Daily
Decatur
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Macon County Continuum of Care launched a 100-Day Challenge on March 17 to help 60 at-risk households, most of which are families with children, avoid homelessness in our community. Local leaders met earlier this month to coordinate support and urge landlords to take early action. Now Decatur
- ➤ On March 17, 2026, Dave Wendt from Forsyth (village official) updated plans for a community mural, a new dog park, and the addition of Chick-fil-A during a talk with Byers and Co. These projects aim to boost local business and enhance community amenities. Now Decatur
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local McDonald's employee Layne Woolery was invited to join the Golden Team and will represent the franchise at the upcoming World McDonald’s convention in Las Vegas (Nevada). Herald & Review
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missy Batman from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Lisa Hollis discussed the show 'That’s What She Said' and Lisa’s cast preparation on a Byers & Co podcast released March 17. Listen to the conversation for local arts insights. Now Decatur
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois gasoline prices jumped by 20.4 cents per gallon in the past week to average $3.69 today; prices are up 72.5 cents from last month and 47.8 cents from last year, with station rates ranging from $3.06 to $4.99 + nearby areas also showing higher prices. Decatur Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Voters in Ball-Chatham School District passed a $110M referendum Tuesday night to fund school upgrades. The measure (raising taxes by $27M overall) targets failing boilers and water lines that left classrooms too cold in winter. WAND
- ➤ Decatur Public Schools announced that the free Extended Day program will end on May 22, 2026 (as federal relief funds expire) and the district will seek local partners to offer before and after school services next year. Decatur Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials plan a prescribed burn in the natural restoration area south of the Lake Decatur dam and west of US 51 to reduce invasive species and promote native plants. The burn, conducted by trained professionals and dependent on favorable weather, may start today and continue through Friday. Decatur Tribune
- ➤ Macon County Conservation District and Foundation will mark their milestone anniversaries (60 and 45 years) with the Rooted in Community 1,000 Tree Planting Event on Saturday, Apr. 18 at 9 a.m. at 7206 Sefton Road in Dalton City, where $20 trees help restore native habitat. Decatur Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Decatur Public Transit System launched a new contactless fare system today using mobile ticketing, reloadable smart cards and real-time account tools to simplify bus rides. Riders can use the Transit Pay app or online portal while buses still accept cash during the transition. Decatur Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Kyle May of Fleet Feet joined Byers & Co on March 17 to preview spring clothing trends, new products and upcoming Brew and Hangover runs (details shared on a podcast). Now Decatur
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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.
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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.
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
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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