Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of August.
Good morning, Decatur.
🏘️ Community
The Mid-Illinois Labor Council will host the Labor Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Sept.
7 in downtown Decatur with Grand Marshal Andy Clark — a picnic will follow at Fairview Park for $25, and a 1:00 p.m. ceremony will award $18,000 in grants to 22 local charities.
🎓 Education
Alyssa Patrick — formerly with WAND-TV — is set to become the new director of communications for Decatur Public Schools starting Aug.
31.
Millikin opened an extra residence hall Tuesday to serve a growing class of first-year students.
The new dorm allowed students to unpack and begin Welcome Week activities on campus.
Illinois Department of Revenue reminded families and educators about school expense tax credits yesterday as school began.
Parents may claim 25% on expenditures over $250 up to $750 per household; educators may claim up to $500 — jointly filing couples eligible for $1,000, with receipts required.
The Salvation Army of Decatur is hosting its Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive this Friday, Aug.
21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both Walmart entrances, where locals can donate school supplies (backpacks, pencils, markers) or cash at red kettles to help students prepare.
🌲 Environment
Macon County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste at a free Illinois EPA event on Saturday, Oct.
24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Progress City, East Sixth Progress Street in Decatur (pre-registration is required).
Central Illinois farmers faced a challenging summer as high winds, heavy rain, hail, tornadoes and flooding damaged corn and soybean crops.
A University of Illinois Extension official noted that while some fields thrived — others showed only average conditions.
🏛️ Government
On August 18, 2026, ADM's Jason Stahr talked with Byers & Co about partnering with the city and investing in local water supply improvements.
The podcast explained ADM’s commitment to boosting water resources for the community.
🏥 Health
Illinois farm families can now get free, round-the-clock mental health support through FARM SOS, formerly known as the Farm Family Resource Initiative, which rebranded on Aug.
18. The program offers a helpline and free telehealth counseling in all 102 counties.
🏈 Sports
Little Hoopsters returns to the Decatur Indoor Sports Center starting September 2.
The youth basketball program runs every Wednesday until September 30 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. and charges between $50 and $58, with instruction by Millikin University’s women’s basketball team.
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