Herald & Review Newspaper Decatur Illinois

Hey there, ever heard of Decatur, Illinois? No, not the guy from the movie, the actual city! Now, you might be thinking, "What's so special about Decatur?" Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into the quirky, fun, and downright peculiar world of the Herald & Review newspaper and its beloved hometown.

Meet the Herald & Review, Decatur's Original Influencer

Picture this: 1851, the wild, wild Midwest. Decatur's just a wee town, but it's got big dreams. Enter the Herald & Review, the city's first newspaper, born right here in the heart of Macon County. Talk about a local celebrity!

Now, you might be wondering, "What's so fun about an old newspaper?" Well, friend, let me tell you, the Herald & Review is no ordinary broadsheet. It's got more twists and turns than a roller coaster at the Illinois State Fair.

Quirks Galore: When News Meets Laughter

For starters, this paper's got a knack for the unusual. Remember the Great Emu Escape of '07? No? Well, the Herald & Review sure does! A whole flock of emus (yes, those long-necked, flightless birds) broke out of a local farm and caused a city-wide panic. The paper had a field day with that one!

And who could forget the time Decatur's own "Bunny Man" terrorized the town? Dressed in a rabbit costume, he'd hop around, scaring the bejesus out of folks. The Herald & Review had a blast covering that story, pun intended.

From Aliens to Aliens: Decatur's Otherworldly Connection

But wait, there's more! Decatur's got a thing for aliens. No, really. In the '90s, the Herald & Review reported on a UFO sighting that had the whole town buzzing. And no, it wasn't just a bunch of drunk farmers seeing little green men. This was the real deal!

Herald and Review (Friday, July 9, 1965) - Decatur, Illinois | Page

And if that wasn't enough, Decatur's actually home to the International UFO Museum & Research Center. Yep, you read that right. Aliens, emus, and bunny men - this town's got it all!

Celebrity Spotting: Decatur Style

Now, you might think Decatur's just a small-town flyover, but think again. This place has seen its fair share of stars. Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the U.S., actually got his start here, broadcasting games for the local radio station. The Herald & Review was there to cover it all, of course.

And let's not forget about Richard Pryor. That's right, the legendary comedian grew up right here in Decatur. The Herald & Review followed his rise to fame, from local boy to Hollywood superstar.

Food, Glorious Food: Decatur's Culinary Claim to Fame

But enough about aliens and celebrities. Let's talk about the real star of the show: food. Decatur's got a serious sweet tooth, and the Herald & Review has been there to document every delicious bite.

Herald and Review (Tuesday, October 3, 1911) - Decatur, Illinois | Page

Ever heard of the "Decatur Doughnut" from Dutchmaid Bakery? It's a local legend, a giant, glazed masterpiece that's been satisfying sugar cravings since 1934. The Herald & Review has been singing its praises for decades.

And who could forget the Macon County Fair's famous "Pig on a Stick"? It's a local delicacy, a pork lover's dream come true. The Herald & Review has been there, camera in hand, capturing the joy on fairgoers' faces as they sink their teeth into that crispy, delicious goodness.

So, Why Decatur?

You might be thinking, "This place sounds nuts. Why would I want to visit Decatur?" Well, friend, let me tell you, there's something magical about a town that embraces the weird, the wonderful, and the downright wacky. It's a place where aliens, emus, and bunny men can coexist, where a giant doughnut can bring a community together, and where a newspaper can celebrate the quirks that make a town truly unique.

So, next time you're in the neighborhood, swing by Decatur. Grab a copy of the Herald & Review, try a "Pig on a Stick", and who knows? You might just spot an alien or two. Just don't blame us if you end up sticking around. Decatur's like that - it gets under your skin, and before you know it, you're a local, too.