🌱 Upcoming Veterans Appreciation Event + Youth Citizens Academy

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Douglasville these days. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Upcoming Veterans Appreciation Event
• Youth Citizens Academy is now accepting applications
• Free paper shredding event on Jul. 27

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 93 Low: 68.

Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. An upcoming Veterans Appreciation Event is scheduled for Aug. 12 featuring veterans' information tables and a cookout. The event will take place on the police department lawn from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and pop-up tents for relaxation. Agencies and businesses that cater to veterans can contact Sgt. Shannon Dean at 678.293.1621 or deans@douglasvillega.gov to reserve a table at the event. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
2. The Youth Citizens Academy is accepting applications for students in grades 7-9, offering them a chance to learn about their local government and the City of Douglasville's services. The program consists of sessions held every Tuesday from Sep. 12 to Oct. 24, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and it is entirely free of charge. Students interested in participating should submit their applications by Aug. 15. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
3. Shred360 is hosting a "Free Paper Shredding Event" down the road at the Lithia Springs Public Library on Jul. 27, sponsored by the library itself. Attendees can bring up to three boxes or bags of personal documents for shredding between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There is no need to remove binders, paper clips, staples, or CDs/DVDs before shredding. (Douglasville Patch)
4. Morgan Shepherd has been named Mt. Carmel Elementary School's Teacher of the Year in Douglas County. She is a dedicated teacher who finds joy in serving and working with children, seeing teaching as a way to make a meaningful difference in their lives. In addition to her role as a first-grade teacher, Shepherd serves as the team lead and a member of the school's leadership team while also being involved in mentoring other teachers. Outside of work, she enjoys activities such as drawing, painting, spending time with loved ones, hiking with her two dogs, and recently, practicing yoga at a local studio. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)
5. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office SCOPE Unit is organizing the Ready, Set, GLOW 5K event on Sep.9. Participants are encouraged to wear glow outfits, neon paint, and running shoes for a night of fun. The Color Fun Run for kids starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the family Glow Run at 6:45 p.m. To register or learn more, visit the provided link or contact Dep. Shelly Kimball at 678.486.1297 or skimball@sheriff.douglas.ga.us. (Douglas County Sheriffs Office (Georgia) via Facebook)

Calling Douglasville business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today in Douglasville:

Tuesday, July 25

• Douglasville STEAM Summer Camp At Alice J. Hawthorne Community Center (8:30 AM)
• Mobile Health Screenings At Ike Owings Community Center (10:00 AM)
• Farmers Market At 6730 Church Street, Parking Lot (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Experience the excitement of Latin social dancing at the Passport to Latin Dancing event at the Ike Owings Community Center in Douglasville. Join the course every Sunday from 4:00-6 p.m., until Aug. 20 and learn Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Afro-Cuban footwork, partner work, and more with Phoenix's expertise and passion for dance. To secure your spot, call (770) 920-3007 or register online for the eight-week course at the provided link. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
• The Dose of Douglasville Citizen's Academy is now open for registration here. This 10-week program offers participants an inside look at city government and the impact of various departments, aiming to transform them into civic superstars. To be eligible, applicants must be residents, work, or own a business in the City of Douglasville and be 18 years or older. The sessions will be held every Tuesday from Sep. 12 to Nov. 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the application deadline is Friday, Aug. 4. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Georgia had an unusual encounter when two raccoons were caught attempting to break into the back employee entrance of the sheriff's office in Douglasville. The raccoons, playfully named Earl and Lee by deputies, were quickly apprehended and detained before they could gain access to the building. The incident was shared in a Facebook post, bringing a humorous twist to the usual investigations of break-ins. (KIRO 7)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Wednesday Wind Down In the Point (July 26)
• Ben Hill 12th Annual Back to School JAM (July 29)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. See you all 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.