Good morning, Decatur.

After a recent shooting at Old King Orchard’s Community Center, the Shemilah Outreach Center and Old King Orchard’s Community Center have united against gun violence and now work to teach 100 youth conflict resolution and safe decision-making (with Shemuel Sanders and Devon Joyner leading the effort).

Richland Community College will host two events in September to support veteran suicide prevention—Cars & Coffee on September 6 offers free doughnuts, coffee and an automotive program open house from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., while the Race to End Veteran Suicide on September 20 features a timed two-mile obstacle course, a veteran ceremony at 10 a.m., and awards for top finishers; proceeds benefit the Veterans Resource Center that provides services for local veterans.

Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District spoke with Byers and Co on July 23rd about the heat, a Famous Idaho Potato Tour stop, and new animals arriving at Scovill Zoo, and he mentioned DISC news along with a busy weekend at the Devon.

WSOY, NowDecatur, United Way, and Mid-Illinois along with community partners will host the WSOY Community Food Drive on October 3 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Airport Plaza Kroger on Rt.

36, where donations can be given in-person, online, or via text. The drive will also give cash prizes to the top five schools collecting food—first place receiving $5000 and fifth place $1000—to help fight hunger locally.

Mueller Company welcomed representatives from the American Foundry Society (AFS) for an exclusive tour of its state-of-the-art brass foundry in Decatur yesterday; the facility (located at 2700 N.

Jasper Street) features advanced automation, energy-saving processes and enhanced safety systems. Plant Manager Riley Kerestes said the visit marked the highest attendance in three years and highlighted the company’s largest investment ever in the region.

Former Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson—accused of killing Sonya Massey—was transferred from Macon County Jail to Sangamon County Jail on Wednesday for ongoing medical procedures and will remain in a secure unit until his trial in Peoria County, with his next status hearing set for Friday in Springfield.

Lil Jon Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Tickets from $98 — Catch Lil Jon live for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Founding Females® Meet Up

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Cass Concepts — Free entry — Engage in a supportive community of female entrepreneurs tackling business challenges together.

The Phil Collins Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket info not specified — Relive the iconic music of Phil Collins in an electrifying tribute performance.