Good morning, Decatur.

Navy veteran Richard Stroud, 99, was honored on Oct.

1 — his service was recognized at a ceremony that celebrated his lifetime achievements.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is planning to purchase a church across the street from its campus to expand its facilities and programming—its original plan to build two new structures changed when the church went on the market—and executive director Andrew Keenan said the nonprofit needs to raise $2 million for the project.

DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and City Schools of Decatur (CSD) released Sept.

29 data showing that DCSD’s graduation rate rose to 81.4 percent, the highest in over 10 years, and Decatur High School’s rate increased to 96.04 percent. Officials reported strong gains at many schools and noted that Decatur High seniors earned the top SAT scores in Georgia.

Officials with the DeKalb County School District announced that eight DCSD schools have been named 2025 Title I Reward schools— the highest number recognized in Georgia this year, marking an increase from six last year.

The awards honor the schools for top progress in English language arts and math performance among students from low-income families.

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections will hold a public meeting — where citizens may comment in person or via email that meets set guidelines — at 4:30 p.m. on Oct.

9 at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300 in Decatur. All comments must be submitted between 35 and 5 minutes before the meeting and may be recorded for the minutes.

The road closures due to sewer and manhole upgrades began on Sept.

29 on Toney Drive, Columbia Woods Drive, Glendale Drive, Saratoga Drive, and Thrasher Circle and will continue until Nov. 3. Work is scheduled 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday — excluding major holidays.

Crews will begin replacing about 43,100 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe along San Gabriel between Columbia Drive and Glenwood Road starting October 9 as part of a DeKalb County watershed improvement project—expected to last 14 months.

Normal work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and residents should expect increased noise and traffic.

Congressman Hank Johnson announced that the Congressional App Challenge is open for submissions from middle and high school students in Georgia’s 4th district until Oct.

30 at noon. Judges will review entries from Nov. 5 until Dec. 1 and winners will receive recognition and have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol — following last year's success.

On October 1st, a raccoon in Ellenwood’s Lincolndale Court area tested positive for rabies after it was killed, and county officials urged residents to update pet vaccinations and avoid leaving food outdoors—warning anyone bitten or scratched to seek medical care immediately.

The Georgia Football Classic is partnering with 100 Black Men of DeKalb County (100BMOD) and over 50 community organizations to raise funds for youth scholarships, local schools and its Leadership Academy.

Mississippi Valley State University will face Florida A&M University on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as ticket sales support these community initiatives.

Decatur Book Festival Panel Discussion

2-5 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory — Free entry — Explore the art of adaptation in storytelling from novels to games with industry experts.

Georgia Jam II

7-10 p.m. — Napoleon's Grill — No Cover — Enjoy a night of tribute jams with local musicians at this community gathering.

Jada Cato Live Concert

9-11 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $16.68 — Experience the soulful sounds of The Cosmic Cowgirl in an intimate setting.

Valley Flower Concert

9 PM – 1 AM — Eddie's Attic — Cost info not specified — Experience the grassy, folksy sounds of Austin's Valley Flower.

Christopher McBride & The Proof Album Release Party

9:00-11:15 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $26.70 — Experience a live music journey with saxophonist Christopher McBride and his band in Decatur's iconic venue.

Ben Sollee with Jeri Katherine Howell

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Ticket info pending — Experience genre-bending cello artistry from Kentucky native Ben Sollee alongside special guest Jeri Katherine Howell.

Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $11.12 — Experience Atlanta's premier songwriters showcase featuring local and national talent.

Stacey Ryan Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets available — Experience the unique sounds of singer/songwriter Stacey Ryan blending pop and jazz influences.

Brennen Leigh Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the captivating storytelling of American songwriter Brennen Leigh.

Gabe Lee and Jason Eady Concert

6 PM – 12 AM — Eddie's Attic — Cost info unavailable — Experience soulful songwriting and captivating performances from Gabe Lee and Jason Eady.