Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new grant is reshaping food education in Decatur schools

And check out TRSAF 6059 -02 Traffic Safety - Decatur, IL 2026 on the Decatur Patch calendar

Monday January 12th Patch AM
Monday January 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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 a new grant is reshaping food education in Decatur schools
  • Why is Decatur topping national lists for housing affordability?

Also on today's calendar: CAPM Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Decatur, IL and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Decaturfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one elevator say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)


From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Decaturfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 46 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 51, low: 36.
  • Wednesday: A rain or snow shower; colder, with a high of 38 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

• U of I Extension provides nutrition education to DPS students thanks to Heart of Illinois grant (nowdecatur.com) — Families in Decatur Public Schools recently took part in hands-on nutrition activities funded by a Heart of Illinois Community Foundation grant and led by University of Illinois Extension. From MyPlate lessons to “food math” and budget-friendly meal ideas, students and parents at multiple DPS schools learned practical ways to build healthier breakfasts and family meals tailored to their tastes and finances.
   

• Cheapest Places in America to Buy a House in 2026 (noradarealestate.com) — Decatur is singled out nationally as an Illinois “gem,” recognized as the most affordable place to live for 2025–2026 with typical home values under $100,000. The broader piece surveys cheap housing markets across the Midwest, South, and beyond, but underscores Decatur’s unusually low prices and potential appeal for budget-conscious buyers and families considering a move.
   


📸 Around Decatur

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Decatur PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Mommy update mom and puppies are doing great finally was able to get her to get comfortable and feed the puppies and now she's doing it on her own The puppies are getting big a couple of them are really fat you could tell they didn't miss a meal 🤣🤣🤣
    we got her in our room in the closet with the door open so she has her own safe place to be at with her puppies and now she's doing really good a vet… (Nextdoor Hess Park)
  • https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CCz2thcp6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
    Hi! I’m not sure many of you in our new neighborhood know that they are so close to Mama Bear Bakery! My bakery stand is out today! It’s in our… (Nextdoor Windsor Village)
  • Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for Elementary Art Teacher in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Old Dominion Freight Line Inc posted a job opening for Dock Worker/Forklift Operator -Part Time in Decatur. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Decatur here.

🗞 Nearby News

Clinton

  • 2,033 white students enrolled in DeWitt County districts in 2024-25 school year (maconreporter.com)

Monticello


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: I think I’m coming down with something!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!


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