Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Decatur police helped nearly 100 local kids enjoy early Christmas cheer Saturday through their annual Shop with Cop program — a partnership with the school district using community donations. WAND
- ➤ The Good Samaritan Inn, a longtime resource for daily meals and support, will need to raise $410,000 by June 30 to avoid closing mid-2026 due to rising costs+dwindling funds. Local supporters can help by donating or sharing the word. WAND
- ➤ Volunteers at the local Red Cross provided safe refuge, hot meals and basic health services to families impacted by tornadoes, flooding and home fires in 2025 — offering emotional support and financial assistance to help neighbors recover. The community effort continues to be vital during this holiday season. Decatur Tribune
- ➤ Macon County first responders took part in the annual Guns and Hoses fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for the Salvation Army. Deputy Sheriff Justin Lilly said the event taught his daughter the importance of giving back to the community. WAND
- ➤ St. Paul's Lutheran Church hosted its annual Jingle Jam on Sunday with family-friendly games + crafts and a 10:30 service that welcomed community members into worship. The five-year event has grown, providing local families a chance to enjoy holiday activities together. WAND
- ➤ Decatur First United Methodist Church announced three Christmas Eve services at 201 W. North Street, including a 4 PM candlelight service, a 5:30 PM family service, and a 10:30 PM candlelight service with choir participation. The church welcomes members and guests as it resumes its holiday tradition. Decatur Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country singer Lee Brice will perform at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater on July 30 as part of the 2026 season ticket package, and public tickets go on sale Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. online. Now Decatur
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois People's Action asked city officials to reconsider a 99-year easement allowing ADM to inject CO2 under Lake Decatur — a leak was discovered and reported months later, prompting only one council member to support the review. Officials are now weighing future actions on the matter. WAND
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Public Health issued its first comprehensive report on alcohol use on Monday, Dec. 15, drawing on surveys, crash data, and regional statistics to help local officials plan targeted prevention programs. Now Decatur
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Aric Lee from United Way joined co-hosts Michael Breheny + Kevin Breheny on the Soy City Buzz podcast on Monday, Dec. 15 to discuss the Chicago Bears and Illini sports. Now Decatur
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Decatur
Welcome to the Daily Decatur, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Decatur, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Decatur, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Decatur.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Decatur and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Decatur
A free Decatur community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydecatur.com/sitemap