ The 170th Macon County Fair released its 2026 schedule to run from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7 at the Fairgrounds in Decatur. The week-long fair will feature harness racing, a fair queen pageant, a concert, a rodeo, ITPA truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. WAND
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Natalie Beck from Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and cast member Terri Wigginton joined Byers and Co’s podcast on Feb. 17 to talk about Wigginton’s role in the upcoming event 'That’s What She Said' — sharing her firsthand view of the project. Now Decatur
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Decatur Public Schools held a Family Empowerment Night Tuesday that offered families summer vouchers of $50 per session + $150 base vouchers for summer programs while those who missed the event can still register later; programs include Millikin athletic camps, the library, and the YMCA. ABC 20
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois programs offer free income tax help for qualifying families and older adults to file 2025 state and federal returns. IRS-certified volunteers will assist at local centers — available ahead of the April 15 deadline. Now Decatur
- ➤ Decatur City Council did not approve a request for over $100,000 extra funds for Love, Learning and Laughter Daycare's 24-hour care facility Tuesday. Owner Cherri Johnson vows to secure alternative financing — a plan to complete the upgrades for working families. WAND
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school football players in Illinois will now have earlier practice as the IHSA set Aug. 5 as the new start date — with players required to complete 12 days of on-field practice before their first game. Schools are preparing for the updated schedule to improve athlete safety. Decatur Radio
- ➤ Decatur Baseball Club revealed its new name, the Bean Ballers, and will open its inaugural season on May 26 at Millikin University's Workman Family Baseball Field against the Lafayette Aviators. WAND
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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.
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2026 PBA Illinois Classic
3-5 p.m. — Victory Lanes - Decatur — Contact for spectator passes — Experience thrilling bowling with PBA legends at this exciting tournament.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Decatur
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