Good morning, Decatur.

On June 23rd, 2025, Andrea Gerhard from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Jennifer Ballinger with Brit Walker from ADM joined Byers and Co — they discussed support for Feed My Starving Children’s efforts to send packed meals to people in need worldwide.

The Decatur Police Department said a burglary occurred early last week at a convenience store on North Illinois Route 48 when two suspects broke the front window with a rock and stole about $140 worth of merchandise; one suspect was described as a Black male in a dark blue jacket and black Puma sweatpants and the other in a gray hooded sweatshirt with a white plastic bag — anyone with tips is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

On June 23, the Citizens Utility Board urged Ameren to work with customers as a 50 percent increase in summer power prices pushed extra bills of $38 to $46 per month.

Ameren’s rate was set at 12.18 cents per kilowatt-hour until September and will drop on Oct. 1 — a change linked to rising capacity costs from grid policy issues.

City leaders will host public forums this week at Madden Auditorium at Decatur Public Library to explain a new microtransit service that bridges fixed-route buses and ride-hailing services by using shared ADA-accessible vans + the service will be launched in phases with a new app for booking rides.

The plan to halt carbon capture near the Mahomet aquifer has reached Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk after community advocates warned that leaks could endanger the water supply for 800,000 people.

Lawmakers adjusted the bill so One Earth can keep building its facility in Gibson City—an amendment that helped secure support in both chambers.

Macon County EMA is asking for more locations to serve as cooling centers during this heat advisory as temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indexes rise to dangerous levels.

Community centers, churches, or businesses open on weekends should contact Tammy D. Schneider (217-424-1330) or Justin Root (217-424-1327) to help meet the need.

The National Weather Service released an interactive map that shows local cooling centers and their hours of operation, helping residents find a place to stay cool as temperatures rise—an important resource amid the warm weather.

This tool makes it easy for Decatur residents to locate the nearest center when needed.

Band On The Run - Tribute to Paul McCartney

7-8:30 p.m. — Lincoln Square Theater — Cost information not specified — Experience an electrifying tribute to the legendary sounds of Paul McCartney & Wings.

Mac n' Cheese Fest 2025

11 a.m. — Fairview Park — Tickets on sale soon — A fun family event featuring a delicious variety of macaroni and cheese.

Coffee and Company Networking for Business Leaders

8:30-10:00 a.m. — Eagle Ridge of Decatur — Free entry — Network with fellow business leaders while sharing faith in a supportive community atmosphere.