Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.
Good morning, Decatur.
🏘️ Community
Northeast Community Fund will host its 2026 Love Thy Neighbor Clothing Room Drive-Thru Donation Event in Decatur on Feb.
25 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to raise $25,000 and gather clothing and household essentials for local families.
Residents are invited to join the 25th Annual Decatur Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 7 at the Beach House on Lake Decatur to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois.
Registration runs from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. with the plunge kickoff at noon + awards scheduled at 1:15 p.m.
Central Illinois Media Group will host the 2025 CIMG Kid's Fest on Saturday, March 7th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, featuring roller skating + bounce houses, sports clinics and giveaways for kids.
💼 Business
A new McDonald's is set to break ground this summer on South Shores (just south of Lake Decatur on Route 51 and South Side Drive) and will open before year's end.
Owner Gary Birshbach said the restaurant will be the chain's seventh in Decatur and will create local jobs.
🎓 Education
On Feb. 23, Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to discuss hiring a new DPS61 superintendent for Decatur and share plans for DCLI and Thee Morris Code (podcast available now).
🌲 Environment
Water levels at Lake Decatur are four feet below average amid a historic drought affecting central Illinois.
Decatur officials have supplemented the supply and expect 7 to 8 inches of rain in the coming months to boost groundwater (the lowest level in 40 years), and they are monitoring the situation.
🏥 Health
Illinois lawmakers proposed new food safety measures that limit additives and require baby food makers to test for heavy metals (to protect infants from developmental risks).
The bill passed the Senate and will next be considered in the House.
🏈 Sports
Mark Tupper recapped the Illini’s overtime loss to UCLA and Team USA hockey’s gold medal win in his podcast released yesterday — his analysis offered clear insight for sports fans in Decatur.
Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co on February 23 to discuss the weekend's sports highlights, local events, and a party planning memory from 20 years ago.
He also mentioned Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday during the podcast recording.
🎉 Decatur Events
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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.
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.
🏠 Decatur Real Estate
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💼 Decatur Job Board
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📣 Decatur Announcements
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