Good morning, Decatur.

Yesterday, Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to discuss the new Mountain Lion exhibit, Zippy Zoo Day at Scovill Zoo, a dance recital, Devon shows and day camps for local families—his podcast interview provided these details.

Illinois agriculture and political leaders welcomed the EPA emergency waiver that keeps E15 gasoline on shelves through May 20 plus officials signaled plans to issue future waivers through Sept.

15, a move expected to support farmers and lower pump prices.

Decatur leaders have seen major changes this week as Councilman Chuck Kuhle held his final meeting after eight years and his successor Consuelo Cruz along with re-elected Councilmen David Horn and Ed Culp will be sworn in on May 5—Macon County Clerk Josh Tanner announced he will not run for a third term while Senator Dick Durbin said he will retire after his term ends in January to end a 44-year career. A new Dollar General store held a ribbon-cutting in Forsyth and a fast-moving vehicle nearly struck a pedestrian near South Shores Dairy Queen, highlighting driver safety concerns.

On April 30th, the Decatur Police Department swore in 11 new Patrol Officers at City Council Chambers—ten will attend training at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center while lateral hire Kyle Zulkowski begins duty without the academy.

The inaugural Officer Chris Oberheim Baseball Memorial Tournament will be held from May 16 to May 18 at Forsyth Park to honor the fallen officer, while his niece Kelsey Washburn and her husband Wyatt Washburn host an event featuring 18 8U travel baseball teams plus a police parade on May 17 at 10:00 a.m. to raise funds for Concerns of Police Survivors, Illinois Chapter.

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.