Good morning, Decatur.

Rock Springs Conservation Area is hosting a Bigfoot Hike on October 24 and October 25 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. where participants will join a guided night hike to learn about local Bigfoot sightings and nocturnal wildlife—registration costs $5 per person and is due by October 23.

Scovill Zoo is accepting tickets and reservations for Boo at the Zoo, which will run on October 13th to 15th, October 19th to 22nd, and October 26th to 29th.

The event will offer treat stations, animal encounters and rides—ticket prices vary based on treat collection and membership.

The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight will wrap up its 2025 season on Oct.

21 with Mission #76 when 93 Vietnam Era veterans from 62 towns depart on a chartered Sun Country 737 from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. Decatur residents are invited to gather at Springfield airport at 9:30 p.m.—parking is free—to welcome the veterans home as plans for three additional flights in 2026 are underway.

On October 7, Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers and Co to discuss the foundation's busy year, the reaction to its first Untold Stories sign, and plans for increased end-of-year giving and giving circles.

Decatur Public Library will host a three-day escape room event celebrating its 150th anniversary as participants solve clues and interact with historic characters in one-hour sessions starting every 15 minutes—registration is required for the free event on October 16, 17, and 18.

Dale Colee joined Byers & Co yesterday to discuss the Richland Community College trustee search and preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends—a podcast that will feature a real estate update and Medicare Part D open enrollment.

Listeners can access the podcast now for key details on both matters.

The Illinois Department of Revenue warns that a new text scam is targeting taxpayers by sending fake messages that appear from tax agencies—messages claiming a tax refund has been processed and pressuring recipients to provide banking details; the department advises residents to verify any such message using its official channels.

On October 7th, the Crossing Healthcare Board announced that Julie M.

Brilley, MPH has been named Interim CEO to succeed Tanya Andricks—now CEO and President at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Brilley, who most recently served as COO, is set to guide Crossing Healthcare as it expands its patient care services.

Health experts warned that if Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at the end of the year, over 500,000 Illinoisans will face much higher insurance premiums — healthy individuals may drop coverage amid rising costs.

Lawmakers remain deadlocked during the ongoing government shutdown as Governor Pritzker provided $6.5 million in grants to help eligible residents enroll in affordable health plans.

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.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

4-6 p.m. — Kirkland Fine Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a festive spectacle of dance and music in a magical holiday setting.