Good morning, Decatur.

Decatur Area Habitat for Humanity suspended all operations on Nov.

21 and will remain paused through the new year—this break affects all projects until then.

Employees at the Restore store received texts and emails on (November 20th) saying it had closed suddenly, leaving them confused as customers found no one to assist, and the board said the pause is to reorganize the operation.

The store will reopen (early 2026) with staff invited to reapply.

Jersey Mike's will open a new location in Decatur (230 W.

Mound Rd) by late February or early March 2026. The chain, with more than 4,000 stores across the nation, plans to offer its sub sandwiches to local diners.

An American Farm Bureau Federation survey showed that Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois dropped for the third year, with a feast averaging $49.20—about $4.92 per person—lower than the national cost of $5.52.

The survey data confirms a continuing trend of reduced holiday meal expenses.

Nicole Bateman from the Economic Development Corporation joined Byers & Co on November 21 to discuss how updated TCCI facilities, new programs, and the iFAB Biomanufacturing Summit along with Decatur’s low cost of living and high quality of life are drawing businesses—factors that could boost local investment.

A new report shows that Illinois ranked sixth in farm sales and made about $29.2 billion last year; the study said that over 71,000 farms cover 74% of the state’s land—US farm output has doubled since the 1960s—while the supplies used in farming stayed nearly the same.

This analysis highlights steady progress in agricultural productivity.

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.