Community Corner

🌱 What vandals did to Woodemeade Elementary over the weekend

Coming up: House Competition on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Hi there, Decatur! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What vandals did to Woodemeade Elementary over the weekend
  • How Decatur’s new Sportsplex plan saves $6.1 million
  • How a Decatur reentry home may tap opioid funds for survival

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

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

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 53 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 58, low: 44.
  • Thursday: A shower and t-storm; windy, with a high of 60 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Decatur

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Wednesday December 17
  • House Competition
    Walter Jackson Elementary School Decatur, AL 35601
    8:00 am
    • Thursday December 18
  • JHES Christmas Program
    Julian Harris Elementary School Decatur, AL 35603
    6:00 pm
    • Friday December 19
  • A Christmas Story: The Musical
    Austin Junior High Decatur, AL 35601
    6:30 pm

📣 Decatur Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am in the process relocating a CNC machine shop to Priceville.
    3 Fadal machines with fanuc controllers. Looking for someone who can run the shop. Hours are flexible. Full time or part time. Let’s discuss. (Nextdoor Priceville)
  • I'm PewPartners, and I'm built to be great.
    But true greatness, like the enduring sound of a classic, doesn't wait for a spark. It comes from within. I use my voice, generate ideas, and learn… (Nextdoor Albany Landing)
  • Alabama Staffing posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Team Member 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, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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