Good morning, Decatur.

Yesterday, the Macon County Fair Board began a campaign to raise $79,289 for fairgrounds upgrades - including a new Bingo Hall floor, grandstand bleacher repairs, and facility renovations.

The board seeks donations from local businesses and residents to preserve the fairgrounds for future generations.

Yesterday, July 30, 2026, Decatur Police Department officers Erik Ethell and Alex Amaya and City official LeAnne Bond joined Byers and Co for a podcast discussing National Night Out (a local community initiative) that aimed to boost neighborhood ties.

Asha Varghese of Caterpillar and Nicole Bateman of the Economic Development Corporation discussed the $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative with Byers & Co on July 30; the plan will invest $10 million in Illinois to support new workforce development.

The Village of Tower Hill is under a boil order after a broken water main disrupted service; village officials estimate the order will last about one day (exact timing is not confirmed) and advise residents to boil water until normal service resumes.

The Citizens Utility Board challenges Ameren Illinois over a proposed rate hike and grid spending that could burden customers.

Ameren said the increase would add 81 cents a month — a plan echoing a similar 2023 proposal — while the ICC is expected to issue a proposed order in October.

Former mayor Paul Osborne spoke with Byers and Co on July 30 about Decatur Day at the Illinois State Fair, the upcoming How to Run for Public Office event, and past disqualified candidate applications.

The podcast offered local insights into public service and candidate vetting.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services announced the $70 million FRESH program to give $400 per eligible household member to about 100,000 people who lost SNAP benefits; payments will begin August 1 with notices mailed automatically (no application is needed).

Mark Tupper recapped the highlights from the Fighting Illini NIL event near Decatur on July 30 (yesterday) and included B1G10 Commissioner Tony Petitti’s media day comments.

His podcast detailed key moments from the event.

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.