Area News

         With Illinoisans encouraged to practice social distancing to combat the spread of the coronavirus, law-abiding gun owners may find it more difficult to renew their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) and Concealed Carry License (CCL). State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is urging the State Police to implement “emergency rules” to extend the expiration…

    Friends,      Based on an abundance of caution, confirmed coronavirus cases in neighboring counties, and recent closing decisions by Governor Pritzker, Decatur Public Library closed at 8 PM March 16th, and will remain closed until April 1 unless the situation warrants an extension. This decision was made by the Decatur Public Library Board of…

       Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Macon County Court will reduce operations to essential court functions in order to minimize personal contact and deter the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The court will strive to ensure access to justice by performing essential court functions and take necessary precautionary measures consistent with public safety…

        To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Illinois State Museum (ISM) today announced the closure of its flagship facility in Springfield as well as its Research and Collections Center, also located in Springfield, Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and the Lockport Gallery in Lockport. All affiliated locations will remain closed until further…

    Springfield, IL…State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) released the following statement after the Champaign City Council approved an overreaching executive order to allow the Mayor to potentially ban the sale of gasoline, water, electricity, firearms and to take possession of private property. In addition, the order allows for price controls and rationing of food,…

    The Decatur Park District is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patrons and staff. The District continues to monitor the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, along with the guidelines and safety information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Macon County…

      The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Decatur – Macon County has announced Nicole Bateman has been named President of the organization, effective May 1, 2020. Bateman has been the Executive Director of the Midwest Inland Port since 2017 and Community Marketing Manager, Limitless Decatur & Macon County since 2015.      Current EDC President Ryan McCrady, has accepted…

Disgusted, Appalled By District 61 Board Of Education Dear Editor:      I am a product of Decatur Public Schools and a former employee as well. My children and I as well as my oldest grandson are graduates of EHS. There have been few times in my life that I have not had a direct tie to…