Georgia's Local Lens (Week of April 17, 2021): Recognizing Telecommunicators, a New Police Chief, Broadband Readiness & More

Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties

around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to bbrown@accg.org.

Spring is here! Send us some photos to show off your beautiful county facilities or tell us what's happening at your county parks as people enjoy the great outdoors!

Lowndes County Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Counties across the state and nation celebrated National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. County 911 centers play an important vital role in responding to emergency calls and dispatching emergency professionals and equipment. Hats off to these three Lowndes County 911 Center workers and all of the county heroes that work in similar positions.

Lee County is "Broadband Ready"

Lee County recently received its designation as a "Broadband Ready Community" by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. To receive this designation, counties must apply and demonstrate compliance with the adoption of both a Comprehensive Plan inclusive of the broadband services element and a Model Ordinance to assist in streamlining the permitting process. Learn more here.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Names New Police Chief

Congratulations to Chief Wade Yates who was sworn in by Judge Craig Schwall as the new Police Chief for Fulton County. Yates has served the department for 28 years and had been serving as Interim Chief since October 2020.

Long County Library Benefits from Impact Fee on New Houses

Long County Chairman Robert Parker presented Library Manager Tammy Goober with a check for $35,000 this week. These funds were generated through impact fee money dedicated solely the library, collected in the amount of $97 per house for each new home built in Long County since September 2019.

Henry County Teams Up to Benefit Griffin Tornado Victims

Henry County Government and the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) partnered with American Legion Post 516 to operate a donation drive to benefit those impacted by the recent tornado in Newnan last month. Henry County officers escorted the loaded trailers to Newnan, and members of the HCWA staff provided transport and helped to load and unload the trailers at the destination.

Meet an ACCG Staff Member

Name: Illona Merchant

Program: ACCG Insurance Programs

Position: Claims Examiner

Joined ACCG: 2021

About Illona: Illona is a die-hard Steeler fan and cat lover. She enjoys traveling and sports. She graduated from Georgia State University and turns 27 this month. Illona has one daughter, as well as three younger brothers and an older sister.

Tell Us What's Happening in Your County!

ACCG wants to share positive news about events and projects from your county with your peers from across the state. Photos and story ideas submitted to ACCG for Georgia's Local Lens or the Georgia County Spotlight may be used in this e-newsletter or on ACCG's website or social media. Photos and other information used are provided courtesy of our county constituents and ACCG staff. For questions or information, please contact Beth Brown at bbrown@accg.org.

To submit photos and captions for Georgia's Local Lens, click here.

To submit photos and project information for Georgia County Spotlight, click here.