Daily
Decatur
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ D and D Pro Rodeo Company will host a fun rodeo at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Decatur on Tuesday, August 26—gates open at 5 p.m. Riders will compete in events like bull riding and barrel racing while families pay $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5 to 11, and free for children under 4 with a food truck on site. Fox Illinois
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Shane Woods, an Auburn man, was sentenced to 17 years in prison Tuesday after a jury found him guilty of reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, and aggravated fleeing for a 2022 wrong-way crash on Interstate 55 — a crash that killed 35-year-old Lauren Wegner — and he will face two years of supervised release after his term — a condition set by the court —. ABC 20
- ➤ Decatur police say Drew C. Ford, 36, was arraigned on charges of aggravated battery and mob action after he allegedly stomped on the head of a 25-year-old dirt bike rider who had already been shot by his 17-year-old accomplice during a truck chase that began when Ford claimed the bike was stolen—he is set to return to court on Sept. 3. Herald & Review
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On August 19, 2025, ADM and Millikin University hosted a Day of Service during Student Welcome Week in Decatur—first-year students and ADM volunteers worked at 14 spots like the Salvation Army and Northeast Community Fund to clean spaces, stock food pantries, and remove litter. Now Decatur
- ➤ On August 19, 2025, Andrea Gerhard of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Gina Taylor of Richland Community College spoke at Byers & Co about the $25,000 awarded for the EnRich program at the Do Something Great Awards— the discussion showed how the funding will support new opportunities at the college. Now Decatur
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Rep. Sue Scherer from Decatur is urging residents to dispose of unused prescription medicines and old eyeglasses to protect the environment and prevent accidental poisoning. Residents will drop off these items at select Walgreens, CVS, Goodwill stores, Walmart Vision Centers, and Lens Crafter locations (which offer safe disposal) (as part of the state initiative). Decatur Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Decatur council approved $4 million to restore nearly a dozen miles of streets using state and local motor fuel tax funds— the work will begin soon to improve road conditions. Herald & Review
- ➤ State Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, filed a bill in Decatur to stop giving non-citizens more college aid than U.S. citizens + he said the measure will restore fairness and align benefits with federal law. The proposed HB 4097 aims to level the playing field for students and taxpayers. Decatur Tribune
- ➤ Sen. Doris Turner introduced a law that requires county recorders to set up a system to alert homeowners when a deed or similar document is filed on their property—designed to protect against scams; the law also gives property owners a legal pathway to act against fraud and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Now Decatur
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Re-Scheduled Rodeo
6-10 p.m. — Macon County Fairgrounds — Free entry and parking — Enjoy thrilling rodeo events including bull riding and barrel racing.
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Farm Progress Show
8 AM - 2 PM — Progress City USA — Free entry — Experience the largest outdoor farm event with vehicle demos and expert advice.
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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.
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