Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Decatur’s new finance director shape the city’s budget?

You won't want to miss Resource Fair on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
Thursday September 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Decatur! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Decatur's new finance director shape the city's budget?
  • How Decatur Moves is reshaping daily transportation around town
  • Rainy day in Decatur? See why the children's museum stands out.

Also on today's calendar: 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Tribute and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Not as warm; an a.m. t-storm, with a high of 79 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 84, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, with a high of 87 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Decatur Hires New Director of Finance and City Treasurer (nowdecatur.com) — Decatur has appointed longtime finance professional Michele Anderson as its new Director of Finance and City Treasurer, a key role overseeing the city's financial planning. A Macon County resident with nearly 20 years' experience at Clarkson Grain and ADM, Anderson is expected to strengthen long-term budgeting and fiscal strategy for Decatur residents. She officially started in the position on September 8.
   

2. Decatur Moves transports over 170,000 passengers in first year (wandtv.com) — Decatur's on-demand transit service, Decatur Moves, has given more than 170,000 rides in its first year, averaging about 500 passengers a day across the city and nearby communities. City officials say strong ridership proves the service is needed and are now seeking federal and state funding to expand vehicles and serve even more Decatur residents.
   

3. Where Do You Go When Rain Wrecks The Plan? 7 Illinois Museums Built For Kids (takingthekids.com) — One of the standout rainy-day escapes in Illinois is the Children's Museum of Illinois right here in Decatur, where kids can climb into a real firetruck, explore a helicopter, and tinker in hands-on science and art exhibits. The museum offers both indoor and outdoor activities, free parking, and calm weekday hours, making it an easy, flexible outing for local families.
   

4. Diesel fuel, gasoline hit record highs as some of Central Illinois sees relief (wcia.com) — Even as diesel and gasoline hit record highs nationally, Decatur currently has the cheapest gas in Central Illinois at about $3.74 per gallon. Prices here are slightly lower than nearby cities like Springfield, Lincoln, and Champaign-Urbana, giving local drivers a small break. The report also warns that diesel could climb even higher in coming weeks.
   

5. Millikin University presents "Ordinary Days" Sept. 11, 12 (herald-review.com) — Millikin University is staging the musical "Ordinary Days" in Decatur on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, giving local theater fans a chance to see students tackle big-city life stories onstage. The piece also spotlights Millikin alumni who've gone on to notable careers in entertainment, sports, politics, and business, underscoring the university's local impact.
   

📸 Around Decatur

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday September 11
  • Resource Fair →
    Decatur Empowerment Center, 360 E Marietta St, Decatur
    9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 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.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Obituary: Frank Delgado —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • We welcome Michele Anderson to Decatur as Director of Finance 👋
    Anderson is a Macon County resident and comes to the City of Decatur after serving as Chief Financial Officer of Clarkson Grain Company (Cerro Gordo,… (Nextdoor )
  • Garage Sale Montgomery Hills, 920 W.
    Karen Dr., 9/12/26, 8am - 1pm. Hello! I am new to Decatur as of March 2026 and am having a small garage sale this Saturday! Used ceiling fans, old… (Nextdoor Montgomery Hills)
  • Marvin posted a job opening for Payroll Administrator - Relocate to Warroad, MN in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Family Dollar posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate I 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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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