Good morning, Decatur.

The Red Cross helped 31 people affected by 10 home fires (in Springfield, Hurst, Mount Vernon, Decatur, McLeansboro, Marion, Jacksonville, Colp and Salem) over the past week.

Volunteers provided emergency financial aid, food and relief items and will continue to support families as spring disaster season unfolds.

Illinois farmers are receiving $25 million in disaster relief funds, paying nearly $43 per acre for corn and about $30 per acre for soybeans after Congress approved billions to aid recovery from past hurricanes — officials urge farmers to visit county offices and apply with their 2024 data — so funds are deposited directly into their accounts.

Lake Land College instructor Lisa Earp has been named Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025 by the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association after 21 years at the college.

She teaches business, leads the Office Professionals program, and directs Court Reporting + Captioning, a new initiative + meeting local needs.

HIRE360 received nearly $5 million from the CEJA Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to expand its free 13-week trades training in central Illinois, and its first class will graduate on Saturday.

The program provided hands-on learning—such as a Tuesday wind farm visit—and has already helped students secure work and plan career changes.

On March 24, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co in a podcast to discuss Tillamook, schools, housing, and local elections — her conversation provided insight into local policy changes ahead of upcoming elections.

Illinois State Police honored fallen Trooper Todd Hanneken on the anniversary of his death—marking a day of remembrance for the 20 year veteran who died in a single vehicle crash on March 25 in Bondville.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, his brother and parents.

On March 25th, Dr Bret Jerger of Jerger Pediatric Dentistry joined Dale Colee & Lauren Young on Pharmacy Facts with Friends to discuss the importance of children’s dental care.

More than 40 eighth-grade volleyball players from 23 schools will compete in the 2025 Jr High All-Star Volleyball Tournament on March 30th at SkyWalker International Sports Complex in Decatur — the event is open to the public with tickets costing $7 for adults, $5 for children, and $12 for VIP Courtside seating.

All American Circus

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Decatur Civic Center — $20 Adults, $8 Children — Experience the thrill of the circus with fun for the whole family!

Midwest Toy & Comic Fest Decatur 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Decatur Civic Center — $5 at the door — A family-friendly convention featuring toys and comics for all ages.

Molly Hatchet Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Lincoln Square Theater — $18-$75 — Experience the iconic Southern rock sounds of Molly Hatchet blending rock, blues, country, and gospel.