Good morning, Decatur.

Decatur Police and Kroger host the Pack the Cruiser food drive tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kroger store (1818 South Airport Plaza), collecting food donations for the Northeast Community Fund.

May is National Foster Care Month as LCFS reported that 43% of 474 cases in fiscal year 2025 ended with children reuniting with their families, marking the highest rate in Illinois.

Officials urge local residents to consider fostering to help meet the growing need.

Forsyth announced a renovation of the Veterans Memorial that will add military branch monuments, enhanced walkways, restored flagpoles, relocated engraved pavers, improved landscaping and new seating areas for community events (project details are being finalized).

Jami Fawley and Katie Dunscomb of the Decatur Area Arts Council previewed the upcoming exhibit Form & Function: A Mid-Century Time Capsule and summer events on a podcast recorded May 28 with Byers & Co.

Aspiring substitute teachers and teaching assistants attended Richland Community College's seminar this week to learn classroom tips and how to meet requirements.

Richland Community College is partnering with the Children's Museum to create a teaching kitchen (offering interactive culinary lessons for children and families) while construction continues through the summer with an opening expected in late September.

The Illinois House unanimously passed legislation that requires public and private schools to consider mobile panic alert systems for emergencies; the bill now heads to the governor's desk in Springfield for approval.

Lawmakers said state police, the board of education and the emergency management agency will set rules to help alert first responders faster.

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.

Community Game Afternoon

1-4 p.m. — Decatur Public Library — Free entry — Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of board games and card games.

Stryper Live Concert

June 17-18 — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Tickets from $47 — Experience Stryper's electrifying performance as they celebrate 40 years of iconic hits by the lakeside.

Avery Irons Author Event

5:30-6:00 p.m. — Decatur Public Library — Free entry — Experience a reading and book signing event with local author Avery Irons presenting her debut novel.

35th Annual Decatur Train Fair

4-7 p.m. — Decatur Civic Center — Family-friendly event — Explore diverse train layouts and engage with passionate vendors at this nostalgic celebration.

Decatur Baseball vs. Jackson Rockabillys

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Workman Family Baseball Field — Tickets start at $34 — Experience a thrilling matchup between local baseball teams in Decatur.