Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Want to help Decatur voters get ready for 2026 elections?

You won't want to miss Warehouse Liquidation FINAL Sale! 50% OFF! on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Decatur! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Decatur PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • Want to help Decatur voters get ready for 2026 elections?
  • How Decatur’s new mayor and election changes could affect you
  • Why a Decatur standout changed his mind about leaving Auburn

Also on today's calendar: Warehouse Liquidation FINAL Sale! 50% OFF! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the hair spray say to the hair when it got back from vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 64 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Warm with low clouds, temps: high: 70, low: 51.
  • Thursday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 70 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections announces 2026 Deputy Registrar Training Schedule, key election dates (ocgnews.com) — Decatur residents can now plan ahead for the 2026 election year, with DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections in Decatur releasing its Deputy Registrar training dates and full election calendar. Online trainings begin January 8 and continue through April, and key 2026 primary and general election dates, registration deadlines, and absentee ballot timelines are all laid out for local voters and volunteers.
   

2. Historic night in Decatur as Tony Powers becomes first Black man to serve as mayor (atlantanewsfirst.com) — Decatur’s City Commission has selected Tony Powers as mayor, making him the first Black man to hold the role and creating the city’s first majority-Black commission. Leaders also approved a major change so future mayors will be directly elected to four-year terms starting in 2027, while Powers focuses on affordability and homelessness in the meantime.
   

3. Auburn WR reverses course on transfer intentions, will be back with Tigers in 2026 (saturdaydownsouth.com) — Auburn wide receiver Sam Turner, a highly touted recruit from Decatur, has decided not to enter the transfer portal and will stay with the Tigers for the 2026 season. After initially signaling he would leave, the freshman reversed course on social media, giving Auburn some stability at a position hit hard by other receivers’ departures.
   

4. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice names 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year (wtoc.com) — A state-recognized educator is working right here in Decatur, where the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice has named DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center teacher Heishe Brown its 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. Brown, a veteran special education teacher and case manager, is praised for fostering supportive learning environments and advocating for equity and excellence for Georgia’s youth.
   

5. Clayton County police search for missing man who may have been heading to Decatur (fox5atlanta.com) — Police are asking Decatur-area residents to watch for 53-year-old Steven Shy, who was last seen after arriving by transportation van at Genesis Alliance on Memorial Drive in Decatur. A Mattie’s Call is active because he has a medical condition requiring care. Anyone who may have seen him or knows his whereabouts is urged to contact Clayton County police or call 911 immediately.
   

📸 Around Decatur

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur

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📣 Decatur Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I adopted a kitty cat from ND about 6 months ago.
    I have posted about her a few times. I was told she loved to cuddle. Being a senior and far away from my children I wanted something to love. My… (Nextdoor Decatur)
  • Found dog this sweet girl was in the middle of 2nd Ave, near East Lake at 6:15am.
    Anyone know who/where she belongs too? No chip, took her to the fire station earlier today. Need your help! (Nextdoor Pinetree/W Ponce/Scott Blvd)
  • Premium Retail Services posted a job opening for Merchandiser in Decatur. Apply here.
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for 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 mist you!
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