See?

And if we ever start getting mail again, you might get a chance to hold this refreshened, new Focus between your dried out, chapped fingers!

Image courtesy of the Decatur Minute

The 2010 has come bearing gifts for the city of Decatur in the form of MORE online information!

Launching January 1st, Decatur News Online is the brainchild of resident Geoff Koski, which pledges to be a “journalistic internet news source for the citizens of the City of Decatur, Georgia— covering community events and issues” and already includes a variety of postings by contributing residents.

And just today, we received word via The Decatur Minute that the city was launching a third blog with the new year.  The Decatur Tax Blog promises to provide “fresh, non-partisan content about national & local tax and housing developments, timely reminders about tax deadlines for residents, special announcements, and educational posts about your tax bill.”

In his first post, city employee (and now “blogger”) Russ Madison makes one thing quite clear…

…this blog will in not be a political platform or forum about tax rates. For concerns about tax rates I would encourage you to contact your elected officials or visit privately-run blogs. Also, the information provided on these pages shall in no way constitute legal advice about your individual tax circumstances. Please seek the advice of a tax professional for dicey personal situations.

Click here read the latest Decatur Focus (PDF).

Highlights (from my own narrow-minded perspective)…

• The city has received a FEMA grant to purchase four properties on Westchester Drive that are below the base flood elevation and have “flooded several times”. Houses on the properties will be demolished and the land will be preserved as green space.
• Starting in 2008, residents will have to start paying for Dog Park tags for their dogs. The price is $20 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog. Non residents now can also use the park if they are willing to pay a heck of a lot more: $60 for first dog, $15 for each additional dog. Maybe I’ll just drive up to Mason Mill Dog Park instead. Click here for a full list of Georgia dog parks. (page 4)
• The renovation of Boyce/Frost residence at 601 Third Ave in Oakhurst will be featured on Discovery Channel’s Green Homes TV, which will debut in 2008. Ah, how ironic…can you say “Oakhurst Historic District”? (page 5)
• Dancing Goats Coffee offers public “cuppings” ever Friday at 10a. According to the all-knowing Focus “Cupping is the evaluation technique used by coffee professionals and is similar to that of wine tasting.” (page 8)
• Steinbeck’s Oyster Bar will host The Great Oakhurst Chili Cook Off in its parking lot from Nov 17th from 12p-6p. Also check out Steinbeck’s new Brunch menu, which features pumpkin pancakes! (page 10)

All right…five bullets classifies as “highlights”. Anymore and I’m rewriting the whole darn thing!