🌱 Coaches Investigated After Student Punched + Community Bicycle Ride

Hello all! Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Douglasville Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on...

• An investigation has been opened after a Douglasville student was punched
• Movie Night at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center
• Douglasville Police Department announced upcoming Community Bike Ride

But first, today's weather:

Pleasant with clouds and sun. High: 87 Low: 69.

Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. An investigation has been launched into the conduct of the football coaches at Benjamin E. Mays High School after one of the school's coaches punched a Douglasville student at a recent game. Mays High School Coach Carl Sledge was arrested following the punching incident and is reportedly facing charges. Atlanta Public Schools opened an investigation after a photo emerged of a different Mays High School coach standing on players' knees while they held wall sits. One parent has spoken out, claiming the coaches have displayed a pattern of verbal and physical abuse towards students. (Atlanta News First)
2. Mark your calendars for an upcoming movie night at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center! On Sep. 16, you can splash in the pool while enjoying the movie "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile." This free event will run from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Popcorn, pizza, and water will be available, and make sure to bring a towel and swimsuit. (Douglas County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
3. The Douglasville Police Department will be hosting a Community Bicycle Ride on Saturday, Oct. 7. The 27-mile route will begin at the Douglasville Police Department, and participants can begin checking in at 7:00 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. departure time. This event is for bicyclists aged 18 and older, and the $25 registration fee includes a free t-shirt. To sign up, contact Stephanie McClarty at (678) 293-1797 or email dpdcommunityoutreach@douglasvillega.gov. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
4. The fourth annual Rally for Justice & Accountability is coming up on Saturday, Sep. 2. This event will take place at the Douglasville Police Department from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will hear Chief Gary Sparks and other local leaders discuss the department's commitment to accountability and justice. To learn more, contact Sgt. Dean at (678) 293-1621 or email deans@douglasvillega.gov. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
5. Are you interested in a career that also serves the community? The City of Douglasville is currently hiring for multiple full-time positions. Available openings include park supervisor, building official, and crime scene technician. Visit the link for job details and application information. (City of Douglasville)

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Today in Douglasville:

Thursday, August 31

• Crab Legs & Karaoke Thursdays At Allure Lounge (5:00 PM)
• International Overdose Awareness Day – Kirk Nichols Remembrance & Vigil At Nichols Center: Families Of Recovery (6:00 PM)
• Drippy Lips Skyline & Bingo Night At Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you're looking for a way to get moving, there are Urban Ballroom Dancing classes happening at the Ike Owings Community Center on Thursdays. Classes run from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and are open to all ages. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
• After reaching record highs in 2022, nationwide rates of catalytic converter thefts appear to be on the decline for the first half of 2023. In Georgia, catalytic converter thefts have decreased by 14.57 percent from 2022, though rates are still up over 3,211 percent from 2019. (BeenVerified)
• The Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County is gearing up for its next exhibit. The Council's National Juried Art Show will open on Sep. 7 and will feature over 70 pieces of art. (Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— 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.