Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of September.
Good morning, Decatur.
🏘️ Community
Shekila Smith has been named the new executive director and CEO of Northeast Community Fund + her appointment is expected to strengthen local community programs.
Decatur Area Arts Council transforms empty packaging into art that raises funds for the WSOY Food Drive benefiting families in Macon County (the fundraiser is set for Friday, Oct.
2 at the Airport Plaza Kroger) with participants lauding its creative approach.
On September 24, 2026, Mike Berkes, director of program development at Lindsey Life Day Center, joined Byers - Co to discuss the center's growth, programs, and future plans in Decatur.
He highlighted upcoming services to expand local support.
The Macon County Conservation District invites locals to join a nighttime Bigfoot Hike at Rock Springs on Friday, Oct.
23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. The 7–9 p.m. event costs $5 and requires registration by Oct. 22; participants will learn lore + enjoy a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Macon County gardeners were recognized for their teamwork today at a local ceremony in Champaign, where the award celebrated their role in beautifying community spaces.
💼 Business
PharmacyXpress (2499 N.
Monroe St.) in Decatur will operate at regular hours until Oct. 7 when it closes after serving customers since 2025. The pharmacy thanked the community for its support and advised anyone with questions to call 217-615-5100.
🎓 Education
Millikin University was ranked among Illinois’ top regional colleges in the latest update from U.S. News & World Report on Sept.
24. It placed No. 4 among Midwest regional colleges and No. 6 for Best Value while welcoming its largest undergraduate class since 2019.
Six Macon County Master Gardeners received a state award for their work with Willy's Garden Week — an educational program at the Decatur Public Library — on Sept.
24. They earned the State Master Gardener Teamwork Award at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Rockford.
On Sept. 24, the 10th Annual Nick Project promoted fire safety at Millikin University.
The event provided free fire safety equipment and training from local fire personnel to students from fraternities, sororities (and) off-campus housing.
🏥 Health
HSHS St. John’s Foundation donated AEDs to ten local organizations through the Community AED Program—a partnership honoring Rick McGraw—to boost emergency response.
Recipients from Springfield, Pana, Decatur and nearby areas also received CPR training via MedicsFirst.
Heritage Behavioral Health Center has paused its Oasis Day and Resource Center program — a homeless prevention initiative aimed at connecting people with safe and affordable housing — as it invests in its team; Mary Garrison said no reopening date is set and updates will be provided.
📰 Real Estate
Byers & Co celebrated 30 years on the air with episodes recorded during the grand re-opening of Brinkoetter Realtors' remodeled offices on Sept.
24. Guests including Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe and local real estate experts discussed industry changes and community projects.
🎉 Decatur Events
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