Good morning, Decatur.

Today, the Decatur Family YMCA gave out 2,000 free backpacks filled with notebooks, markers, and pencils to help families manage rising school supply costs.

The organization is working with local schools (to send extra bags to children in need).

Barb Janes from Mt. Zion, who has attended the state fair since she was 5 and is now 77, will showcase her award-winning vegetables, including tomatoes and zucchini, at the state fair starting this Thursday at Springfield.

She said she loves the fair and plans to continue competing as long as she is healthy — her past entries have earned second-place awards even though she has not yet won the blue ribbon.

The Salvation Army of Decatur and Macon County and Walmart are joining for a Stuff the Bus Campaign on August 15 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to collect school supplies for local students, with donation bins set up at the Walmart near the airport at 4625 E.

Maryland Street and at a downtown location on 229 W. Main.

The Decatur Park District along with Councilwoman Consuelo Cruz, former Macon County Sheriff Tony Brown and Land of Lincoln Credit Union will host community events on August 9th to celebrate literacy by installing free little libraries—one event at Hess Park from 1 to 2 p.m. and another at Mueller Park from 4 to 5 p.m. featuring refreshments, face painting and a bounce house.

A 30-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot in Decatur on Saturday near the intersection of W.

Grand Ave. and N. Church St., and police said no arrests have been made.

The Decatur Public Library celebrated 150 years on Saturday with games and interactive activities that honored its role as a community hub—adding free programming open to the public.

The library announced monthly events for the rest of 2025, including visits from New York Times bestsellers Ellen Hopkins and Aaron Reynolds, to continue providing educational enrichment.

The city scheduled its monthly tornado siren test for tomorrow at 10 a.m.—the automated sirens activate when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning and residents are advised to check a NOAA weather radio or weather app for more information.

Re-Scheduled Rodeo

6-10 p.m. — Macon County Fairgrounds — Free entry and parking — Enjoy thrilling rodeo events including bull riding and barrel racing.

Farm Progress Show

8 AM - 2 PM — Progress City USA — Free entry — Experience the largest outdoor farm event with vehicle demos and expert advice.

Decatur Blaze Alumni Game

5-11:30 p.m. — Decatur Civic Center — Charity event — Celebrate the first alumni game while honoring Cooper Stewart's legacy with food, drinks, and personalized jerseys.