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🌱 Patch AM: How would you redesign Decatur’s Oakwood Business District?

Also, don't miss PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Decatur, IL on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Hello Decatur! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How would you redesign Decatur’s Oakwood Business District?
  • What led a Decatur judge to keep this home invasion suspect jailed?
  • How did Decatur donors push this toy drive past 20,000 gifts?

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

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Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Windy with rain and a t-storm, with a high of 53 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Breezy and much colder, temps: high: 29, low: 27.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 47 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Decatur launches revitalization effort in Oakwood Business District, seeks community input (decaturtribune.com) — Decatur is asking residents to help shape the future of the Oakwood Business District by filling out a short online survey about desired improvements and new businesses. The city and Millikin-area partners are exploring changes to parking, lighting, and safety as part of a broader neighborhood revitalization strategy. Your feedback will directly influence which investments and businesses come next.
   

2. Suspect in multiple Decatur home invasions pleads not guilty to November incidents (wcia.com) — Decatur residents are learning more about a series of alleged home invasions after a local man pleaded not guilty to two November incidents, including one where a victim was shot in the leg. Court records outline earlier related charges, missed court dates, and a judge’s decision to keep him detained, with pretrial hearings set for February 2, 2026.
   

3. Christmas Care and Share program collects over 20,000 toys for area children (wandtv.com) — Families in Decatur struggling to afford presents this year are getting help from Dove Inc.’s long-running Christmas Care and Share program, which collected more than 20,000 toys. Partnering with the Salvation Army, Northeast Community Fund and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, volunteers created a store-like experience where parents choose toys, wrapping paper and stockings tailored to their kids’ wishes.
   

4. Longtime Decatur city employee set to retire (wcia.com) — A familiar face in Decatur tourism, Teri Hammel, is retiring after 28 years with the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, including 13 as director. She helped revive the Lake Decatur boat race, highlight city landmarks, and welcome Farm Progress Show visitors. Hammel says she’s most proud of the memories she helped create for residents and guests.
   

5. Mixed job trends across Central Illinois in September: IDES (wcia.com) — Recent state labor data show unemployment has risen in Decatur even as some other Central Illinois cities, like Springfield and Champaign, add or maintain jobs. Officials say statewide numbers are mixed, with some industries growing while others lag, highlighting both progress and challenges for workers across the region.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thank you God for another terrific Tuesday!!!
    Gmornin neighbors! Have an awesome day & stay warm!!! (Nextdoor Southside Improvement Association)
  • An Update & Invitation to Prayer 🤍
    First, thank you to everyone who liked, commented, and showed interest in the prayer post I shared. Your encouragement truly means more to me than… (Nextdoor Galloway)
  • Lewis Bakeries posted a job opening for Part Time Store Merchandiser - Decatur, IL in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for K-8 Spanish Teacher 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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