Good morning, Decatur.

Mt. Zion's Hampton Inn will host its 6th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. as participants climb 28 rounds of stairs to honor lives lost, visit a memorial Flag Garden, and ride emergency vehicles—continuing a tradition that began in 2020.

Central Illinois native Lacey Spence will join WAND Wake Up on Sept.

8 to anchor the area's most watched morning show with Deron Molen and Anthony Peoples from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.—she will also occasionally anchor WAND News at Noon and cover a wide range of local stories.

On Wednesday, ten Decatur area veterans enjoyed a free 15-to-20 minute flight above the city in a 1940s biplane as pilot Darryl Fisher explained the plane was built for World War II training—one veteran was a 101-year-old World War II participant.

Decatur police reported that Tuesday night a 48-year-old woman was shot in the leg while driving to a candlelight vigil for a homicide victim near North Church and West Johnson streets — her injuries were not life-threatening, and a 54-year-old man was fatally shot on North Church Street Monday.

Decatur police announced that their Labor Day weekend safety campaign resulted in seven DUI arrests and one seat belt citation during nighttime hours and was part of a statewide effort—funded through federal highway safety funds—to promote road safety.

Decatur police responded just before 9 p.m. Tuesday to a shooting and hit-and-run involving a DPD squad car on North Church Street—officers later stopped a minivan on East Waggoner Street as details about a victim remain undisclosed.

On September 3, Clay Gerhard from the Decatur Park District joined Byers and Co to preview the season's remaining shows at The Devon — Hyped for Hikes, Autumn Greens, and Little Hoopsters, as he discussed the local entertainment lineup in a recent podcast.

On September 3rd, 2025, Cameron Jackson, Bryan Diver, and Kate Lacy from Millikin University joined Byers & Co to preview the upcoming lineup at Kirkland Fine Arts Center — they shared details of new shows and events planned for audiences.

Decatur council approved an enterprise zone expansion in Mount Zion for a proposed surgical facility by a vote of 4 to 2 (with councilman David Horn opposing the measure).

The council said the move will offer economic incentives even as concerns grow that the project may compete with two current hospitals.

On September 3, Dr. Robert Blackwell joined Byers and Co to talk about prostate cancer—he explained that Memorial Health, SIU and Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois are offering free prostate screenings.

Styx Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Tickets start at $67 — Catch Styx live in a scenic setting for an unforgettable musical experience.

Lauren Alaina Live

7-9 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — $41.00 — Experience the country sensation who's taken the stage since her American Idol days.

Arts in Central Park

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Decatur IL Central Park — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant showcase of over 60 artists while enjoying live music and art activities for children.

2025 Hispanic Heritage Festival

2-10 p.m. — Nelson Park — Free entry — Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Hispanic community with music and festivities.

Platinum Rock Legends Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying performances from one of the greatest rock bands with stunning visuals and legendary hits.

Prairie Pedal Bicycle Ride

6:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Rock Springs Conservation Area — $35+ — Participate in a scenic bike ride while supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.

All Fired Up - A Tribute to Pat Benatar

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Decatur Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying tribute to Pat Benatar with her iconic hits and dynamic performances.