Good morning, Decatur.

Northeast Community Fund announced Shekila Smith as its new executive director-CEO on Monday, Sept.

21. Smith brings nearly 10 years of public-sector expertise and will strengthen community partnerships + advance the nonprofit's mission in Decatur.

The Knights of Columbus will host its 57th Annual Tootsie Roll Drive in the Decatur area to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Donations will be accepted at Walmart North this Friday and Saturday, with additional collection sites in Forsyth and Mt. Zion to fund Special Olympics Region I programs.

Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co – a voice in community service – on Sept.

21 to discuss taking action through words. The podcast is now live for local listeners.

On September 21, 2026, local businessman Bruce Nims and Kroger Unit Manager Jeff Tate joined Byers & Co to support the WSOY Community Food Drive and bolster neighborly food access in our community.

Macon County Emergency Management has launched Project SAFER Spectrum to help first responders better interact with autistic individuals by providing training and resource bags (including visual cards and alert stickers).

A combined training session and public open house will be held on Oct. 12 at Richland Community College Schilling Center.

The Oglesby Mansion and Museum will host its first fall open house on Sunday, Sept.

27 from 2pm to 4pm at 421 West William St in the historic district — the Decatur Garden Club has decorated the home and volunteer docents will lead tours of its original features.

DPS61 hosted a boys choir workshop where older students shared their experience to boost younger members’ singing skills — a display of unity among grade levels in Decatur Public Schools.

The interactive event strengthened community ties in music education.

Millikin University will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Oct.

2-4 with Homecoming 'Forever Blue,' starting Friday with the opening of Big Blue HQ in the University Commons, then a football game at Frank M. Lindsay Field on Saturday and concluding with an Athletic Hall of Fame Brunch Sunday on campus.

Prairie Land FAME will host its third annual Community Open House on Wednesday, Oct.

7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the National Sequestration Education Center on the Richland Community College campus + the event will show career pathways in advanced manufacturing for local students, families and educators.

The Macon County Health Department offers walk-in COVID and flu vaccines as flu season approaches.

Vaccinations are available Monday through Friday at 8:30-11:30 a.m. + 1-3:30 p.m., and residents should bring their insurance card and ID.

Residents can receive walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the Macon County Health Department.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday (8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.) and offers vaccine options for various age groups with insurance and ID required.

National mortgage rates have reached 7.18% and are changing the housing market in Macon County, as local agent Blake Reynolds noted that many homeowners with low COVID-era rates are hesitant to move — increased inventory gives buyers more time to negotiate.