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🌱 Patch AM: See how Decatur schools’ enrollment is changing for American Indian students

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Greetings Decatur! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • See how Decatur schools’ enrollment is changing for American Indian students
  • What big money and safety moves did Decatur Council weigh Monday?
  • Which Decatur neighborhoods will get the new police surveillance cameras?

Also on today's calendar: Trivia at Golden Fox Brewing and 1 more event.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Decatur? Post it to Decatur photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 39 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Thursday: Windy with rain and a t-storm, temps: high: 51, low: 17. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Much colder, with a high of 29 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Macon County Education: 23 American Indian students enrolled in school districts in 2024-25 school year (maconreporter.com) — New state data show that all 23 American Indian students in Macon County’s public schools this year are enrolled in Decatur School District 61, representing 0.3% of the district’s 7,740 students. Overall, the county’s 14,717 students remain majority white and Black, while Illinois continues to boost K–12 funding and maintain a slightly better student–teacher ratio than the national average.
   

2. City of Decatur City Council met Dec. 15 (maconreporter.com) — Decatur’s City Council met December 15 to tackle key financial moves, including short-term cash advances between city funds and a proposed lease for new Flock Safety surveillance cameras. The agenda also covers radar speed signs, water treatment chemical contracts for 2026, and an annexation on Lakeland Road, all of which shape city services and neighborhood safety.
   

3. Decatur Police deciding where to place new surveillance cameras (wcia.com) — Decatur City Council has approved the purchase of 10 new surveillance cameras, and police will choose locations in the coming week, focusing on higher-crime areas. Possible spots include downtown, Millikin University, and major intersections. The video cameras will complement existing license plate readers by providing real-time and reviewable footage for investigations.
   

4. Peoria man accused of two cases of battery in Decatur (wcia.com) — Decatur police recently arrested a Peoria man now facing multiple felony charges tied to a 2024 balcony fight and a November domestic incident inside a local apartment. Court records show he’s being held without pretrial release, with his next Macon County court date set for early January. Residents may notice this case as part of ongoing local public safety concerns.
   

5. Deering Appalled After Governor Signs Downstate Bailout of Chicago Mass Transit (decaturtribune.com) — Decatur-area State Rep. Regan Deering is sharply criticizing a new Illinois law she says diverts over a billion dollars from downstate road funds to support Chicago-area mass transit, while also raising tolls and tapping motor fuel taxes. She argues the rushed measure unfairly burdens downstate residents, warning it could delay needed road and bridge work in and around Decatur.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • What improvements and additions would you like to see in the Oakwood Business District?
    Let us know by taking a short survey! The City's Economic Development team is seeking feedback on what improvements and additions should be made to… (Nextdoor )
  • Watch out!
    I just received three phishing scam emails telling me my Social Security file had been updated, and I needed to log in. It was sent from an address… (Nextdoor Millikin Heights)
  • Decatur Public Schools posted a job opening for Special Ed Teaching Assistant - SELA Program (6 hours) (two positions available) in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate 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 can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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