Local news
Decatur
Macon County, Illinois
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Decatur Sonic restaurant permanently closed
The Sonic restaurant in Decatur has permanently closed, marking the second time in two years that the location has shut down. The closure affects local customers and leaves the city without the outlet at that site. The…
Drug and cash demands punctuated by beating, cops say
Decatur police say Michael E. Nixon repeatedly struck a 69-year-old man in the face and head after demanding cannabis and cash at the victim’s home. The attack happened shortly after midnight, and the victim was beaten…
Man who restrained girl gets 18 months
A Decatur man was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting he unlawfully restrained a teenage girl and made sexual advances toward her. The girl had accepted a ride home from church when he held her captive…
State of Education luncheon featured Decatur educators
Richland Community College’s State of Education luncheon featured educators from Decatur. The event highlighted the college’s “Journey to Greatness” initiative, according to the brief report. No further details about…
Decatur man to register as sex offender after pleading guilty in unlawful restraint case
A Decatur man will serve a brief prison sentence and register as a sex offender for 10 years after pleading guilty in an unlawful restraint case, WCIA reported. George Martin, 53, took a plea deal in a case involving…
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Clubhouse at Scovill Acres receives $175,000 ADM donation
Archer Daniels Midland Co. donated $175,000 to the clubhouse at Scovill Acres in Decatur. ADM has been a major employer in the city for more than 85 years, and the contribution supports the local facility. The…
Decatur World War II veteran tells stories of 80 years ago
Ahead of Veterans Day, Decatur native and World War II veteran Sterling Wilson is sharing his experiences from 80 years ago. His stories offer a poignant look at the sacrifices made during the conflict and the enduring…
Illinois high school football quarterfinal playoff schedule
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has released the schedule for the upcoming football quarterfinal playoff games, set to take place on November 13-14. The matchups feature teams from various classes, with…
Sunday shooting in Decatur leaves one person hurt
A man sustained critical injuries during a shooting incident in Decatur on Sunday afternoon. Officers from the Decatur Police Department responded to the scene near William and Witt streets around 4:25 p.m. following…
Decatur owner accused of cruel and neglectful treatment of two dogs
Andrea A. Caldwell is set to face a jury trial in Decatur regarding allegations of cruel and neglectful treatment of two pet dogs. The case highlights local legal proceedings concerning animal welfare. The defendant…
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Decatur-area IHSA Football Playoffs second round roundup
The Monticello Sages advanced in the IHSA football playoffs following a dominant second-round victory. Led by a strong rushing performance from Maddox Utley and Colton Shubert, the team successfully neutralized their…
U of I Extension hosts Pumpkin Smash at Decatur park
The University of Illinois Extension hosted its annual Pumpkin Smash event at Fairview Park in Decatur on Saturday. The community gathering provided residents with an opportunity to dispose of their pumpkins and gourds…
Hale: Dreamland Lake has been my lifelong sanctuary
This personal reflection explores the deep emotional and spiritual connection the author feels toward Dreamland Lake. Describing it as a lifelong sanctuary, the piece highlights how the natural setting serves as a place…
Should Decatur demolish vacant buildings?
The city of Decatur is seeking public input on the future of its vacant and deteriorating buildings. Officials are asking residents whether the city should adopt a more aggressive demolition policy or prioritize the…
Letter: Put clean water ahead of carbon storage profits
A reader letter expresses strong opposition to carbon dioxide sequestration projects, prioritizing the protection of local water resources. The author emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the Mahomet Aquifer, which…
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Illinois high school football second-round playoff scores
The second round of the Illinois high school football playoffs concluded with several key matchups. Scores from across the state have been compiled, detailing the teams that have advanced to the next stage of the…
Search the latest Macon County real estate transfers
The Macon County Recorder’s Office has released the latest data on real estate transfers within the county. The information is derived from official transfer declaration sheets submitted to the Illinois Department of…
Muck and money in the Decatur sewer system
A report examines the financial and operational aspects of the sewer system in Decatur. Utilizing the proverb 'where there’s muck, there’s brass,' the article explores the economic implications of managing municipal…
Milo the Yorkie gets choked but stays friendly, cops report
A Decatur man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after allegedly choking and shaking his sister's 4-year-old Yorkie, Milo. Police reports indicate the owner initially feared the dog was dead, but the pet…
IHSA By-law amendment proposals up for discussion and review
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has released 24 by-law amendment proposals for the 2026-27 legislative cycle. Key proposals include potential changes to the division between public and private schools, which…
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Accomplice in teen's murder gets 8 years
Bobby L. Gipson was sentenced to eight years in prison on Thursday for his role as an accomplice in the 2011 murder of 17-year-old Caleb Witty. The Herald & Review reports that Gipson pleaded guilty to second-degree…
Tickets available for Trees on the Tees
Tickets are now on sale for the Decatur Park District's 'Trees on the Tees' holiday event. Taking place at Hickory Point Golf Course, the festivities feature decorated trees, s'mores, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa…
Second round playoff picks with H&R's Will Foley, Justin Conn and Boomtown's Aric Lee
The Herald & Review, in collaboration with NowDecatur.com, has released its weekly predictions for the Decatur-area high school football playoffs. The panel of Will Foley, Justin Conn, and Aric Lee provided their picks…
Motorcyclist hurt in Decatur crash involving DUI, police say
A motorcyclist was critically injured in a collision with an SUV in Decatur on Wednesday night. According to the Decatur Police Department, the motorcyclist was driving under the influence at the time of the crash…
Decatur man sent to hospital after motorcycle crash
A 26-year-old man was transported to a Springfield hospital with life-threatening injuries following a motorcycle crash in Decatur on Wednesday night. The accident occurred at the intersection of Oakland and Harrison…
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Macon County alumni update: Eighner All-Big Ten XC
Decatur-area athlete Eighner has achieved All-Big Ten honors in cross country, marking a significant milestone in their collegiate career. This recognition highlights the ongoing success of local talent transitioning…
Decatur man accused of emailing bomb threat to mental health center
Antonio Lugo-Santiago, a 41-year-old resident of Decatur, Illinois, has been charged with a felony count of disorderly conduct. Authorities allege that Lugo-Santiago sent an email containing a false bomb threat to a…
Herald & Review recap: What was decided in Tuesday's election
Republican Marsha Webb has been elected as the new Macon County clerk, defeating Democrat Bryan E. Smith with approximately 56% of the vote. Webb secured 18,566 votes compared to Smith's 14,661. Following her victory…
Letter: Decatur resident opposes carbon storage
A Decatur resident has expressed strong opposition to ADM’s carbon capture and sequestration project in the area. The resident cited concerns regarding the project's impact on the community, specifically highlighting a…