Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Decatur bookstore was banned from the city’s signature book festival

Also check out Friday Goldfish Family Swim on the Decatur Patch calendar

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
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Hi Decatur! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Decatur bookstore was banned from the city's signature book festival
  • What the new Decatur fire station will mean for your neighborhood.
  • DeKalb investigators fear more victims after Decatur cold case arrest.

Also on today's calendar: Used Book Sale at Decatur Library on Oct. 10 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 75 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Saturday: Tropical Rainstorm Isaias, temps: high: 66, low: 61.
  • Sunday: A couple of morning t-storms, with a high of 69 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Large, annual metro Atlanta book festival bans store from future participation (wsbtv.com) — Decatur's long-running Book Festival has banned local retailer Kiss and Tale Romance Bookshop from future participation after complaints that staff ignored some Black shoppers. Festival leaders say they're prioritizing a welcoming environment for all attendees, while the Decatur-based store acknowledges falling short for some customers, denies intentional discrimination, and pledges to improve how it serves the community.
   

2. Groundbreaking ceremony takes place for new fire station (thechampionnewspaper.com) — A new $10‑million Fire Station No. 16 is now under construction on Eastside Drive in Decatur, funded by DeKalb's SPLOST penny sales tax. The two‑story station will feature modern health‑focused design, individual sleeping quarters, and a community room, and is part of a broader effort to upgrade fire‑rescue response across the county.
   

3. Former police officer charged with cold case assaults, kidnapping (thechampionnewspaper.com) — A former DeKalb County police officer has been indicted after DNA linked him to the 2011 kidnapping and sexual assaults of two teenage girls who first sought help in Decatur. Investigators say the attacks began near Exchange Park and an apartment complex, and now urge anyone with additional information or possible victim experiences to contact DeKalb authorities.
   

4. GBI charges five inmates in DeKalb County Jail death, all facing felony murder charges (ocgnews.com) — In Decatur, state investigators have charged five DeKalb County Jail inmates with murder and related felonies in the death of 24‑year‑old David Addo‑Wright. The family's attorney alleges broken locks, missed checks, and delayed medical help, while the sheriff pledges full cooperation with the GBI as questions mount about jail safety and oversight.
   

📸 Around Decatur

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm in Lithonia, I have a gently used twin frame, mattress, box spring and two foam toppers.
    I also have a full foam topper/mattress and a Queen foam mattress, some pillows and random bedding if anyone can use any of it. Must be able to pick… (Nextdoor Kensington-Avondale)
  • Mystery cat issue solved.
    Recently, I noticed that our cat was losing weight. She did not seem to want to eat her dry cat food which was near the water bowl. On close… (Nextdoor Riderwood Estates)
  • Positive Impact Health Centers, Inc. posted a job opening for Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Decatur. Apply here.
  • LION posted a job opening for Shipping-Receiving Clerk in Clarkston. 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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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