Good morning, Decatur.

Matt and Natalie Beck launched a $20,000 matching fund on June 23 to boost donations made through Illinois Gives for organizations benefiting the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation’s three-county area; qualifying contributions earned a 10% match while funds remain.

Salvation Army of Decatur will host its first annual Red Kettle Car Show on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 229 W.

Main Street. The event will feature classic and modern vehicles with a $20 registration fee—donations support local outreach programs.

On June 23, Natalie Becks, Missy Batman and Matt Beck joined Byers and Co to discuss the Beck Illinois Gives Challenge, a matching fund ($20,000) designed to boost charitable giving through Illinois Gives.

Agribusiness giant ADM will be inducted into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame during a ceremony tomorrow, June 25, which celebrates leaders in sustainability and innovation in manufacturing (ADM has key operations in Decatur).

On June 23, 2026, Dale Colee previewed Pharmacy Facts with Friends at Byers + Co and discussed how a conversation with the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce and Scott Broyles on Operation Obstacle unfolded.

Today, ADM will invest over $103 million to modernize key Decatur facilities at its North American headquarters, creating 50 new full-time jobs while retaining over 1,000 current positions.

The project, supported by the EDGE program, will boost local agriculture and production.

Regional Office of Education #39 named Heather Ethell as its assistant regional superintendent on June 23 — she will start on July 1 and support school districts in Macon and Piatt Counties by expanding leadership capacity during a period of growth.

The Decatur School Board approved an e-learning plan for the next three school years Tuesday evening and a contract with Champions for after-school services (with fees for some families), while Superintendent Rochelle Clark received a commendation before retiring at the end of June.

Illinois recorded 149 tornadoes this year, surpassing last year's record of 142 tornadoes — local meteorologists expect the numbers to drop later in summer.

Pollinators support food production and healthy ecosystems, so University of Illinois Extension is urging residents to celebrate National Pollinator Month by planting native flowers and creating pollinator pockets (signage provided) in home gardens.

The program offers guidance to help reduce pesticide use and safeguard critical insects.

Local youth entering 3rd through 6th grade may join Dawson Civic Leadership Institute's free summer soccer camp; sessions will run July 20-22 and July 27-29 at Eva Longoria Soccer Field in Decatur from 8 to 11 a.m. and enrollment is limited to 15 players.

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.

BSR Opening for Daya

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Concert tickets available — Experience a night of live music with Daya in Decatur.

Jordan Davis Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices from $148 — Experience the charm of country music with Jordan Davis live in Decatur.

Josiah Queen Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices from $111+ — Experience live music from Josiah Queen in a scenic riverside venue.

The Doobie Brothers Tribute Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Check website for prices — Experience a night of classic hits from The Doobie Brothers performed by the acclaimed tribute band, The Doobie Others.

Air Supply Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy classic hits with the legendary band Air Supply on a summer evening.