🌱 Georgia Power Raising Rates + Free Concert At O'Neal Plaza

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Douglasville Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including news about...

• Georgia Power rate increases
• Free concert at O'Neal Plaza
• Governor Kemp strengthens penalties for gang-related crimes

But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 72 Low: 60.

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Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. Georgia Power customers may see their power bills increase this summer. Georgia Power and state regulatory staff have agreed on a plan that would increase power bills by 12 percent. This increase is to cover the increasing costs of natural gas and coal that the utility consumes in order to generate electricity. The typical residential power bill could see an increase from $131.60 each month to $147.50. This decision comes after rates were increased by 2.5 percent in January and a commissioner-approved plan to increase rates by 4.5 percent in 2024 and 2025. (CBS News)
2. Tomorrow, Tray Dahl and the Jugtime Rag Band will be playing a free concert at O'Neal Plaza from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This event is part of the Douglasville Music Appreciation Series. The five-piece ensemble will be playing New Orleans-style jazz and blues music. Free parking is available in the parking deck connected to the Douglasville Conference Center. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
3. Georgia ranks number one in the country for identity theft, according to a recent report from Consumer Affairs. Data from the Federal Trade Commission showed that Georgia had the highest per capita rate of ID theft in the nation. Last year, the most common type of ID theft was credit card fraud. (Yahoo! News)
4. In nearby Powder Springs, police arrested two teens who were trying to use stolen credit cards at convenience stores. Officers identified the vehicle the teens were in and discovered a stolen 9mm firearm, ecstasy and oxycodone pills, and stolen debit cards during a search of the vehicle. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
5. Governor Brian Kemp has signed a law that would strengthen penalties for gang-related crimes. Senate Bill 44 mandates an additional five years to prison sentences for anyone convicted of a gang crime and an additional 10 years for anyone convicted of recruiting minors to a gang. The new law will go into effect on Jul. 1. (U.S. News)

Today in Douglasville:

• Musical Theater Thursday! - Douglas County Public Library (4:30 PM)
• Cheers To The Arts: Wine In The Woods - Dog River Library (6:00 PM)
• Community Enrichment Program - Douglasville Police Department Community Room (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Douglas County Parks and Recreation announced that the Boundary Waters Aquatic Center Spring Luau will take place on May 13 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This event is free and family-friendly and will include open swim time, island music, BBQ, rock climbing, and more. (Douglas County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Eight students from Douglas County schools have been selected to attend the Governor's Honors Program this summer at Georgia Southern University. These students are among the 700 chosen from across the state to experience academic and cultural instruction as well as intensive instruction in their specific area of study. Learn more about the program here. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)
• Marissa Clayton, Program Coordinator for Keep Douglas Beautiful, has completed the required training and hours of service to receive the Georgia Master Gardener distinction. She received her diploma from Douglas County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Kevin Livingston. (DouglasvilleGA.gov)

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Featured events:

• Vendors we need you Eastpoint Wednesday Wind Down in the Point (May 3)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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.