Good morning, Decatur.

The Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations will hold its monthly public meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Madden Room at the Decatur Public Library (130 North Franklin Street), featuring guest speaker Darsonya Switzer on DOVE services; the free event welcomes all residents.

United Methodist Women of Faith Decatur First United Methodist Church will host a Nelson half chicken dinner fundraiser with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, roll + butter Wednesday, April 8 from 4 to 6 PM at 201 W.

North St to support local and global mission projects. Tickets cost $15 and are available by phone at 217 423 9711.

On March 9, West Eldorado McDonald’s repeated as the top fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois as Amber Kaylor and local representatives discussed the achievement on a podcast.

The discussion highlighted strong community support for the charity.

On Monday, Mar. 9, Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co on Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday — his talk covered Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, high school basketball, St. Teresa High School, and the Illini.

Matilda the Musical Jr. — a youth production co-produced by Millikin University and Decatur Park District as part of the 2025-26 Artist Series — will run at Kirkland Fine Arts Center from March 20 to 22; tickets cost $12.

Local historian Bob Sampson will present 'Mr. Shoaff: Lincoln’s Relative and Decatur’s Colorful Newspaper Man' on March 14 (2:00 p.m.) at Rock Springs Nature Center as Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial with Macon County Conservation District sponsor a free talk on a Civil War editor.

A documentary on James Millikin will screen in Decatur this spring to explore his role as founder and civic leader.

It is set to play at the Decatur-based Albert Taylor Theatre on April 29 at 6 p.m. and at Lincoln Square Theatre on May 15.

On Monday, gas prices in Illinois jumped from under $3 a gallon to between $3.30 and $3.50, straining drivers and station owners alike—local businesses reported rising costs and reduced demand.

Decatur Public Schools District 61 will host an open community forum on Wednesday, Mar.

11 at 5:30 p.m. at Eisenhower High School—1200 S. 16th St.—and MacArthur High School—1499 W. Grand Ave.—to gather community feedback on its Roadmap 2030 planning process.

On Mar. 9, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to review new business openings, the Polar Plunge and Decatur Moves.

The podcast explains local plans and future opportunities.

The Macon County Health Department will host its Spring Into Health fair on Friday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1221 E.

Condit St. Attendees will receive free blood pressure, HIV + Hepatitis C screenings, produce bags and guidance on accessing health insurance from local organizations.

On March 9, Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to discuss new superintendent plans and healthcare workforce programs—highlighting efforts to pilot and expand projects—in a podcast now available for listening.

Brian Barnhart joined Byers & Co on Monday, Mar.

9 to discuss the Illini's win over Maryland and the team's tournament run; he previewed Monday Morning Quarterbacks on his podcast.

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.

The Music of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Rings of Power

4-8 p.m. — Kirkland Fine Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting performance featuring the iconic scores from beloved fantasy films.