Good morning, Decatur.

Debbie Bogle from United Way discussed the Power of the Purse and community investment during a podcast with Byers & Co on March 12, 2026, inviting local listeners to learn more online.

Local soybean farmers, still recovering from tariff losses in 2025, now face rising fuel and fertilizer prices and reduced shipments due to Iran’s blockade of a key shipping route as spring planting nears.

ADM announced a $500,000 partnership with American Farmland Trust on March 12 to help family farmers in Illinois and five other states gain technical support, funding, and resources through its Farm Forward Initiative.

Local farmers are relieved by recent rains that helped restore moisture after months of drought in central Illinois.

University experts (Preza Fontes) say extra storms in the coming weeks will boost soil conditions for the planting season.

Macon County Conservation District and Conservation Foundation will host the Rooted in Community tree planting event on Saturday, April 18 at 9 a.m. at 7206 Sefton Road in Dalton City, celebrating their 60th and 45th anniversaries along with Earth Day and Arbor Day, and members may volunteer or purchase trees.

UI professor Sheldon Jacobson (computer science professor) created the BracketOdds website to break down NCAA tournament odds using over 20 years of data, showing that while seeding helps in early rounds, upsets become more common later in the tournament.

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.

Heartache Tonight - Tribute to The Eagles

7-10 p.m. — Lincoln Square Theater — Get your tickets fast for a tribute to The Eagles featuring all their greatest hits.