🌱 Douglas Co. Waives Pet Adoption Fees + Marching Band Comp. Returns

Hi there, Douglasville. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today's briefing includes news about:

• Douglasville hosting gathering for young women and girls
• Douglas County waives pet adoption fees until Oct. 1
• Douglas County marching band competition returns

But first, today's weather:

A couple of thunderstorms. High: 74 Low: 66.

From our partner:

Apple announced some big news at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event! Click here for all the details.

Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. Join a Douglasville community gathering held every third Thursday for change-makers and community enthusiasts to address pressing issues, find solutions, and uplift neighborhoods. The event will host inspiring guest speakers, team-building activities, and thought-provoking discussions, welcoming young women and girls to participate. Don't forget to mark your calendar and register for free here. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
2. Douglas County Animal Services has announced a special promotion: they are waiving all adoption fees until Oct. 1, in anticipation of Clear the Shelters and September Saturdays. This means free adoptions for anyone looking to find a new furry friend or provide a temporary home as a foster. The initiative aims to find forever homes for as many of their residents as possible while they prepare for building repairs. They encourage people to adopt, foster, volunteer, and introduce potential pet owners to some of their newest adorable animals. (Douglas County Animal Services - Georgia via Facebook)
3. "The Gathering," the Douglas County High School Marching Band's successful marching band competition, is coming back for its second year on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event has expanded to become more than just a competition, now serving as a community-building event with a fall festival atmosphere for participants and locals to enjoy. This update was shared by event organizers, and it highlights the growth and evolution of the competition. (Subscription: Douglas County Sentinel)
4. The City of Douglasville is hosting a Halloween-themed event on Oct. 6 at O'Neal Plaza and Halloween Trivia and Bingo. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite restaurant takeout and to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Additionally, the Entertainment District will be in effect, allowing participating restaurants to serve alcohol to patrons within the designated area with wristbands available from these establishments. However, bringing your own alcohol is prohibited in order to support local businesses and make the event a festive one. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
5. Down the road in Lithia Springs, Sweetwater Creek State Park's Red Trail project is on track to be finished by January 2024. The red and green trails are currently closed to the public with clear signage and barriers, and anyone entering these areas may face criminal trespassing charges. Limited access was briefly allowed in a portion of the Red Trail this summer, but it is now fully closed due to visitor encroachment and vandalism. Click the link to see photos of the new improvements. (Sweetwater Creek State Park via Facebook)

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Today in Douglasville:

Saturday, September 16

• Douglasville PD Community Yard Sale At Douglasville Public Safety Complex (9:00 AM)
• Family Fun Day At Boundary Waters Activity Center (10:00 AM)
• Book Signing With Dr. Deborah "Dr. DJ" Johnson-Blake At Douglasville Books (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• On Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:00 p.m. the Douglas County Planning and Zoning Board and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public meeting. Click the link to see what will be addressed. (Douglas County & West Georgia News via Facebook)
• Do you know who is running for your local city council seat? Meet Elena Hudson, who is running for Douglasville City Council Ward 2 Post 2. Click the link to watch a video. (Elena Hudson for City Council via Facebook)
• Registration is now open for the Douglas County Youth Basketball Winter League. Click the link to view a flyer with more details. (Douglas County Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Book Signing with Dr. Deborah "Dr. DJ" Johnson-Blake (September 16)
• Non-Partisan Voter Registration Day (September 19)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all soon 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.