Good morning, Decatur.

Residents can explore the night sky at the 42nd Annual Astronomy Jamboree at Friends Creek Conservation Area on Saturday, Aug.

8 from 8 to 11 p.m. The free event features live music by local Jim Hollis, telescope viewing, and food, with registration due by noon Friday, Aug. 7.

To preserve a cherished tradition, the Macon County Fair Board has launched a campaign to invest nearly $80,000 in updating fairgrounds facilities by replacing the Bingo Hall floor, repairing grandstand bleachers, and renovating the 4-H building and restrooms, and it invites local businesses and individuals to contribute.

Clay Gerhard from the Decatur Park District spoke on July 29 about upcoming concerts at Devon, zoo updates from Scovill, Pack Your Backpack Day at Overlook Adventure Park, and tumbling classes during his interview with Byers & Co. The podcast gives locals insights to plan weekend events.

Country music star Craig Campbell joined Byers & Co on July 29 to preview his upcoming show at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — he shared details about his music career and plans for a future performance.

The American Giants Museum on historic Route 66 houses restored fiberglass figures from the early 1960s — including the Texaco Big Friend that serves as its mascot — and draws global visitors.

Museum owner Lee Woods said its site demonstrates the enduring appeal of the celebrated roadway.

Caterpillar invested up to $10 million to train workers in modern manufacturing as part of its five-year Building the Future Workforce Initiative (including efforts in Decatur and nearby communities) after a July 29 announcement at its Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center.

On July 29, Paul Lidy from the Decatur Memorial Foundation and Maroa-Forsyth graduate Kylie Morris discussed awarding a $5,000 Richard H.

Fritz Memorial Scholarship for nursing at Illinois College during a podcast. The foundation supports local students.

Jaclyn Cantwell from Millikin University joined Byers & Co on July 29 to discuss new direct admission partnerships with local institutions for their MBA program.

The podcast outlines how the collaboration will expand access to graduate education.

Ameren hosted a tour of its Decatur training center on Wednesday to offer hands-on lineman training — a program showing its commitment to keeping local power reliable.

Decatur residents attended a town hall meeting Wednesday night — the 25th event — to question how large-scale data centers might stress the city's water supply, drive up electricity bills, and erode public trust.

Local organizers suggested a 12-month moratorium to allow time for review.

Decatur Memorial Hospital now offers a robotic bronchoscopy lung biopsy procedure through a partnership with Memorial Specialty Care Pulmonology (bringing advanced diagnostics locally).

Patients can be referred by primary care physicians or pulmonologists if lung nodules are a concern.

Craig Campbell Concert

7 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with Craig Campbell in Decatur.

Summer Hockey Camp 2026

8:30 a.m. — Decatur Civic Center — Check website for pricing — A high-energy week to elevate your hockey skills on and off the ice!

Foreigner Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with legendary rock band Foreigner in a perfect lakeside setting.

Cain Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Prices range from $84 to $99 — Enjoy an evening of live music with Cain and the Band Reeves.