Good morning, Decatur.

God’s Shelter of Love will host the Blue Jean Ball on October 9 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur—drawing community members together to support local women and children.

Guests must RSVP to attend the free event featuring dinner at 6:00 p.m., mechanical bull riding, and dancing.

New numbers show nearly half of Macon County households are struggling with high costs—29% are living paycheck to paycheck and 15% are in poverty.

The WSOY Community Food Drive will help by collecting non-perishable items and monetary donations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at the Airport Plaza Kroger in Decatur.

Bill Lehmann from JTnet and Gary and Andy Birschbach from McDonald's joined Byers & Co on September 29 to discuss their long—standing support of the WSOY Community Food Drive, detailing their decades of commitment to feeding local families.

Their conversation highlighted ongoing efforts to aid those in need.

Gallery 510 Art & Framing will open its annual juried fine art exhibit “The October National” on Friday, October 3 at Madden Arts Center with a free reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—the exhibit will run at Anne Loyd Gallery until October 23 and will feature works by 32 artists from 18 states while judge Ben Cohen presents awards at 6:00 p.m.

Decatur will host an event on October 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Central Park to celebrate 50 years of its sister city relationship with Seevetal as 22 guests join a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new sculpture honoring connections with Seevetal and Tokorozawa—local arts agencies sponsor the celebration.

Millikin University will host its 2025 Homecoming 'Paint the Town Blue' from Oct.

3 to Oct. 5 — more than 50 events will include a ribbon-cutting for the new $12.3 million athletic center on Friday, a football game kickoff on Saturday, and alumni award ceremonies on Sunday.

Volunteers of all ages are invited by the Macon County Conservation District to join a native seed collection event at Friends Creek Conservation Area on October 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will meet at the Group Camp Parking Lot — 13734 Friends Creek Park Road in Cisco and must RSVP by October 1.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co on September 29 to discuss the WSOY Community Food Drive, the city manager position, and city council business—she also mentioned the busy weekend of sports.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is urging taxpayers to take advantage of the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program so that eligible past-due tax liabilities are paid in full between Oct.

1 and Nov. 17 with penalties and interest forgiven. Eligible taxes include those owed from periods ending after June 30, 2018 and before July 1, 2024 — taxpayers should act promptly.

The Empowerment Opportunity Center in Decatur will begin accepting LIHEAP applications at 360 E Marietta St starting Oct.

1 for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children five or younger—all other eligible households may apply starting Nov. 1 as the program runs until Aug. 15 or funds are exhausted.

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.

Rochester vs. Decatur Eisenhower JV Football Game

6-8 p.m. — Eisenhower High School — Free entry — Catch an exciting home game as Decatur Eisenhower takes on Rochester in junior varsity football.

Fight for the Kids 2 Charity Event

6-11 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Heliport — No refunds — An exciting charity boxing event aiming to support children's causes.

Autism Awareness Walk: Donuts for a Difference

9 AM – 12 PM — Fairview Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious donuts while supporting autism awareness and acceptance in the community.

Open Mic Night with Bob Besser

6 PM – 9 PM — Golden Fox Brewing, LLC — Free entry — Showcase your talent in music, comedy, or poetry at this lively community event.