🌱 County Commissioners Suspended + Great Point Studios' $200M Complex

Hello, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick dive into the most important things happening in town these days, including updates on...

• Two Douglas County Commissioners suspended without pay
• A 500,000-square-foot film and television complex coming to Douglasville
• Upcoming fundraiser supporting the Rotary Club of Douglas County

But first, today's weather:

Showers and a heavier thunderstorm. High: 69 Low: 46.

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Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. Following a bid-rigging scandal, two members of the Douglas County Commission, including the chairman, have been suspended from their jobs without pay by Gov. Kemp. The suspensions come after a recommendation by a review committee made up of commissioners. Chairman Romona Jackson Jones and Commissioner Henry Mitchell were indicted, along with three others, for their part in awarding a cleaning contract to a political supporter in 2018, and they will not be allowed to vote on legislation unless they are acquitted at trial. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Great Point Studios is building a 500,000-square-foot film and television complex worth $200 million in Douglasville. The site will include 12 sound stages, offices, and support space, and Lionsgate will be the long-term anchor tenant. The complex will create around 3,000 job opportunities, and it is set to open by the end of the year. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. The Rotary Club of Douglas County is holding a 5K Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, Apr. 29 at Boundary Waters in Douglasville. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. with the 5K and 9:00 a.m. with the Fun Run. Register online by Apr. 14 to guarantee a tee shirt. All proceeds will fund Rotary Club projects. (Patch)
4. The Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County is featuring Atlanta-based artist Patrice Gates and her colorful art and prints at their April Pop Up Arts Shop. Gates is known for her one-of-a-kind drawings and paintings inspired by women and black culture. Visitors can purchase framed originals, prints, resin art, and resin coasters at the Cultural Arts Council in April. (Press Release Desk)
5. The City of Douglasville invites the community to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with their upcoming concert series. The free concerts will feature the Joe Alterman Band on Apr. 14 and Tray Dahl & the Jugtime Band on Apr. 28th, with both performing on O'Neal Plaza from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy live music and celebrate jazz culture in the community. (Douglasville)

Today in Douglasville:

• Easter Bunny At Arbor Place (10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
• Carcass At The Masquerade (6:00 PM)
• BFF/DATE NIGHT - Cocktail Royalty At Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Douglasville area at the link! (Douglasville Patch)
• The Douglasville PD Spring Community Yard Sale is taking place next weekend on Apr. 15. The event will be held at the Douglasville Public Safety Complex from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in being a vendor, check out the link for more details. (Douglasville)
• REMINDER: Douglasville government offices will be closed on today, Apr. 7, in observance of Good Friday. The offices will reopen with their normal schedule on Monday, Apr. 10. Please plan accordingly!

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Featured events:

• Good Friday Service (April 7)
• The City of East Point Wednesday Wind Down in the Point (May 3)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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.