Decatur
Morning News
Friday, August 8th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Decatur Morning News.
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The family of 16-year-old Jaiden DeJarnett, who died during a 2023 police chase, has filed a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit against Decatur officials including Mayor Tab Bowling and former officers Todd Pinion and Mac Marquette. The complaint says the chase began because the teen did not use headlights and taillights and seeks both compensatory and punitive damages—alleging excessive force and municipal liability. News 19
- ➤ Morgan County man Reaford Williams, sentenced to 30 years in May for the drunk driving death of 19-year-old Troy Howard in 2019 when he drove on the wrong side of I-565, asked for a new trial as his attorneys argued that prejudicial evidence tainted the jury’s view—Limestone County Judge Chad Wise will decide his request. News 19
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for a donation of around 110 acres of usable, rolling farmland in North Alabama to create a new state veterans cemetery following meetings with state legislators and local officials in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties. The project will offer an easier-to-reach place for veterans and their families and aims to expand services beyond the Spanish Fort facility (a 120-acre cemetery dedicated in 2012). News 19
- ➤ Decatur municipal election candidates met with 250 voters at a Know Before You Vote event hosted by the Young Professionals (of Decatur) and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss unity, economic growth, and transparency ahead of the August 26 election. Voters asked how the candidates would work to heal the city after the Steve Perkins incident in September 2023. News 19
- ➤ The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs seeks help finding 110 acres of rolling farmland with low traffic and no noise pollution in north Alabama for a new state veterans cemetery—Commissioner Jeff Newton has met with lawmakers in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties to advance the project. WAAY-TV
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Decatur Morning News.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cross-town football rivals Austin & Decatur are preparing for the 2025 season after Austin won the Class 7 Region 4 championship in 2024 with a 9-2 record and will host Hartselle in a rematch of last year's double overtime game. Decatur's coach John Ritter said over 80 players joined offseason workouts as the team works to improve on a 2-8 record and face a challenging schedule. News 19
-
Brothers for Life 5k
8-10 a.m. — Jack Allen Soccer Complex — Registration fee applies — Support local heroes in this exciting community run.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Decatur Morning News.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first draft of anything is garbage.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Decatur Morning News
Welcome to the Decatur Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Decatur, Alabama community. If you like the Decatur Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Decatur.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Decatur and across Alabama. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Decatur Morning News
A free Decatur community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://decaturmorningnews.com/sitemap