News From Here And There

     The specimen ballots for the upcoming March 17, 2026 General Primary Election are now available on the Macon County Clerk’s website, www.maconcounty.illinois.gov.      Early Voting for the General Primary begins on Thursday, February 5, 2026 and will take place at the Early Voting Center located at 151 W. Wood Street, Decatur. Early Voting hours are available…

  Today, a coalition of civic and advocacy groups representing thousands of constituents in Illinois’ 15th Congressional District called on U.S. Representative Mary Miller to return to the district during the current congressional recess and hold an in-person town hall to answer questions about a recent House vote that will funnel billions of taxpayer dollars…

January 30, 2026      Macon County Animal Control (MCAC) is currently experiencing issues affecting its primary phone system. At this time, MCAC is unable to make or receive calls and faxes through its standard phone lines.      We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to residents and partners. At this time, there is no estimated…

In 2024, Illinois fire departments responded to 9,860 carbon monoxide (CO) related calls across the state. Springfield, Ill- As winter weather brings extreme cold across Illinois, fire safety officials are urging residents to use extra caution when heating their homes. Frigid temperatures often lead people to rely more heavily on heating systems and alternative heat…

New Modernized System Brings Efficiency & Convenience for Illinoisans & Businesses   The Secretary of State’s office is making it easier and faster for Illinois-based commercial trucking firms to renew their federal registration credentials by expanding online filing and payment options. Companies with fewer than 250 vehicles can now complete International Registration Plan (IRP) renewals…

 IDOT, ISP urging public: Avoid unnecessary travel, take special precautions  SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning the public that a winter storm with heavy snow as well as bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will have major impacts on Illinois roads this weekend and potentially into next week. Travel is not advised in the areas most affected. “Our snow and ice teams will be…

     Decatur, IL – Pending official vote, the Decatur City Council will name Melissa Hon as the next City Manager.      Hon has served as Interim City Manager since November 1, 2025 after the departure of Tim Gleason. She first came to the City of Decatur when hired as Deputy City Manager in February 2025. Before Decatur,…

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) today announced that it will begin accepting 2026 individual income tax returns on Monday, January 26, the same day the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opens the federal filing season. The deadline to file Illinois returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. IDOR encourages taxpayers to file their returns…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older. “Senior Illinoisans across the state carry unique histories, perspectives, and accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated,” said Governor JB Pritzker.…

Decatur, IL – January 17th, 2026      At approximately 11:00 P.M., The Decatur Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 3600 block of East William St. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke conditions and visible flames inside the residence.      Crews quickly stretched multiple attack lines and began extinguishing the fire. At the…