Each week ACCG shares snapshots of counties, highlighting activities from around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.

Note: Local Lens submissions submitted prior to 12:00 p.m. on each Friday will be included in that week's edition. Submissions received after that will be included in the following week’s newsletter.

August 16, 2025

The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners partnered with ADM Cares for the purchase of a brand-new van for the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension - Lowndes County 4H. The van will serve as a vital resource for transporting 4-H members to educational events across the state, allowing them an opportunity to learn, lead, and represent the county. 

Telfair County Commissioner Appointed as Vice Chair of NACo Rural Development Subcommittee

The National Association of Counties (NACo) President J.D. Clark appointed Telfair County Commissioner Dakkia Bradshaw to a one-year term as vice chair of the Rural Development Subcommittee of the NACo Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee. As vice chair, Bradshaw will support legislative matters that affect the economy of agricultural counties, rural development programs, and conservation and environmental programs that affect agriculture.

Henry County recognized its graduates of the Watering Can Mentoring Program at the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department. The program provides a comprehensive learning experience that combines horticulture, leadership development, and practical skills, with participants demonstrating their new abilities through the construction of custom cornhole boards. 

University of Georgia Student Thomas Livingston demonstrating how he edits county videos. 

Thomas Livingston, an entertainment and media studies student at the University of Georgia (UGA), gained practical experience conducting interviews, editing videos, and designing social media graphics for the Athens-Clarke County Public Information Office. Livingston's work, which included attending county events to record videos and capture photos, as well as collaborating with staff to produce content that reflected the county's voice, will be featured across social media, monthly newsletters, digital signage, and the county’s TV channel.

(From left to right) Gwinnett County Water Quality Superintendent Helen Ellis and University of Georgia Student Joshua Close

UGA biochemistry and molecular biology major Joshua Close worked with the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources to perform routine water quality analyses for key indicators in their research laboratory. Close gained valuable experience by learning laboratory practices and procedures, participating in field sampling, and developing and revising a standard operating procedure for a critical piece of laboratory analysis equipment.

Columbus-Muscogee County Councilor Celebrates Reconstruction of Runway

Columbus-Muscogee Councilor Charmaine Crabb joined local leaders to celebrate the $24 million full reconstruction of Runway 6/24 at the Columbus Airport. The reconstruction project, which will replace the existing asphalt runway with concrete, will enhance safety, improve drainage, and support future air travel and cargo growth.

Effingham County Clerk Selected for NACo Healthy Counties Innovation Council

Effingham County Clerk Stephanie Johnson was selected for the NACo Healthy Counties Innovation Council. As a council member, Johnson will assist NACo in shaping the priorities and activities of the Healthy Counties Initiative, which focuses on creating and sustaining healthier communities through collaboration and the sharing of evidence-based strategies to address pressing health issues.

The Floyd County Police Department received a donation from Floyd Against Drugs, a non-profit organization that helps reduce the use of drugs, tobacco and underage drinking in the community, for the purchase of impairment goggles. This resource will help school resource officers (SROs) simulate the effects of drug and alcohol impairment with students in a safe and controlled environment. 

Bulloch County hosted an open house to celebrate the opening of its newly staffed fire station. The fire station was converted from an all-volunteer building to a fire station with living quarters and office space, as part of the department's long-range expansion and development plan. 

Walker County Animal Control Officers Visit Public Library for Story Time

Walker County Animal Control Officers Tyler Bishop and Erik Rigsby read stories and educated a group of children at the Walker County Chickamauga Public Library. Bishop and Rigsby read five books to the group and discussed with them the importance of responsible pet ownership.

ACCG Policy Committee Meetings

Registration is open for the Federal Policy Committee meeting in Putnam County. The Policy Committee Meetings provide county officials the opportunity to discuss and recommend 2026 policy priorities for the next legislative session.

Click here to learn more.

ACCG Mobile Classroom

Are you ready to get Gridwise? Attend the fall Mobile Classroom for a two-day, behind-the-scenes look at the future of power in Georgia. Registration is currently limited to one person per county. County staff may email register@accg.org to be placed on a waiting list. 

Click here to learn more.

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