Georgia's Local Lens (Week of January 7, 2024):

Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties 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.

January 13, 2024

Cobb County Names New K9 Kennel After County Commissioner

Cobb County has officially announced the name of the new K9 Kennel in honor of Cobb County District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. The new facility will replace the previous temporary shelter and will allow for the K9s to have a place to rest while their handlers are responding to calls. Commissioner Birrell advocated for the new facility and has actively supported local law enforcement throughout her years of service. As a result, the new kennel holds her name as the JoAnn K. Birrell Police K9 Annex.

Dawson County Staff Attend Annual Georgia Chamber's Eggs & Issues Breakfast

Dawson County officials attended the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast. Dawson County Chairman Bill Thurmons and County Manager Joey Leverette, among other county staff, enjoyed breakfast on the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Fulton County while they heard from state legislators and Gov. Kemp on what to expect during this year's legislative session.

Forsyth County Chairman Selected to Serve on Atlanta Regional Commission Board

Forsyth County Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John was appointed to the role of Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Board Secretary and Chairman of the ARC Ethics Committee. John was appointed to both roles by ARC Board Chairman Andre Dickens (City of Atlanta Mayor). Along with Dickens and John, the appointed ARC Board officers consist of Vice Chair Michael Caldwell (City of Woodstock Mayor) and Treasurer Nicole Hendrickson (Gwinnett County Chairwoman).

Newton County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast

The Newton County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Pre-Legislative Breakfast for local partners, county officials and chamber members. State Senators Brian Strickland and Tonya Anderson were in attendance along with State Representatives Tim Fleming and Doreen Carter. Legislators shared their plans for the upcoming year with attendees.

Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge Honored with Esteemed Community Impact Award

Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge Maureen Wood received the esteemed “Bud” Cody Community Impact Award for her dedication and service to Rockdale County. The "Bud" Cody Community Impact Award recognizes individuals who show outstanding commitment, innovation, and drive to foster and create positive change in their communities. Other recipients of this award include First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp, Superior Court Judge Nancy Mills, and more.

Polk County Honors Late Commissioner

Polk County Commissioner Scotty Tillery passed on January 1, 2024. A memorial lantern and bow sat in the place of Commissioner Tillery’s seat during the County's first Board meeting since his passing. He served on the Polk County Board of Commissioners since 2015 and was the Finance Committee Chairman. He also served on the Public Works and Ordinance Committees, the Polk County Board of Health, and the ACCG Retirement Services Defined Contribution Board of Trustees.

ACCG wishes peace to all Polk County staff during this time.

Glynn County Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Employee Health Clinic

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners held a ribbon cutting for their new Employee Health Clinic. In collaboration with Coastal Community Health, the new facility allows for quality care of county employees, while helping to reduce wellness costs for the County.

ACCG Leadership Attends Presidents & Executive Directors Meeting

ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills and President Henry Craig recently attended the Presidents & Executive Directors Meeting hosted by the National Council of County Association Executives and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Attendees engaged in policy discussions at the White House, interactive leadership sessions at the George Washington Leadership Institute, and toured the Mount Vernon Estate. While at the White House Wills and Craig heard from the Secretary of Transportation and other officials about topics including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and expanding access to high-speed internet.

Apply Now for the 2024 Georgia County Excellence Awards - Deadline Extended to February 28

Does your county have an outstanding program that you want to share? Apply now for the Georgia County Excellence Awards. More details, including information on submission guidelines and requirements, can be found in the nomination packet.

Click here to download the fillable award application.

Award applications are now due Wednesday, February 28, 2024. All nominations should be submitted via email to Madeline Shank at mshank@accg.org. No late entries will be accepted.

All questions may be directed to Madeline Shank at (470) 891-0224 or mshank@accg.org

More details are also available on the ACCG Website.

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 email locallens@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.