In its September issue, Atlanta Magazine goes deep into the success story of Pete the Cat and considers the franchise and authors’ future.  Here’s the first paragraph to get you started…

It’s the first day of daycare and my two-year-old daughter, Lola, is getting nervous in the backseat. “Why you’ll have to leave, Daddy?” she asks. At an intersection, we stop behind a Honda minivan. On its rear window, Lola spots a reassuring sticker. “Look—it’s Pete the Cat!” In Lola’s pantheon of children’s book characters, Pete is second only to Disney princesses. She sleeps near a stack of Pete books and a worn Pete doll. From my perspective, the unflappable feline is a positive influence—and compared to those formulaictales about Disney royalty, Pete books might as well be Rolling Stone.

The City of Decatur sent out this announcement…

The Decatur Fire Department has promoted Stephanie Burton to Deputy Fire Chief, effective Sept 1. Duties in her new role include fire operations, events and emergency medical services. Chief Burton will continue to provide fire prevention and education as the city’s Fire Marshal. The previous Deputy Fire Chief Tim Hatcher retired at the end of August.

“Chief Burton is already a familiar face to many residents and business owners in the City of Decatur,” said City Manager Peggy Merriss. “She is an experienced fire fighter who brings a high level of expertise to her new role as Deputy Fire Chief.”

Chief Burton’s office is located at Fire Station #1, 230 E. Trinity Pl., Decatur, Ga. 30030.

The Decatur Fire Department provides fire protection services, promotes fire prevention and enforces the city’s fire codes. The department has an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Protection Class 2 rating, which allows Decatur residents and businesses to receive lower insurance premiums. All Decatur fire fighters are certified by the Georgia Fire Fighter Standards and Training Council and receive an average of more than 300 hours of training a year.

Remember when we reported back in late July that an “ice cream store” would be opening in the old Froyolo location on Decatur Square next to Best Time (545 N. McDonough)?

Well, Atlanta Magazine reports that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be opening up in the space by late October.  A bit more…

Both locations will serve grass-grazed ice creams, frozen yogurts, and sorbet, often made with local ingredients. Signature Jeni’s flavors include Coffee with Cream & Sugar ice cream made with Batdorf & Bronson coffee and Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam made with fresh Georgia peaches from the Peach Truck. Flavors change seasonally but favorites include Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, and Goat Cheese with Red Cherries.

In Decatur, Jeni’s will also serve Batsdorf & Bronson coffee. The Krog Street location will not.

A free ice cream party will be held to celebrate the Decatur location’s opening. The date has not been announced.