Good morning, Decatur.

Verlyn and Paul Rosenberger were named this year's recipients of the Johnson & Mears Community Service Award at National Night Out in Decatur.

They were honored for their work with local groups including the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations and Beautify Decatur Awards.

Katherine Smith of Chatham was sentenced to 13 years in prison for her role in a deadly home invasion in 2018 in Springfield (she pleaded guilty to the home invasion charge while prosecutors dropped the murder and armed robbery charges) (officials said).

A 25-year-old man was shot in the chest early Wednesday morning on the 900 block of W.

Decatur St in Decatur and is now in stable condition at the hospital as police report that witnesses saw a white pickup truck approach, fire the shot, and flee without a suspect in custody.

The Decatur school board approved a new three-year contract with the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants at its Tuesday meeting+ the deal gives job security and clear guidelines for the teaching staff in the coming years.

On August 6, Memorial Health partnered with public libraries in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville to distribute free mental health wellness kits that families can check out for two weeks without needing a library card.

The kits include books, worksheets on breathing exercises and coloring pages—tools designed to help start conversations about feelings and mental health.

Clay Gerhard from the Decatur Park District explained fall sports programming for kids—featuring upcoming Devon shows and the experience at the DISC—during an August 6th interview with Byers & Co.

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.