🌱 Missing Douglas County Teen + Update On Fatal Car Accident

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. In today's briefing, you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Brooke Elizabeth Mae Cordray, 17, is missing in Douglas County
• Update on fatal vehicle accident that killed student
• Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved 2023 budget

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 48 Low: 28.

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Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office released a BOLO on missing 17-year-old Brooke Elizabeth Mae Cordray. She was last seen at her residence in Douglas County wearing a green and pink shirt with black leggings. Brooke is described as a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 175 pounds, with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. Contact Sgt. Christy Clark at (770) 920-4950 or cclark@sheriff.douglas.ga.us with any information. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office)
2. The Georgia Department of Public Safety confirmed the fatal accident that killed a Douglasville teen, 17-year-old Juliette (Julie) Grace Howell, happened on Ga-5 near Dukes Road. Investigators said the driver of a Kia lost control of their car and hit a Dodge Journey. Howell was a passenger in the Kia and the driver, another King's Way Christian School senior, was taken to the hospital. Three other adults were involved in the crash, but the Douglas County Sheriff's Office did not clarify what car they were in. An online fundraiser has been organized to help Howell's family. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a balanced budget of $124.9 million dollars for the fiscal year 2023. Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, said 39 percent of the budget is dedicated to public safety because citizens placed public safety as a top priority in a recent survey. (Press Release Desk)
4. On Dec. 14, Douglas County Commission Chair, Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, and the Board
   of Commissioners celebrated Phase Two and the Groundbreaking of the Lee Road Widening Project. The series of road-widening projects will create an East/West connector, with an interchange at I-20, that will connect other major thoroughfares in the county. (Press Release Desk)
5. In search of some fun plans for the weekend? DouglasvilleCalendar has rounded up the latest happenings in and around town. On Dec. 17, get some alone time for wrapping presents with "Parent’s Night Out: Santa’s Helper" at Ike Owings Community Center at Hunter Park. Cultural Arts Council will also hold "Discover The Kwanzaa Experience" at Cultural Arts Center on Dec. 18. Head over to the link for the full list of upcoming local events. (DouglasvilleCalendar)

Today in Douglasville:

• 3rd Annual Pictures With Santa, Mrs. Claus & Alpacas With Artpaca Winter Festival (Arts & Crafts Event) At 1320 Dorris Road (11:00 AM)
• Kids Crafts, Cookies, And Cocoa @ the Santa Shop At Nichols Center, 6534 Spring St. (1:00 PM)
• Parent's Night Out: Santa's Helper At Ike Owings Community Center at Hunter Park (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Douglasville reminds residents that city offices will be closing at noon on Thursday, Dec. 22 and will remain closed through Monday, Dec. 26. City offices will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27. (City of Douglasville via Twitter)
• Congratulations to Douglasville Police Officer Blaine Arnold! He recently graduated from the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy and won the class Marksmanship Award for being “top gun” on the shooting range. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
• Due to road repairs, Six Flags Road will be closed to through traffic for approximately three weeks, starting Jan. 9, 2023, weather permitting. Signs will be posted alerting the public to the closing, please follow the posted detour signs. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll be back soon.

— 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.