Good morning, Decatur.

On April 7, 2025, Amber Kaylor from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois joined guest host Kevin Breheny on Byers & Co to discuss how the charity helps families during tough times—showing the support available across the region.

Two homes on W. North Street caught fire on Thursday afternoon when flames spread from 875 to 865 and the Decatur Fire Department rescued one person from each home around 4:29 p.m., with both residents assessed by Abbott Ambulance and declining hospital transport as investigators work to determine the cause.

Tickets remain on sale for 'That's What She Said', a one-night live performance at Lincoln Square Theater on April 25 at 7 p.m. – The event is directed by Jenette Jurczyk and hosted by Karla Miller from Hickory Point Bank & Trust, and will feature eight female speakers sharing personal stories to benefit She Gave Women's Giving Circle with $25,000 in grants awarded during the show.

American Dreamer STEM Academy is preparing to move to the new Ellsworth Dansbury Junior Magnet School in August and is introducing Z Space— a virtual reality system that lets students learn by interacting with math and science lessons in real time.

Teachers say the new technology helps spark a love for learning among students.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill unanimously last week to classify compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder — the change will let the state create programs to help prevent, notice and treat gambling problems.

Lawmakers said the measure is meant to support early intervention for those affected.

For over 10 years, Kids Good Grief Camp in central Illinois has helped children ages 6 to 12 cope with loss through a one day program led by licensed therapists.

Children rotate through themed rooms to explore past, present, and future—featuring a therapy dog for calm—and end the day with caregivers planting a memory tree.

Kids Good Grief Camp has helped children in central Illinois cope with loss for over 10 years.

Licensed therapists guide children ages 6 to 12 through themed rooms—symbolizing the past, present, and future—with a therapy dog and volunteer Kara Rubio assisting caregivers as they plant memory trees with their children.

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.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet 70th Anniversary Celebration

9 a.m. — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Check for details on savings — Celebrate 70 years of community service with fun demos, giveaways, and a chance to win a UTV.

True Blue Challenge

12 AM – 12 AM — Kirkland Fine Arts Center — Support our students — Celebrate Millikin University with a fundraising challenge for scholarships.

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Plant Sale

9 AM – 2 PM — Macon County Fair & Event Facilities — Free entry — Explore a variety of plants including annuals, perennials, houseplants, and more at this community plant sale.