Good morning, Decatur.

The Decatur Early Birds Kiwanis Club held its signature fishing event where hundreds of local kids fished for the first time.

First graders from Unity Christian caught Blue Gill while using earthworms (the preferred bait) on a sunny Tuesday morning.

History of the Heartland is releasing a limited-edition HO scale model of the Decatur Transfer House for Historic Preservation Week.

Fifty replicas, produced with 3D printing, will be available for $60 on May 15 (from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) and May 16 (from 7:30 to 9 a.m.) on the sidewalk.

ThinkWell Makerspace is hosting Creative Escape, a three-day retreat for artists, crafters, writers, and makers to work on projects at its downtown space on North Franklin Street from May 22 to May 24.

The event offers open workspaces and rotating vendor spotlights + ample local parking options.

Millikin University's Big Blue community raised over $685K during its Forever True Blue campaign in Decatur, surpassing its $350K goal (funds support scholarships and college programs).

On May 12, Hickory Point Bank & Trust honored top graduating seniors from seven local high schools at its 7th Annual Merit Scholar Awards ceremony.

The bank awarded four scholarships, with the highest being $5,000, to recognize academic excellence and community involvement.

On May 12, Natalie Beck from Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Jami Fawley from Decatur Area Arts Council discussed how endowments like the Leo and Anne Pondelick fund support local arts organizations and adult scholarships help continuing education during a podcast hosted by Byers & Co.

On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate Education Committee approved a plan requiring public and private schools to consider a mobile panic alert system to speed up emergency response (linking directly to law enforcement), and the bill now heads to the Senate floor for further review.

Living Lands & Waters will hold a public tree giveaway event on May 19 at Fairview Park from 9 a.m. to noon.

The nonprofit will offer over 10,000 native saplings, including Red Oak and Pecan, as part of its MillionTrees Project and residents can reserve trees online.

Kyle May of Fleet Feet recapped his Miami trip and previewed local running events and new store arrivals including shoes and sunglasses during his talk with Byers & Co on May 12.

Weekly Book Sale

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Decatur Public Library — Free entry — Browse a variety of books, DVDs, and puzzles while supporting local literacy efforts.

Boots On The Ground Country/Urban Line Dancing Party

7-11:45 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center & Hotel — Free entry — Kick up your heels and enjoy a night of line dancing to urban and country beats.