Hi there, Decatur! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Decatur? Post it to Decatur photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Weekend break-in at Decatur's Woodemeade Elementary School (rocketcitynow.com) — Police and Decatur City Schools are investigating a weekend break-in and vandalism at Woodemeade Elementary that left windows, doors, gutters, and outdoor fixtures damaged. Officials say several young people were caught on camera, and repairs are underway to ensure the campus is safe for students and staff.
![]()
2. Decatur approves budget-focused redesign for Modaus Road Sportsplex; new plan saves $6.1M (rocketcitynow.com) — Decatur’s City Council has approved a redesigned “Option B” plan to finish the Modaus Road Sportsplex while saving about $6.1 million compared to a pricier alternative. The new $15.1 million design trims aesthetics but keeps key ballfields, multipurpose fields, and core facilities, letting the city complete a long-delayed project without blowing its budget.
![]()
3. Program that helps former inmates re-enter society seeks funding (whnt.com) — A Decatur-based reentry home called Victorious Reentry is struggling to cover $4,000–$5,000 in monthly costs while helping former inmates with housing, counseling, and addiction treatment. Founder Victoria Bell recently appealed to the Decatur City Council and Mayor Kent Lawrence for grant guidance, including possible opioid settlement funds, and the program is also seeking local donations of clothing and food.
![]()
4. Claros completes large-scale PFAS destruction test at Daikin facility (wwdmag.com) — Daikin America’s Decatur manufacturing plant just hosted a major test of a new Claros Technologies system that destroyed more than 99.99% of PFAS in industrial wastewater. The large-scale run treated over 170,000 gallons and moves the companies closer to a full commercial installation, which could significantly affect how industrial wastewater is handled in and around Decatur.
![]()
5. Obituary: Gerald Don Reid (cullmantribune.com) — Family and friends in Decatur are mourning Gerald Don Reid, whose daughter Terry lives in Decatur. The 83-year-old Danville native, National Guard veteran, longtime Southern Bell lineman, and devoted Auburn fan died peacefully on his birthday and will be remembered at services in Cullman on December 20.
![]()
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.