Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Millikin’s new ranking boosts Decatur’s higher-education profile

Happening soon: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Saturday September 26th Patch AM
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Hello Decatur! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Millikin's new ranking boosts Decatur's higher-education profile
  • How Roadmap 2030 could reshape Decatur school buildings next year
  • Why police say a driver hit 100 mph on Decatur streets

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 73 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and nice, temps: high: 74, low: 50.
  • Monday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, with a high of 76 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Millikin University Recognized Among Best Regional Colleges in 2027 U.S. News & World Report Rankings (decaturtribune.com) — Millikin University in Decatur has been ranked No. 4 among Illinois regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, reinforcing its reputation for strong academics and value. Leaders highlight the school's focus on affordability and performance-based learning, as Millikin also celebrates its largest incoming undergraduate class since 2019 and a notable rise in transfer and international students.
   

2. Decatur Public Schools' Roadmap 2030 Committee begins Phase IV (decaturtribune.com) — Decatur Public Schools is moving into Phase IV of its Roadmap 2030 planning, where a committee of staff and community members will shape a long-range facilities plan aligned with the district's new strategic goals. After earlier phases set mission, vision, and data scorecards, this next stage will tackle building use, efficiency, and equity, with the next committee meeting set for October 20, 2026.
   

3. Accused street racer runs but he can't hide, cops report (herald-review.com) — An accused street racer is alleged to have repeatedly sped through Decatur streets at up to 100 mph while successfully eluding police, according to a sworn affidavit. The story also looks back at historic photos of the Decatur Police Department, tracing how local law enforcement has evolved over the past century while continuing to patrol city neighborhoods.
   

4. Macon County Master Gardeners receive state award (heartlandnewsfeed.com) — Macon County Master Gardeners based in Decatur have earned a state teamwork award for Willy's Garden Week, a hands-on youth program hosted at the Decatur Public Library. The volunteers' efforts help local children explore gardening and nature while showcasing an educational model that state leaders say can be replicated in other Illinois communities.
   

5. Decatur detective's brushes with danger (herald-review.com) — A Decatur police detective's recent close call during a high-speed pursuit is highlighted through squad and body camera footage from a Sept. 15 incident on East Prairie Street. Prosecutors say the driver accelerated toward Detective Jason Hesse as he tried to deploy tire deflation devices, leading to attempted murder and reckless driving charges that the suspect has pleaded not guilty to.
   

📸 Around Decatur

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We join the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Brinkoetter Realtors on the completion of their beautifully renovated offices!
    Brinkoetter Realtors, located at 1610 E Pershing, was founded in 1965. The family-run business is one of the larger real estate companies in Macon… (Nextdoor )
  • If you've never seen a grandoe or grandma doe, we have 1 in our neighborhood which I am fairly certain has been here for at least 3, if not 4 generations.
    She's the 2nd deer from the left who is aging with grace and turning silver or a shimmery grey in this photo. Our family has watched her teach at… (Nextdoor Lakeridge)
  • Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for Elementary Boys Basketball Coach in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Accounting Assistant 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: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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