🌱 Dallas Man Charged In Sweet 16 Killings + New Lionsgate Studio

Hey, friends! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today's briefing includes...

• A fifth suspect charged in the sweet 16 killings.
• New 40-acre Lionsgate Studio coming to Douglasville.
• Feb. 25 is now officially Douglasville Day in Georgia.

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But first, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds; warm. High: 85 Low: 62.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Douglasville:

1. Update: A Dallas man has been identified as a fifth suspect, and has been charged in the Sweet 16 killings that took place in Douglasville a month ago. Tahkel Beverly Smart sat with his head down as the judge read off 60 different charges in connection to the murders. This comes after four other teens were charged in this case. (Douglas County Sentinel)
2. The new Lionsgate Studios in Douglasville is beginning to rise in the latest partnership with Robert Halmi's Great Point Studios. This new 40-acre studio complex will offer a full set of production services such as electrical, high-end equipment, set building, catering, and restaurants. The studio will also add thousands of jobs to the Atlanta metro area and will benefit from the tax benefits and advantages that Georgia has put in place to make the region a desirable place for movie filming and production. (Deadline)
3. Feb. 25 has been proclaimed "Douglasville Day" in Georgia to commemorate the day that Douglasville was chartered as a city by the Georgia General Assembly. This designation was passed by House Representative Kimberly New, Mayor Robinson, and City Council. (Press Release Desk)
4. The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County will be opening a new art exhibition called "Beloved Pets" on Apr. 6th. The show features five artists: Susan Burns, Lacy Freeman, Piper Heaton, NancyJeanette Long, and Gwen Wong, who each show off their textures with painterly furs, fuzzes, scales, stripes, and spots galore. There will be an opening reception on Apr. 8 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. that is open to the public, there will be an egg hunt, free food, balloon animals, real reptiles, and much more! (Press Release Desk)
5. Douglas County has removed the fence poles for the proposed dog park at Clinton Nature Preserve. A final decision for the location and size of the new dog park has not been decided on yet. The county will continue to send out updates as they become available. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)

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Today in Douglasville:

• Preschool Storytime - Douglas County Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Mobile Dairy Experience / Polar Patrol - Douglas County Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Elementary Craft & Story - Douglas County Public Library (3:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will be holding its second annual "Let's Talk About Change" Spring Festival. It will take place on Saturday, May 6t from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. They will have vendors, food, inflatables, and law enforcement vehicles. The event is free for all to attend. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)
• The Douglas County Sheriff's Department and State Representative Roger Bruce will be partnering for the 20th Annual Catfish Rodeo in nearby Lithia Springs. This event is perfect for elementary and middle school-age kids. There will be food, music, and most importantly free fishing! (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)
• In case you missed it: Douglas County Senior Services has announced the Kinship GRAND Initiative Program. This program is designed to help grandparents, other relatives, and non-relatives (55 and older) raise children by providing various activities and resources for caregivers. If you are interested, you can call 770-489-3100 or email cgriffith@douglascountyga.gov. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)

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