Area News

The Macon County Health Department (MCHD) has received confirmation of the first mosquito batch testing positive for West Nile Virus. This batch was collected by the Macon Mosquito Abatement District (MMAD) from a gravid mosquito trap. At the time of this release, there is not a positive human case in Macon County. The MMAD has…

     The Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur regularly awards up to five $1,000.00 college scholarships for students. The scholarships, awarded in conjunction with the Community Foundation, are given based on academic achievement, but since Kiwanis’ primary objective is serving others, individual service both within the school and in the community are considered.      This year, some…

     The 55th reunion of the Stephen Decatur High School Class of 1970 will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13, 2025.      An informal Reception will be shared with the Eisenhower High School Class of 1970 on Friday, September 12th from 6-10 PM at the Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive. The…

As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed. Making and keeping donation appointments now…

     There will be a Scavenger Hunt at Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial’s Railsplitter Pavilion on June 21, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM.      Join in for an exciting afternoon using clues to discover nature and history in Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park. There will be family fun and adventure. No fee or registration.      The…

Ad Highlights the Lifesaving “Ripple Effect” of the Decision to Donate Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a public awareness campaign encouraging Illinoisans to spark a lifesaving “ripple effect” by becoming organ donors. The ad, which is the first in a series building on the positive ripple effects of organ donation, will begin running this…

     According to the Centers for Disease Control, “heart disease remains a leading cause of death for adults in the United States.” Learn how to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease at this free community program presented by Uni-versity of Illinois Extension in partnership with SIU School of Medicine. Heart Smart Eating…

     
Macon County – Seven area residents have been named recipients of the 21st Annual Do Something Great awards. This annual awards program honors individuals and organizations who have made a significant positive impact on Macon County through giving of their time, talent and/or treasure. The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) has sponsored this program…

      The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is lifting the temporary suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The suspension was initially issued in February in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu and continued through today.      “We have closely monitored the threat posed…

     It’s time to enjoy the great outdoors and warm weather. The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a safe summer and offers steps they can follow.      “Across our region, many of us enjoy swimming, camping, and cooking out,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO, Illinois Red Cross. “The Red Cross wants you to be safe no…