The Douglas County Flash

10/23/2026

THE FALL CARNIVAL IS BACK AT ARBOR PLACE

The annual Fall Carnival, operated by Big Rock Amusements, returns to Arbor Place Mall from Oct. 22 through Nov. 1, 2026

Families can enjoy carnival rides, games and attractions for children and adults.

LOCATION:
Arbor Place Mall
6700 Douglas Blvd., Douglasvile

DATES:Oct. 22 – Nov. 1, 2026

CARNIVAL HOURS:

* Monday–Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
* Friday: 5–10 p.m.
* Saturday: 1–10 p.m.
* Sunday: 1–6 p.m.

UNLIMITED RIDE WRISTBANDS:

Monday–Thursday: $27
Friday–Sunday: $32

Wristband prices include the $2 activation fee and are valid for one person, one day.

INDIVIDUAL RIDE PRICES:

Visitors can also purchase ride credits instead of unlimited wristbands.
40 credits: $10
72 credits: $18
192 credits: $48
392 credits: $98

⚠️ IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS:
On Fridays and Saturdays, children ages 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and have a purchased wristband to enter. Teen drop-offs are not permitted.

Hours and attractions are subject to change.

QUESTION FOR OUR READERS:
Are you planning to visit the Fall Carnival this year?
Tell us in the comments!

10/20/2026

Veteran Douglas County bailiff dies at 85

DOUGLASVILLE, G.A. — James Owen Davidson, a longtime bailiff with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office who spent two decades serving the county's court system and residents, died Oct. 6 in Temple, Georgia. He was 85.

Born on July 18, 1941, Davidson was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant who carried out his duties with respect, dignity and compassion. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said he took great pride in his work and was known for treating everyone he encountered with kindness and professionalism.

Beyond his role as a bailiff, Davidson was described as a valued member of the Sheriff's Office family and a friend to many. The agency expressed gratitude for his 20 years of service and extended condolences to his family, friends and former coworkers.

Davidson's legacy of faithful service and commitment to his community will be long remembered. He was preceded in death by countless years of devoted public service and leaves behind those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Photo credit: Douglas County Sheriff's Office

10/17/2026

📸 Douglas County Spotlight! We're capturing the sights that make Douglasville and Douglas County unique.

Recognize this spot? Tell us your favorite memory or story connected to this location in the comments below! 👇

10/17/2026

Big Lots left. Bob moved in. The furniture plot thickens.

10/16/2026

Woman, 21, killed in 95 mph crash remembered as New Manchester High School graduate

The loss of Morgan Gamble, 21, reaches close to home for the Douglas County community. Gamble, a New Manchester High School graduate and a senior at Clark Atlanta University, died following a crash in Atlanta, according to WSB-TV.

The crash happened at approximately 11:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the intersection of Hank Aaron Drive and Glen Street in Summerhill. Police say the driver, Nikolai Dunford, 36, was traveling 94.4 mph in a 35 mph zone when he struck Gamble's car.

She was transported to Grady Hospital where she died.

The Atlanta Police Department arrested Dunford at the scene. He’s since been charged with speeding, reckless driving and first degree vehicular homicide, an arrest warrant said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Behind this heartbreaking news is a young woman whose life mattered to her family, friends, classmates and teachers.

The Douglas County Flash extends heartfelt condolences to Gamble’s loved ones and the New Manchester and Clark Atlanta communities. We invite neighbors to leave a message of comfort for those mourning her loss.

Source: WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News

Woman, 21, killed in 95 mph crash remembered as New Manchester High School graduate

10/15/2026

Throwback Thursday!

10/15/2026

DA will not pursue charges in death of 12-year-old Jada West

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — The Douglas County District Attorney's Office will not pursue charges in the death of Jada West, a 12-year-old Villa Rica girl who died three days after a fight at a school bus stop in March, the Douglas County Sentinel reports.

According to the Sentinel, West struck her head on the pavement during a March 5 fight with another girl at a bus stop the two shared. On her way home, West collapsed and had a seizure, District Attorney Dalia Racine said.

The District Attorney's Office said an undetected heart condition led to her death.

"It was a totality of circumstances," Racine said of the decision not to pursue charges. "Whenever we are making a charging decision, we are going to look at all of the factors, including other factors around the fight and the actual cause and manner of death."

Racine described the case as one of "middle schoolers being middle schoolers."

The Sentinel reported that an altercation over noise on a school bus led to the confrontation, which spilled out at the bus stop. A video that circulated on social media shows both girls putting down their backpacks before approaching each other and starting to fight.

What are your thoughts on the DA’s decision? Share them respectfully in the comments below this is a difficult story for our community, and both families deserve compassion.

Vist the District Attorney's page for more details on this case.

10/15/2026

Douglas County, early voting is underway! Cast your ballot Oct. 13–30 at any county early voting location—no need to wait until Election Day.

Check locations and hours before you go at Douglascountyga.gov-Share this reminder with a friend! 🇺🇸

10/13/2026

SIX FLAGS TRAGEDY VICTIM IDENTIFIED

The man who died following Monday’s incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has been identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta.

According to reports, preliminary interviews with witnesses and park employees indicate Kariem was ejected from the roller coaster, struck other guests and fell beneath the attraction. Officers responded to the park around 3:58 p.m. and found him unresponsive beneath the ride. An investigation remains ongoing.

Our hearts goes out to Hassan’s family, loved ones and everyone who witnessed this tragedy. What should have been a day of fun ended in an unimaginable loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Have you ever ridden Goliath or visited Six Flags Over Georgia? What was your experience like? Share your memories, thoughts or concerns in the comments below.



Photo credit: Facebook

10/11/2026

Douglas County man charged in FBI child exploitation investigation

Douglas County, GA - A Douglas County man has been charged with aggravated child molestation following an FBI child exploitation investigation, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Robert Burford, a registered s*x offender. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed.

The charge is an accusation. Burford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Read the full article for more details.