Barbara writes in…

This dog just showed up in my neighbor’s yard on the Columbia end of Thomas Road. Not sure how he got in — all the gates were closed. He’s a large black dog with a white chest and white tips on his back toes and tail. His tail curls over his back. No collar. Please contact 404-378-7884.

From the City of Decatur website…

Decorate your home or business in the colors and traditions of the season and enter Decatur’s third annual Halloween Decorating Contest. Submit a photo to by noon on Monday, Oct. 29. Be sure to include your name and address. Judges will make their decision Monday evening and the winners will be posted on the Decatur website, the DowntownDecatur Facebook page, and the www.thedecaturminute.com blog. Winners will receive special yard signs on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to display throughout the week.

The winner of the Commissioners Cauldron will be presented at the Nov. 5 city commission meeting. If you have questions or need more information email or call 678-553-6573.

And related: what are the best area streets to hit over the next few weeks, if you have children who want to see all the coolest houses?

Julie writes in…

This morning around 8:30, my husband witnessed a heavy equipment hauler (empty) get stuck on the tracks. He says that as it was crossing at McDonough, the connection between the cab/truck and the empty bed looked like it snapped and the bed went down on the tracks. He called 911. Police arrived shortly after.

• DeKalb schools to shorten summer break [AJC]
• Train quiet zone neighborhood meeting on Oct 16th [East Lake]
• New employee in Decatur Revenue Division [Decatur Tax Blog]
• Online purchases to be taxed in GA [AJC]
• Today’s the last day to register to vote [CL]
• Should the market alone determine parking supply? [Atlantic Cities]
• In Japan, some forcing themselves to use less energy by lowering circuit breaker capacity [WSJ]