Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Millikin’s biggest class in years could impact Decatur

Also check out Triumph of the Heart: The Passion of St. Maximilian Kolbe on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 15th Patch AM
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Good day Decatur! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Millikin's biggest class in years could impact Decatur
  • Decatur teen gets 20 years in deadly Pine and Leafland shooting.
  • Decatur woman dies after Forsyth crash; what investigators found

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Near-record temperatures, with a high of 96 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 92, low: 73.
  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 93 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Millikin University welcomes largest undergraduate class since 2019 (wandtv.com) — Millikin University in Decatur is kicking off fall with its largest incoming undergraduate class since 2019, bringing 650 new students to town. With most students from Illinois and a strong share from Macon County, the campus and local economy should feel a noticeable boost as families visit, students settle in, and the university promotes upcoming Explore Days for prospective locals.
   

2. Teen sentenced to 20 years in prison for Decatur shooting that left 1 dead, 1 hurt (wcia.com) — A 17‑year‑old has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2024 shooting in Decatur that killed 19‑year‑old Amarion Gray and injured his cousin. Investigators tied the teen, known as "DJ," to the attack through witness interviews, phone data, and a photo lineup, bringing some resolution to a case that rattled a neighborhood near Pine and Leafland.
   

3. Driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck involved In Sept. 6 accident on Illiniwick Drive in Forsyth dies from her injuries (decaturtribune.com) — A Decatur woman, Angela Miller, has died from injuries suffered in the Sept. 6 head-on crash on Illiniwick Drive near Maroa-Forsyth Grade School, closing the fatal accident investigation. Another passenger died at the scene, and two people were taken to a Decatur hospital with critical injuries, as authorities say the pickup's driver was speeding and impaired by alcohol.
   

4. A comfortable start to the week turns to heat, humidity, and storms for Central Illinois (wandtv.com) — Decatur starts the week with refreshingly cool, low-humidity weather before a sharp swing to dangerous heat, thick humidity, and strong storms beginning Tuesday. Expect highs surging into the 90s with heat indices near or above 100, especially south of I-72, and be prepared for potentially severe storms and an unsettled, stormy pattern lasting through the weekend.
   

5. God Shelter of Love is getting ready for 2026 Blue Jean Ball (herald-review.com) — God's Shelter of Love is gearing up for its 2026 Blue Jean Ball at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur, inviting locals to support homeless services. File photos highlight many familiar Macon County nonprofits, from the Salvation Army and YMCA to Heritage Behavioral Health and Northeast Community Fund, underscoring how many groups quietly support neighbors year‑round.
   

📸 Around Decatur

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Decatur Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Reported loose black dog running around with a basset hound.
    Both wearing collars. Unsure of tags. Both by Baum school as well as being seen around 44th and Powers. (Nextdoor Lakeridge)
  • This is Mike west.
    I had a hassle with my phone. I had to replace it and now I can't get my original page back. All the stuff I had posted is still for sale (Nextdoor West End)
  • Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for Middle School PE Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store posted a job opening for Dishwasher in Decatur. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Decatur here.

Ok Decatur! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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