Daily
Decatur
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local Jewish leaders are enhancing security measures as Rabbi Turen collaborates with Springfield police and Regional Security Advisor Ken Scarlette provides situational awareness training ahead of the Sunday Hanukkah parade focused on unity and care, following details of international unrest. ABC 20
- ➤ Decatur is inviting residents to share ideas on improving the Oakwood Business District near Millikin University along Oakland Avenue. The city is partnering with local developers and nearby businesses to enhance parking, lighting - and neighborhood safety through an online survey open until Saturday, Jan. 31. WAND
- ➤ On Dec. 16, Missy Batman from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Kip Reiss of LifeMap Wealth Management joined Byers + Co in a podcast discussing end-of-year giving, qualified charitable deductions and wish lists. Their conversation highlighted key matters for planning charitable contributions. Now Decatur
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 15, a residential fire at 1782 E Locust St. led firefighters to arrive at 11:33 p.m. + heavy smoke and flames engulfed the home, resulting in a dog’s death while no humans were injured. ABC 20
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Historian Mark Sorenson will present on 150 years of the library at Madden Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 1pm to 3pm (the event was rescheduled from Dec. 13 due to weather). Light refreshments will be served at this free, public event. Now Decatur
- ➤ Decatur Public Schools board approved a $40 million property tax levy, a 4% increase lower than other options considered, to support local school funding. The measure will take effect soon and help sustain current educational services. Herald & Review
- ➤ Two area colleges have received IBT grants to strengthen education-to-career pathways for local residents. Lake Land College in Mattoon (received $60,751.04) and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield (got $300,000) will use the funds to build clearer links with in-demand industries. WAND
- ➤ The Decatur school board voted Tuesday evening to expand its international teacher program. Decatur Public Schools will add 30 to 40 international teachers next year (2026) and approved professional development for the new educators. WAND
- ➤ Rock Springs Nature Center will host Nature’s Holiday Day Camp on Monday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children in kindergarten through 8th grade (registration is online by Dec. 18, and the fee is $40 per child). Now Decatur
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Decatur Memorial Hospital is hosting a community blood drive with ImpactLife on Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 2300 North Edward Street, inside Classroom C; donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission) and weigh over 110 pounds, with appointments requested. Now Decatur
- ➤ Illinois residents can enroll in health insurance starting January 1 until December 31 in Get Covered Illinois’ first state-based open enrollment period (plans offer critical benefits including prescription drugs and mental health) while free support is available by phone, in person, or via certified navigators. WAND
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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