Good morning, Decatur.

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2025-2026 Excellence in Leadership class on August 19 at The Magnolia Room in Decatur—34 professionals from business, healthcare, education and government will meet monthly, work on a community service project, and graduate in May next year.

Mayor Tommy Battle and other local leaders said U.S. Space Command will boost the economy—new workers will arrive in North Alabama as buildings and office space on Redstone Arsenal are set aside for personnel.

They added that construction will take 18 to 24 months and $380 million in road updates is underway.

Decatur City Council voted Tuesday to rename Ryan Drive as Steve Perkins Drive to honor the man shot and killed outside his home in September 2023—community protests, memorial events, and petitions helped drive the decision while a former officer is charged with his murder.

In Decatur’s only runoff election for District 4 city council, candidate Sarah French faced online comments that falsely claim she lacks support for the city and question her background, and she offered to share documents to clear her name.

The runoff will take place on Sept. 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—only District 4 residents may vote.

Crestwood Medical Center announced that Scott Bracci will begin serving as Chief Operating Officer on September 8 — he brings over 25 years of health care experience from leadership roles at Mission Hospital and Mercy Hospital Miami to support quality patient care.

Tomorrow night the Madison Bowl will have a rivalry game between teams led by James Clemens and Bob Jones, with Bob Jones leading the series 7—6 while Clemens won six of the last seven meetings.

Jets head coach Juan Johnson will play in his first Madison Bowl and Patriots head coach Kelvis White, with a 1—4 record, will lead his team as Bob Jones is 2—0 this season and the Jets won their opener 35—21 over Gardendale.

WAAY 31 will broadcast high school football games on Friday, Sept.

5 with matchups across North Alabama. The show will start at 10:15 p.m. with an expanded version at 11 p.m.—Decatur Heritage is slated to compete against Lexington.

Dawes Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Princess Theatre — Tickets ranging from $73 to $925 — Enjoy an exciting live performance by Dawes at a renowned venue.

Summer Breeze Celebration

6-10 p.m. — Cook Museum of Natural Science — Gather and celebrate the end of summer at this transformative night out.