Good morning, Decatur.

On April 23, Matt Fairchild of Hickory Point Bank and Amy Bliefnick of Macon Resources joined Byers & Co to discuss how they support groups such as MRI—showing the bank's commitment to local improvement.

Macon County CASA and Revival Culture Church are hosting a free screening of 'A Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot' at Revival Culture Church in Decatur on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. — the event, held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, will feature guest speakers, informational tables from local child welfare groups, and free snacks and beverages.

Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co on April 23 to discuss the new mountain lion exhibit at Scovill Zoo, upcoming dance recitals, a ladies golf outing, Devon shows, Backstage Bash and facility openings.

Decatur native David McDonald, a MacArthur High School graduate and drummer for the Airmen of Note, will perform for the first time in his hometown at Kirkland Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 (tickets are required for this free event).

Ancient Athletics will host the Fourth Annual D-Town Throwdown Highland Games at the Decatur Hotel and Conference Center on April 26.

The event will include traditional competitions such as Stone Put, Caber Toss, and Scottish Hammer Throw — along with Celtic dancers and live music — and athlete sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m.

On April 23, 2025, Dean Sams of Lonestar joined Scott Chapman on Country Home 95Q to preview their concert set for May 4th at the State Farm Center.

The podcast explained the event details for local fans—highlighting what to expect when the show takes the stage.

On April 23, 2025, TCCI Manufacturing unveiled its $45 million Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur—Governor JB Pritzker attended as the project aimed to strengthen domestic EV component production and create 50 new jobs.

The 260,000-square-foot facility now includes an EV compressor production line and will host a Clean Energy Workforce Academy this fall, with a research center set to open in 2026.

Decatur Public Schools may add up to 50 new teachers from an international exchange program in July—this program will bring international educators to local classrooms.

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.

Rock Springs Ramble 5K Run/Walk

8 a.m. — Rock Springs Conservation Area — Registration details pending — Lace up for a community-friendly 5K run or walk in the scenic Rock Springs Conservation Area.