🌱 Chief Jolivette Finalist For Award + Connect Douglas Bus Service

Hey, friends! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Douglasville Daily. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Douglas County fire chief named a finalist for EMS Director of the Year Award
• Date for Veterans Community Outreach Day announced
• Connect Douglas still accepting feedback on fixed route bus schedule

But first, today's weather:

Periods of rain. High: 47 Low: 37.

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Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. Douglas County Fire & EMS' own Chief Roderick B. Jolivette has been named a finalist for the 2022 State of Georgia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director of the Year Award. This year's award, which will be announced on Mar. 23, will be given to an EMS director in Georgia who has made a significant impact in the community. Of the nomination, Fire Chief Jolivette said he is "humbled to be among the list of finalists," and that his "hunger to serve the citizens of Douglas County runs deep to [his] core values." (Douglas County, GA)
2. The Nichols Center will host its annual Paradise Wellness & Recovery Gala on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Douglasville Conference Center. The gala, scheduled to run from 6-10 p.m., will celebrate those who are positively impacting mental health across West Georgia. All proceeds from the event will help support The Nichols Center, a nonprofit wellness and recovery center for families. (Free: Nichols Center; Subscription: Douglas County Sentinel)
3. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office just announced the date for its annual Veterans Community Outreach Day. The event will be held on Saturday, Jun. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sheriff's office. In addition to enjoying the free food and music, attendees can meet with representatives from veterans organizations who will be available to help with benefits, homelessness, and more. (Press Release Desk)
4. Yesterday morning, Connect Douglas held a public forum to discuss the Fixed Route Bus service schedule. Connect Douglas began Saturday service from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the start of the pandemic, and officials are now proposing continuing the weekly service. If you missed the meeting and want to contribute, you can also submit feedback via email (connectdouglas@douglascountyga.gov) or letter (8800 Dorris Road, Douglasville) through Monday, Feb. 6. (Douglas County, GA)
5. HB 135, a new bill in the State House, aims to promote firearm safety while protecting Georgians and their families. The proposed legislation would increase personal responsibility for gun owners, including when a child or a criminal is able to access an owner's gun. State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, who is co-sponsoring the bill, emphasizes that HB 135 is not designed to take away guns. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in Douglasville:

• Bad Art Night: Anti-Valentine's Day Edition At Douglas County Public Library (5:00 PM)
• STARR Night Out At Starr Food Lounge (6:00 PM)
• City Council Legislative Work Session - Open To The Public At Douglasville Conference Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Douglasville man has been arrested after a brief chase with Carrollton police on Tuesday. The driver faces numerous charges, including hit and run and driving under the influence. (Subscription: Times-Georgian)
• Did you know that Douglas County Schools has a Family Health Center? It's open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and Friday by appointment) and provides healthcare services for families and staff in the district. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)
• Local veteran Loren Tomlin has been recognized as an Honorary Deputy Sheriff by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Tomlin, an 82-year-old Vietnam veteran, served in the army for over 20 years before retiring. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning 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.