🌱 Atlanta FC In Douglasville + Douglas Co. 2009 Cold Case Murder

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Douglasville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Today's briefing includes:

• Atlanta FC promoting soccer in Douglasville
• Tragic suicide/murder at a Walmart in nearby Hiram
• Douglas County investigating 2009 murder

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 57.

Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. Atlanta United FC recently extended their efforts in promoting soccer in Douglasville. The Atlanta United Foundation is dedicated to making soccer accessible to people throughout Georgia by offering grant programs that encourage fitness and sportsmanship through soccer. While current clinics may be at capacity, individuals are encouraged to stay connected with Douglasville Parks and Recreation for future opportunities. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
2. Two individuals, Zoey Nicole Messenger, 20, and James Wyatt Nicholas Norton, 26, were found with gunshot wounds inside a Walmart on Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway in nearby Hiram on Wednesday. Norton, an employee at the store, is identified as the shooter. After a brief conversation with Messenger, he pulled out a handgun, shot her, and then took his own life. Both victims, who had recently ended a relationship, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition and subsequently succumbed to their injuries. (Dallas-Hiram Patch)
3. Douglas County Sheriff's Office is still seeking information on a 2009 cold case murder. On Sep. 21, 2009, Maryanne Humphrey was tragically murdered at the Circle K, located at 5785 W Stewart Mill Road in Douglasville. The man identified as the murderer is pictured at the link. If you have any information regarding this case, please reach out to Captain Jon Mauney at 770-920-4993 or jmauney@sheriff.douglas.ga.us. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)
4. Join the Douglasville Police Department on Wednesday, Oct. 4, for National Coffee with a Cop Day. The department's command staff will be at the Starbucks located at the intersection of Highway 5 and Douglas Boulevard from 10:00 a.m. to noon for coffee and conversation. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
5. Families in Douglas County can now register for the ninth annual Operation Christmas, providing free gifts to children attending school in the county and their younger siblings. To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County, be aged 18 or younger, and receive assistance services due to financial hardship, such as free or reduced-price lunch, WIC, or other support from the Health Department or Educational System. This community effort is independent of the school system, and registration can be completed in English or Spanish by clicking here. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)

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Today in and around Douglasville:

Friday, September 22

• American Business Women's Day: Spotlighting Women In Business At West Georgia Technical College (8:30 AM)
• Happy Hour: Pumpkin & Blackeyed Susans At Painting With A Twist (4:00 PM)
• Live Music Happy Hour With Ethan Senger At Qualusi Vineyards, Acworth (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Douglas County Coroner's Office is currently seeking a part-time administrative assistant. They are also searching for a Deputy Coroner. Learn more here. (Douglas County & West Georgia News via Facebook)
• Boundary Waters Aquatic Center is offering new swimming lessons; including private and Mini Mallows classes for kids under three years. Click the link to view flyers and learn more. (Douglas County Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• Douglas County Library is hosting a kid's photography class on Monday, Sep. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. (Douglas County Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• American Business Women's (ABW) Day: Spotlighting Women in Business (September 22)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.