Good morning, Decatur.

Six-year-old Noah Edwards was hit by an SUV while crossing the street at Oakland Avenue and Packard Street yesterday morning on his way to the bus stop, and Decatur neighbors will hold a balloon release tomorrow at 3 p.m.—honoring his memory by sharing stories of his kind nature.

Decatur Police Department is teaming up with over 200 law enforcement agencies and IDOT during Distracted Driving Awareness Month to increase cell phone stops and remind drivers to use hands-free devices.

Drivers who break the law will face fines from $75 to $150, and officers urge everyone to set up their navigation before starting their trip.

A Decatur man was arrested Wednesday for animal cruelty after he killed his puppy when it soiled his apartment floor — police said he also made threats with a gun and faces charges for possessing a weapon as a felon.

On April 11th, Decatur Police Department Chief Shane Brandel discussed his upcoming retirement, his career, and life outside of duty on the Byers & Co podcast.

He explained his long service and outlined the department's future focus on community policing.

US Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski joined guest host Kevin Breheny on Byers & Co (April 11th) to talk about agriculture, workforce development, biomanufacturing and Decatur projects.

She expressed optimism for the local economy.

On April 11, Angela Foulke of the Decatur Family YMCA joined Kevin Breheny on Byers & Co to share details about MOSSA group classes, training, and staying active at older ages—she explained the benefits on the podcast.

Decatur native Alan Huss was named as Creighton's next men's basketball head coach on April 11—Mark Tupper discussed his appointment in a recent podcast.

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.

Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2025

7 PM – 4 PM — Decatur IL Central Park — Tickets on sale soon — Enjoy a variety of local brews at Central Park in Downtown Decatur.

Boots On The Ground Country/Urban Line Dancing Party

7 p.m. — 12 a.m. — 400 E Eldorado St, Decatur, IL — Ages 21+ — Dust off those boots and hit the dance floor for an exciting night of country and urban line dancing with a live tutorial.