Good morning, Decatur.

Neal Wood has run his Newman family farm for 40 years and has seen equipment grow from a 10-foot disk to machines that cover up to 120 feet — he says modern farming supports local markets and businesses — while the farm continues to be a key part of the community.

The Children's Museum of Illinois will host its annual Duck Derby on May 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—participants can buy rubber ducks to race for a $3,000 prize and enjoy activities like a STEM lab, petting zoo, pizza from Papa Murphy’s, and coffee by Rockwell while proceeds support the museum.

Millikin University will host the United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Kirkland Fine Arts Center — featuring Decatur native M.Sgt. David McDonald on drums.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security showed that in March, Decatur’s unemployment rate fell to 5.4 percent from 6.2 percent a year ago — even as 1,200 nonfarm jobs were lost — with 200 more jobs added in Private Education-Health Services and Mining-Construction.

Today, local workers, union officials and community leaders gather at the Workers' Memorial on the northwest corner of the Macon County Courthouse Lawn at 5:30 p.m. to remember fallen workers—including John Hawkins, whose family will lay a wreath—and support a resolution for new workplace safety laws.

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.

On-Site Tour at Glenwood Supportive Living

9 AM - 7 PM — The Glenwood Supportive Living of Mt. Zion — Free entry — Explore a community focused on exceptional care and friendly living for seniors.

Open Mic Night with Bob Besser

6-9 p.m. — Golden Fox Brewing, LLC — Free entry — Bring your talents to a fun night of music, comedy, and poetry at the monthly Open Mic.