Decatur
Morning News
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Crystal Brown announced her retirement as Chamber president & CEO effective in July, 2026. She has led the organization since 2021 and built strong business and community partnerships as the Chamber begins the search for her successor. Decatur Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Crystal Brown, CEO and president of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, is set to retire after five years in her role and 14 years on the chamber's staff. Decatur Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Durbin Leadership (a Decatur consulting company) has opened registration for its fourth annual Student Leadership Conference for high schoolers. The event will take place on Feb. 24 and gives students a chance to build leadership skills. Decatur Daily
- ➤ The University of North Alabama announced Tuesday that band director Dr. Lloyd Jones will retire on March 1 after 20+ years leading the band program, which received national acclaim with a 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance. University officials plan a smooth leadership transition. WAAY-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Walker Women's Specialists OB-GYN Dr. LoRissia Autery criticized a federal plan to fund robotic ultrasounds for rural maternal care, saying it lacks the personal responses needed given patients may travel 90 minutes for treatment (she urged local physician recruitment instead). Alabama received $203,000 in federal support. Rocket City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Skyline girls basketball team continues its season while coping with junior Bella Avans’ coma after a November car accident; several local teams have rallied support by donating and wearing green ribbons. WAAY-TV
- ➤ Stewart Cink, a Florence native, was named PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year after winning the Charles Schwab Cup Championship and two other tournaments, earning the Jack Nicklaus Award from his peers — he will begin the 2026 season as a top contender. Rocket City Now
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Carnival Frolic 13.1 Half Marathon
10 a.m. — Decatur City Hall — Registration required — Celebrate the 10th anniversary with a festive half marathon, scenic routes, and post-race Mardi Gras treats.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Decatur Morning News
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