Good morning, Decatur.

Families can visit Santa at the Transfer House in Central Park this December—he is scheduled on several dates including December 3, 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23 and 24 to give children a chance to drop off letters.

On December 1, Amber Kaylor of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois joined Byers & Co to discuss the costs of supporting families and share ways for locals to help; her talk explained challenges and practical steps that can aid families in need — offering a clear view of the charity's work.

Decatur shelters open at 5 p.m. tonight as temperatures plunge into a deep freeze to offer the homeless a safe place and hot meals; God’s Shelter of Love holds 18 women and children while the Salvation Army shelters 50 men 18 and older — with overflow space available if needed.

Downtown Decatur hosted its Christmas Walk on December 1—featuring extended store hours, local vendor booths, free trolley service, festive music, Santa visits at the historic Transfer House, and complimentary holiday treats at various downtown spots.

Theatre 7 joined the celebration by setting up a selfie station, serving cookies and hot beverages, and sharing details about its upcoming radio show on December 13–14.

Oglesby Mansion in Decatur will host its annual Christmas Tea on December 7 from 1pm—4pm at 421 West William Street, offering visitors an informal tour of a festively decorated historic home along with tea, punch, cookies, and Christmas carols.

Guests will also enjoy live harp music from 1:30—2:30 and a chance to sample a limited-edition orange marmalade recipe served on shortbread cookies.

Documentarian Jake Rademacher will screen his film Brothers After War today in Decatur and Pontiac as part of a workshop session for veterans—providing an opportunity for local veterans to share and learn from their experiences.

Ameren Illinois is asking state regulators for an extra $59.6 million rate increase after last year's $308.6 million hike was approved, and the Citizens Utility Board challenges the move by citing wasteful spending such as high fees for outside contractors and rising meter-reading costs — regulators are expected to rule by December 20 while customers are urged to sign a petition.

Richland Community College reported enrollment gains for Fall 2025 that nearly doubled statewide growth—rising almost 7% from Fall 2024 to reach 2,552 students, with over 1,500 heading for associate degrees and 560 in career programs.

The college credited its outreach efforts and a 50% increase in dual credit enrollment, which now includes 966 high school students, with the boost.

On December 1, 2025, Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers + Co to discuss planning for DCLI's 2026 and shaping the community through partnerships, education and workforce development.

A mobile DMV will visit the Forsyth library on December 5th to provide services, and residents can secure a spot by visiting RepDeering.com or calling (217-876-1968).

Decatur City Council approved $675,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds Monday night for a senior housing project at the former Garfield School on West Grand Avenue.

Developers plan to transform the building into 63 apartments—18 reserved for low-income seniors—and construction crews hope to break ground by the end of December with leasing set to begin in April 2027.

Springfield Public Works cleared primary streets first after 10 inches of snow fell over the weekend—Decatur followed a similar plan by clearing main roads before neighborhoods—residents are urged to keep sidewalks clear and report missed routes.

The Decatur Park District and Lindsey Communities have announced a new Adult Day Center for seniors to open in Decatur in 2026.

The center—called The Lindsey Life Center—will operate at a temporary site on S. Franklin Street Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. before moving to the Scovill West Activity Center.

Dr. Brandon Koser was named chief medical officer at Decatur Memorial Hospital effective December 1; he previously led the emergency department (and serves as executive officer of the U.S. Army Reserve 804th Medical Brigade).

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.

Paint and Electronic Recycling

8 AM – 12 PM — Macon County Environmental Management Recycling Center — Free drop-off — Dispose of your latex and oil-based paints, electronics, and more responsibly.