Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How much screen time will Decatur students actually get this year?
And check out Music Together Preview Class in Embry Hills on the Decatur Patch calendar
Morning Decatur! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How much screen time will Decatur students actually get this year?
- Why a judge ruled the Decatur Library shooting was self-defense
- What's next for Decatur's Postal Pond and its promised greenspace?
Also on today's calendar: Music Together Preview Class in Embry Hills and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 85 and low of 71 degrees.
- Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 85, low: 72.
- Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
1. Researchers, school districts study screen time use (decaturish.com) — City Schools of Decatur leaders are weighing new classroom screen-time limits, aiming to keep technology strictly supplemental and shift students back toward paper, textbooks, and face-to-face teaching. Working with local parent group EdTech Balance, the district is reviewing usage data, planning email restrictions for younger grades, and expects new guidelines to roll out this school year as part of a broader metro Atlanta push to protect kids' mental health online. 
2. Judge dismisses charges in Decatur Library shooting, rules shooter acted in self-defense (ocgnews.com) — A DeKalb County judge has dismissed all charges against the man who shot another patron during a February altercation inside the Decatur Library, ruling he acted in self-defense. Testimony from library staff, a patron, and other witnesses convinced the court that the shooter faced imminent danger, and the district attorney's office says it will not appeal, closing the case.
3. Pic(k) of the Week: Technicolor idyll (yoursforgoodfermentables.com) — A serene photo feature spotlights Postal Pond on the former Methodist Children's Home property, now owned by the city of Decatur and eyed for future greenspace. While residents enjoy the informal, picnic-ready setting near the East Decatur Greenway, some remain wary that mixed-use development could reshape this 77-acre site.
4. FOX 5 Atlanta 2026 August 26 Articles Sitemap (fox5atlanta.com) — One headline in this FOX 5 Atlanta sitemap notes that a man accused in a Decatur Library shooting has walked free after an immunity ruling, signaling a significant legal development for the community. The page also lists a mix of other regional crime, consumer, and national-interest stories published around the same date.
5. DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Johnson announces 3rd Annual District 5 beautification mini grant application period (ocgnews.com) — DeKalb County's District 5 Beautification Mini-Grant Program is now accepting applications from neighborhood and homeowners' associations, with awards supporting landscaping, signage, tree planting, and other upgrades across the district. Announced from Decatur, the program offers funding through Sept. 1 to help residents boost curb appeal, sustainability, and community pride.
📸 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!
★ Featured events ★
- Music Together Preview Class in Embry Hills →
Embry Hills United Methodist Church, 3304 Henderson Mill Rd, Atlanta
9:30 am
Saturday August 29
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- WKND eBikes Pop-Up + Test Rides at Huckleberry's Corner Store →
Huckleberry's Corner Store, 2380 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta
4:00 pm - Kindness Card Exchange Display
Redan-Trotti Library - - đAM Intramurals: Volleyballđ(Gym)
Crews Middle School Lawrenceville, GA 30044
8:15 am - Toddler Storytime
Decatur Library -
10:00 am - Preschool Storytime
Decatur Library -
11:00 am - Volleyball Match vs. Radloff (Crews Gym)
Crews Middle School Lawrenceville, GA 30044
6:00 pm - Take & Make Crafts: Cryptid Bookmarks
Redan-Trotti Library - - Pass It On: Kindness Card Table
Redan-Trotti Library - - Crews Singers (Chorus Room)
Crews Middle School Lawrenceville, GA 30044
8:15 am
Saturday August 29
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
📣 Decatur Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Art Display: Layers of Soul
Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library -
10:00 am - Friends of the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library Book Sale
Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library - Toco Hill-Avis G. Willia
10:00 am - Jewelry with Gin! Live
Clarkston Library -
1:00 pm - Ask a Teen Librarian
Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library -
2:00 pm
Saturday August 29
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Decatur PatchAM possible:
- Atlanta Expert Appliance Repair — (404) 834-5157
- Transit CPR LLC — (678) 856-6115
- Alexis S Intimates — (678) 237-9539
- Higher Calling Christian Academy — (404) 288-2494
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
🪧 Patch Classifieds
- Pine LakeFest Announces Music Schedule
How about our music lineup for LakeFest 2026! As your fall schedule fills up, we invite you to save the date and come over to Pine Lake for two... (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- This baby is looking for a new loving home.
We've been caring for this sweet kitten that was found in a sewer all alone. We never planned on keeping her permanently as we already have a lot of… (Nextdoor Midway Park) - Hi has anyone seen my cat her name is Daisy and she is friendly & approachable.
She ran out the house yesterday. Please contact me if you seen or have her . (Nextdoor Belvedere Park)
- PruittHealth Corporation, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Decatur. Apply here.
- Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk 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: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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