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City of Decatur and Surrounding Area News

DeKalb County School District demonstrates new safety systems ready new school year

DeKalb County, GA — DeKalb Schools Police Chief Brad Gober along with other officers and Principal Dr. Derrica Boochee-Davis offered a demonstration of new safety systems at Columbia High School on Aug. 3. An emergency alert system, CINTEGIX Crisis Alert, is already active in all schools, while a weapons detection system EVOLV Express is installed […]

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Clarkston Finance Director threatens to sue city; City councilmember rescinds resignation

This story has been updated. Clarkston, GA — The drama in Clarkston continues to unfold as the council plans to meet this evening, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. Records obtained by Decaturish show that Finance Director Dan Defnall recently threatened legal action against the city following a confrontation with City Manager Shawanna Qawiy over the availability […]

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Atlanta Public Schools names interim superintendent, pending school board approval

This story has been updated. Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta School Board announced on Aug. 3 that Dr. Danielle Battle has been selected to serve as interim superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. The school board is expected to approve the appointment on Aug. 7. Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring will transition from her role by the […]

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Stone Mountain man arrested a month after allegedly shooting, killing brother, sheriff’s office says

By Hope Dean, Atlanta News First ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Stone Mountain man has been arrested after the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said he shot and killed his brother about a month ago. Ahmed Kawah, 37, was arrested on a MARTA bus in Decatur on Wednesday. Kawah faces a charge of felony […]

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Decatur High School announces hire of new assistant principal

Decatur, GA — Tosh Zaleski has joined the Decatur High School staff as the assistant principal, Principal Duane Sprull announced in an email on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Zaleski has over 20 years of experience in education. She has previously worked in public, charter, and alternative schools. Zaleski has experience in international baccalaureate education as well […]

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Avondale Estates raises starting salary for police officers to $60,000

Avondale Estates, GA — The city of Avondale Estates is offering police officers a starting salary of $60,000, an increase from $50,000. The city previously did not have a designated beginning salary for officers. The salary is within the city’s current salary range of $50,600 – $70,840, a spokesperson for the city said. “The city values […]

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Greater Decatur student named 18 under 18 by National Society of High School Scholars

Greater Decatur, GA – Hannah Williams, a student at Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy, was awarded the 18 Under 18 Award by the National Society of High School Scholars. The scholarship recognizes young students who spread positivity and show leadership in their communities through their passions, according to a press release. Williams submitted a short video talking about her […]

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Congressman Johnson Holding Important PACT Act meeting

Special promotional content provided by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson On Wednesday, August 9 from 6-7 PM, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding an informational webinar for veterans about the PACT Act, which is a new law that helps soldiers who experienced toxic exposure while serving in the military abroad, understand and receive the VA benefits […]

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‘Generations of Success’ panel kicks off Black Business Month in DeKalb County

DeKalb County, GA — The Decide DeKalb Development Authority on Aug. 2 brought three Black business owners to Hippin’ Hops Brewery, owned by Clarence Boston, for a panel on Black entrepreneurship. The first of two events to bookend Black Business Month, the panel included David Moody owner of CD Moody Construction, Trish Miller owner of […]

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Clarkston can’t provide salary information for director of police services ahead of meeting about police pay

Clarkston, GA — Weeks after naming John Pearson as the city’s director of police services, the city of Clarkston is unable to provide information about his salary. The council plans to meet on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at city hall, located at 3921 Church Street. The only business on the agenda is staff reports and […]

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