Good morning, Decatur.

Byers & Co wrapped up the Century Tour at Decatur Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Dec.

18, where hospital leaders discussed progress, new roles, and patient care improvements in a podcast that marks 100 years of WSOY.

Family members will honor 5-year-old Andreas Woodland's memory with a toy drive at his funeral in Decatur, and they plan to collect toys for local children in need.

St. Teresa's High School received a $5,000 award from the WSOY Community Food Drive after placing first among five schools; a donation from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (which doubled the prizes) raised the cash payout.

District 186 will fund three after school sites at (Blackhawk, DuBois, and Ridgely Elementary Schools) to open Jan.

12 after the Boys and Girls Club lost $2.8 million and charged families $60 weekly, offering free programs to support community youth.

Tina German-Roberts was named captain at the Decatur Fire Department, making her the first woman to hold the title.

She has already begun her new role (at Station 6 in South Shores) and is expected to inspire future female leaders.

Illinois law takes effect Jan.

1 to allow farmers and landowners to hunt nuisance deer on their property, issuing antlerless-only permits based on past permit redemption and expanding youth hunting tags, a move supported unanimously this spring to help reduce crop damage (a farmer in Edgar County once lost $45,000).

Decatur officials approved installing eight mobile radar speed signs in high-concern areas on Thursday, Dec.

18 to remind drivers of posted limits. The mobile signs will soon be placed on key roads to collect data and boost traffic safety.

A new Illinois law requires all assisted living and shared homes to install AEDs and train staff by January 1, 2030.

While 54% of facilities already have these devices, sponsors say the rule—aimed at increasing safety—ensures families know help is on hand.

Illinois has introduced a law that will require hospitality workers to receive training on celiac disease and gluten-free food handling to prevent cross-contamination; the law takes effect Jan.

1.

Ameren Illinois reminds customers to 'Smell Gas, Leave Fast' if they detect a gas leak — the advice urges leaving the area immediately with all people and pets and calling 800-755-5000 or 911.

Decatur Baseball Club has announced its full schedule for its inaugural 2026 season—starting with a home opener on Tuesday, May 26 when they host Lafayette Aviators.

The 56-game slate also features a day/night doubleheader on Saturday, July 18, as season tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now on sale.

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.