Good morning, Decatur.

DeKalb County police said two armed men entered a Lithonia home on Rock Spring Road on May 16—stealing items and leaving in a silver SUV—before the homeowner with a gunshot wound to the back collapsed and died, leading authorities to release a photo of a person of interest as neighbors expressed shock.

Robert Olsen, a former DeKalb County officer, pleaded guilty on May 28 to aggravated assault for the 2015 fatal shooting of unarmed veteran Anthony Hill—who was experiencing a mental health crisis—and was sentenced to 15 years with 12 years commuted to time served and 100 hours of community service, closing a decade-long legal battle.

Twenty high school athletes in DeKalb County ended their athletic and academic careers with top honors, with 11 valedictorians and 9 salutatorians from 15 schools—several honorees excelled in two sports like Miller Grove’s Saniya Francis, who played softball and track while winning a discus gold medal at state championships.

On Wednesday morning, demolition crews tore down the long-abandoned Walden Pond Condominiums on Shell Bark Road in Decatur after a fire left the building vacant for five years — county leaders said the removal was vital for public safety.

County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced plans to introduce a new blight tax at Wednesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

Crews will begin the College Avenue Water Main Replacement Project on June 9, replacing 7,100 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe between Sam Crossings and Lakeshore Drive to improve the watershed system in the county.

The project will last six months — crews working from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday may lead to more noise and traffic.

A state Administrative Court judge ruled on May 27 that Daniel Blackman did not show enough residency evidence to qualify for the Public Service Commission—Blackman remains on the ballot as the Secretary of State will decide his candidacy within 30 days.

Michelle Malone Concert

9-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket information not specified — Experience an evening of pure Georgia soul with Michelle Malone's acoustic songs and stories.

Wylde Center's Nature Summer Camps

4 PM — Wylde Center — Registration required — An immersive outdoor experience for children to explore and connect with nature.

Grunge Unplugged: A Tribute to Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden

7:30-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — $10 — Experience acoustic renditions of grunge classics in a nostalgic setting.

Candlelight - 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

6:45-7:45 p.m. — The Chapel on Sycamore — Ticketed — Experience classic 90s hip-hop hits reimagined with string arrangements in a candlelit atmosphere.

2025 National Pollinator Week Festival

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Decatur Square & Courthouse Parking — Free entry — Celebrate local biodiversity with activities, learning, and family fun focused on pollinators.

Critter Camp Week 4 for Ages 6-9

9 AM – 3 PM — Friends School of Atlanta — $300 — Explore the wonderful world of amphibians and reptiles with hands-on activities and fun facts throughout the week.

Serenity Within: Yoga Nidra

6-7 p.m. — Decatur Legacy Park — Suggested donation of $20 — Experience a restorative evening of guided Yoga Nidra and soothing sound bath for deep relaxation.

Candlelight Concert: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop

7:45-9 p.m. — The Chapel on Sycamore — Ticketed event — Experience a magical concert featuring Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop in an inspiring setting.

Georgia Spartans Back To School Event

4-6:30 p.m. — Exchange Park — Refunds up to 7 days prior — Kick off the school year with fun activities, games, and the chance to reconnect with friends.