Good morning, Decatur.

County animal advocates celebrated the grand opening of the new pet neighborhood near the DeKalb Animal Shelter on Dec.

17 in a warm event tent. The 10 new modular kennel pods house 120 dogs, easing overcrowding and marking a $4M county-funded project.

Decaturish surpassed its $40,000 goal and is working toward a $78,000 stretch target (only $13,664 remains due to a matching contribution) to support local news coverage during challenging times.

Eboni Kennedy, a DeKalb County firefighter, lost her leg in an on-duty crash earlier this month and faces multiple surgeries while an online fundraiser seeks $100,000 for her medical bills.

Shaq-A-Claus visited DeKalb School of the Arts on Thursday, Dec.

18 to hand out gifts and spread holiday cheer — a festive gesture that brought joy to students.

At Cross Keys High School, officials announced a graduation rate rise to 72.3% today that removes the school from the federal needs-improvement list - a change driven by enhanced credit recovery options and tailored support for students.

Yesterday, the Decide DeKalb Development Authority approved a $1.2 million loan for the Housing Authority to clean up the 186-unit Willow Branch Apartment complex in Clarkston.

The project (which will relocate residents during asbestos and lead remediation) is set to finalize with a January closing.

The DeKalb County Commission approved a resolution on Dec.

16 to create an Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group (which will advise on green jobs and energy initiatives) to guide current environmental efforts.

A DeKalb condo owner received a nearly $3,000 water bill after months without billing and hired a plumber to check a suspected leak — the HOA has denied full access to the water closet, preventing a complete inspection.

She says earlier detection could have helped avoid high charges.

Urban Nutcracker 2025

3-5 p.m. — Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center — Tickets available — Experience a unique urban interpretation of the classic Nutcracker ballet by Ballethnic Dance Company.

Cece Benz and Stratton James Trio Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $20.03 — Experience an evening of indie pop as Cece Benz shares her heartfelt storytelling and music.

Livvy's Love Fun Run/Walk 2026

8-10 a.m. — Stone Mountain Park — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled run or walk for a great cause supporting youth.