Good morning, Decatur.

Clay Gerhard from the Decatur Park District previewed upcoming holiday events in a November 19 interview with Byers & Co—he detailed plans for Matilda casting, Trees on the Tees, a DISC membership Black Friday sale, School’s Out Day Camp, a Turkey Trot, Santa events and an addition to Scovill Zoo.

Rudolph’s Village Market will return to Forsyth Park on December 5 and 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with free outdoor activities that include vendors, food, live music, an elf scavenger hunt, storytime and reindeer meet-and-greet; organizers advise visitors to bring cash since some vendors may not accept cards—leashed dogs are welcome.

Ashley Hawkins of Prairie State Bank and Trust joined co-hosts Dr. Juanita Morris — Dr. Jeremy Morris on Thee Morris Code on November 19 at 6:05 p.m. to discuss her life and role at work.

Ameren Illinois is warning customers to watch for utility scam calls, emails and door knocks during the upcoming holiday season—scammers may demand immediate payment or personal information and customers should call 1-800-755-5000 to verify any suspicious contact.

WAND TV will launch the new streaming show Sunrise and Sips on December 8 on its free WAND Now platform.

The show will air new episodes every weekday at 7 a.m.—featuring news headlines, weather updates and light-hearted segments with anchors Deron Molen and Lacey Spence.

Bryan Diver and Mary Brandenstein of Millikin University previewed Vespers—a storied holiday tradition—during a podcast with Byers and Co on November 19.

The Illinois Commerce Commission cut $55.8 million from Ameren Illinois' natural gas rate request Wednesday, reducing its $128.8 million proposal by about 43% and lowering its return on equity to 9.6%—a move that also requires the utility to adjust its low-income discount to maintain a 3% energy burden. Ameren, which serves 800,000 residential, public sector and business customers, said it will review the decision.

The Illinois Commerce Commission cut Ameren Illinois' rate request by $55.8 million—reducing its original request by about 43% and approving a 9.60% return on equity.

Ameren Illinois will review the order as it prepares for winter to ensure natural gas delivery for 800,000 customers.

DMH CEO Tanya Andricks and Memorial Health COO Drew Early joined Byers & Co on November 19 to talk about the positive marks DMH received from U.S. News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group.

They explained how the ratings show improvements in DMH's quality of care.

Flu cases are rising as a new subclade K may cause symptoms that change how patients experience the illness — doctors say treatment can be more difficult or even milder.

Health experts urge those at risk, including children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions, to get vaccinated at their doctor's office or pharmacy.

50th Annual Turkey Trot

8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Fairview Park — Registration fee varies — Participate in a festive race with options for all ages including a virtual race.

Nutcracker Performance

7 PM – 1 AM — Richland Community College — Tickets $15 ($12 for kids and seniors) — Experience a delightful local interpretation of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet with community talent.

Fleet Feet Santa Shuffle

3:40-9:40 p.m. — Decatur Brew Works — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive run leading up to the Decatur Christmas Parade.