Good morning, Decatur.

On April 13, conservation district officials Jerry Culp and Robin Caceres discussed the planned 1,000 Tree Planting Event and Wine in the Wild at Woodbine Farm during a podcast—a local initiative to restore an oak savannah and boost community engagement.

On Apr. 13, Kim Schwalbach from Decatur and Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation (DMCASF) joined co-hosts Megan Breheny-Bennett and Kevin Breheny on Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday to discuss her PUPS program and mark the retirement of her dog, Lady Mary.

Macen Stodden, a Neoga native serving on USS John P.

Murtha, helped recover the Artemis II spacecraft after its journey around the Moon and earned a commendation for his essential role. Community members are proud of his achievement.

Forsyth will add five restaurants by the end of 2027, including a Chick-fil-A set to open fall 2026 at a former Applebee’s and an eatery moving from the old Crab Lobster building north of Interstate 72 off Route 51 — Village Administrator Jill Applebee said the expansions will draw more visitors.

The Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra will join Millikin Decatur Symphony musicians for the Side by Side concert on April 26 at 2 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center — the free performance features works by Stravinsky, Copland and Chevalier de Saint-Georges and marks the culmination of the youth season.

On April 13, officials announced that the city and Decatur Public Library received a $15,000 grant (Illinois Arts Council) to create public artwork that reflects community identity.

The state program distributed more than $325,000 to 22 projects statewide to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

On April 13, 2026, Mark Scranton joined co-hosts Megan Breheny-Bennett and Kevin Breheny on Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday to discuss the 'Can't Bring Him Down Event' featuring Super Bowl Champion Jacardia Wright at Lincoln Square Theater.

Federal data showed Illinois’ GDP topped $1.2 trillion last year, up from nearly $900 billion in 2019 when Governor Pritzker took office.

Economists say steady growth in key industries has kept the state's economy strong despite earlier policy challenges.

High school juniors and seniors can apply for free Summer 2026 Healthcare Bootcamps, with a session at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur on Tuesday, July 14.

Applications are due by May 2.

Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co on April 13 to discuss DCLI and Public Safety programming while hosting an interactive project with 100 students; the podcast shares details from the session.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe spoke on a podcast on April 13 to discuss the return of D.A.R.E., Millikin University's presidential inauguration, and plans for workforce development that aim to boost local community support.

Dixon's Violin Performance

6:50-10:50 p.m. — Decatur Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience the world’s premier visionary violinist like never before.