Good morning, Decatur.

3rd Avenue Salon in Ardmore offered free back-to-school haircuts Monday as hairstylists Bethany Payne and Jaclyn Hogan gave 40 trims over two days to help reduce expenses for families—clients came from Decatur, Elkton, Taft, and Pulaski.

Decatur's superintendent announced that a new pre-K center, built for 378 preschoolers with hallways and a playground sized just for them, will open soon to boost early learning — the center is expected to provide valuable benefits to local families.

This new facility is a focused effort to enhance early childhood education in our community.

Hundreds of pre-kindergarten students will begin classes next week at the new B.E.S.T.

Pre-K Academy — which brings together all 21 classrooms in one campus to give every child an equal chance to learn. School leaders said the consolidation will help teachers work together and staff will meet with parents today for the first orientation session.

Crews began smoke testing the sanitary sewer system in Decatur Monday—Video Industrial Services handled the tests on Loggers Way SW and Way Thru The Woods SW while officials said non‐toxic smoke spread to nearby alleys and urged residents to pour water into unused drains to keep smoke away from homes and businesses.

Decatur City Council hired Johnny Jones as the new Youth Services Director on Monday, July 28th after a months-long search — he had served as the youth services life skills coordinator for a program that helps 4,000 at risk children and their families.

The council said his appointment is expected to advance efforts to secure a permanent facility to better serve the community.

On Monday, July 28th, the Decatur City Council decided to offer three candidates director roles for Parks and Recreation — Planning — and Youth Services departments.

The selected candidates will soon receive their offers and begin their leadership duties.

The Alabama Troubadours Live

7-11 p.m. — The Princess Theatre - Center For The Performing Arts — Ticket info available — Experience an evening of soulful music with The Alabama Troubadours.

Brothers for Life 5k

8-10 a.m. — Jack Allen Soccer Complex — Registration fee applies — Support local heroes in this exciting community run.