Good morning, Decatur.

The Macon County Conservation District will host its annual Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rock Springs Conservation Area—activities will include 3D archery, atlatl throwing, canoeing, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, and free tours while fees are $3 for archery and canoeing and $5 for pumpkin painting.

Paul Osborne visited James Millikin Homestead at 125 North Pine and said its 150th anniversary celebration will be planned next year while local drivers speed and a property tax forum is set for October 15th at the Civic Center.

He also reported that Congresswoman Budzinski asked to withhold her pay during a government shutdown and WSOY’s Community Food Drive beat its goal by nearly 68000 dollars—showing Decatur's strong community care.

The Decatur Area Arts Council opened registration on October 8 for Christmas Card Lane, inviting local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals to decorate large, primed wooden cards for a holiday display along downtown.

Participants must pay a $50 fee, return their card by November 12, and compete for cash prizes — $200 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd, and $50 for 3rd.

Thinkwell Makerspace will host its first Haunted Beach Party on Saturday, October 11, from 6-11 p.m. at The Hub (120 N.

Franklin St.) where guests will explore maker installations, tiki-themed games, and interactive decor as a fundraiser.

Millikin University's School of Theatre and Dance held a preview talk on October 8 with Beth Creighton, Aleah Frank, and Ethan Rhoades to discuss their upcoming performance of A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder at the Virginia Rogers Theatre—Byers and Co. produced the podcast.

The Children’s Museum of Illinois has launched a free five-week program—Teach the Tutor—that teaches junior high and high school students tutoring skills including marketing and pricing, with classes held every Thursday from October 23rd to November 20th at the museum.

An information session will be held today at 5:00 p.m. at the museum.

Families and businesses in Decatur and Mount Zion are urged to cut back on water use as lake levels sink due to an ongoing drought — city officials say conservation can help protect local supplies.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will launch an automated system to send text + email alerts with Chronic Wasting Disease test results to deer hunters starting the 2025-26 season.

Hunters must verify their deer harvest location to get replacement tags if a deer tests positive, and over 500 cases were found in 25 counties between July 1 and June 30.

On October 8th, 2025, Mark Tupper discussed Brad Underwood's return to Decatur (covering the early Illini basketball season and MLB playoffs) on a podcast.

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.