Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What investigators say led to a serious crash on N. Woodford Street
Be sure to catch Zach Rushing on the Decatur Patch calendar
Good morning Decatur! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What investigators say led to a serious crash on N. Woodford Street
- What this new ruling could mean in Decatur's Slover murder case
- Why Decatur now ranks as America's most affordable housing market
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 84 and low of 59 degrees.
- Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 83, low: 63.
- Sunday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 90 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
1. Decatur Police responded to a traffic crash that occurred near the intersection of N. Woodford St. and E. Winnetka Ave. (decaturtribune.com) — Decatur Police are investigating a serious crash near N. Woodford Street and E. Winnetka Avenue that sent four Decatur residents to a local hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. Investigators say a Chevy Impala swerved to avoid a turning Ford F-150, then lost control and hit a utility pole, prompting the Fatal Accident Investigation Team's response. 
2. Judge's ruling in Karyn Slover case could clear path for new trial (wandtv.com) — A Macon County judge in Decatur has refused to dismiss the Slover family's post-conviction petition, opening the door to an evidentiary hearing that could lead to a new trial in the 1996 Karyn Hearn Slover murder case. Defense attorneys, backed by the Illinois Innocence Project, say new DNA evidence deserves a full airing, while prosecutors continue to stand by the original convictions.
3. Housing affordability worsens on higher mortgage rates (tileletter.com) — Decatur stands out nationally as the least cost-burdened housing market, with typical families needing just 16% of their income for a mortgage on a median-priced existing home. While affordability is worsening across much of the country due to higher rates and prices, Decatur families—especially at median incomes—are still in a comparatively strong position when buying a house.
4. Missouri man found dead in Decatur from self-inflicted wound (herald-review.com) — Law enforcement say a Missouri man was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside an RV on North 33rd Street in Decatur. The piece also looks back at more than a century of Decatur Police Department history, from early 1900s group photos to evolving equipment and neighborhood patrols.
5. Catholic church obtains injunction against assisted suicide law (wandtv.com) — From Decatur, a federal judge has temporarily blocked Illinois' new physician-assisted suicide law just weeks before it was set to take effect, after a challenge led by Bishop Thomas Paprocki and several Catholic health providers. The order shields named doctors and facilities from being required to provide information or referrals that conflict with their religious beliefs, while the broader legal fight continues.
📸 Around Decatur
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur
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★ Featured events ★
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7:00 pm
Saturday September 26
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Other local events
- FRP for Cloud-Based Time and Attendance Management System →
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce 101 S Main St #102, Decatur, IL 62523 - Half Day of School
DECATUR SD 61 Decatur, IL 62523 - Mary Miller's Mobile Office Hours
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce 101 S Main St #102, Decatur, IL 62523
2:00 pm - NO SCHOOL/District Offices Closed
DECATUR SD 61 Decatur, IL 62523 - Board of Education Meeting
DECATUR SD 61 Decatur, IL 62523
6:30 am
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
📣 Decatur Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Ribbon Cutting for Decatur Counseling Center - August 28, 2026
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce 101 S Main St #102, Decatur, IL 62523
12:00 pm - Say Uncle! (Sullivan, IL) →
Golden Fox Brewing, LLC, 3025 N Kandy Ln, Decatur
3:00 pm - Softball vs. Cerro Gordo →
Meridian Middle School Macon, IL 62544
4:30 pm - Half Day of School
DECATUR SD 61 Decatur, IL 62523 - Softball @ Monticello →
Meridian Middle School Macon, IL 62544
4:30 pm - Baseball vs. Monticello →
Meridian Middle School Macon, IL 62544
4:30 pm
Friday August 28
Sunday August 30
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Help Shape Decatur's Future!
The City is updating its Comprehensive Plan, and we want to hear from you! Visit https://re-envisiondecatur.participate.app/survey/DyNFwLAQ4g to… (Nextdoor ) - Hourly plus commission role for the right assistant!
Seeking a home organizer that wants to also help with posting goods to Poshmark, Vinted, and similar sites. Successful sales will come with a… (Nextdoor Lake Grove Club)
- Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for Middle School Science Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year in Decatur. Apply here.
- Decatur Public Schools District posted a job opening for High School English Language Arts Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year 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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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