Georgia's Local Lens (Week of June 3, 2023):

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.

June 3, 2023

Newton County Commissioner Alana Sanders (front row, second from right) and other NACo CORE representatives at the St. Louis County Library.

Newton County Commissioner Alana Sanders Visits St. Louis County, Missouri

Newton County Commissioner Alana Sanders and other appointed members of the NACo County Officials advancing Racial Equity in Justice (CORE) network recently visited St. Louis County, Missouri, to learn about and deploy policies, programs, practices, and resources on how they can make their communities safer and more equitable. Commissioners also learned best practices on how to reduce the collateral consequences of justice system involvement, particularly for communities of color. Along with being a part of the peer network, they were invited to attend the Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) Conference with judges, prosecutors, and other law enforcement professionals across the United States to tackle this issue.

Floyd County Officer and K9 Partner Win Second Place in Narcotics Detection at Region 22 Trials and Certification Event

The Floyd County Police Department recently hosted this year’s United States Police Canine Association, Region 22, Trials and Certification Event. Region 22 is comprised of canine teams from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Floyd County Officer Baker Harbin and his K9 partner Baro took second place in Narcotics Detection/Building Searches and second place in Narcotics Detection Overall.

Upson County Holds Groundbreaking for New Judicial Center

Upson County held a groundbreaking event for their new Judicial Center. The County had several county and city employees in attendance, including Upson County Chairman Norman Allen, Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore, and local judges who all spoke at the event. The plans for a new Judicial Center have been in the works since May 2021 and county staff are excited to fulfill the needs of the community with this new center.

Forsyth County EMA Host Strategic Disaster Planning Event with Partner Agencies

On Wednesday, May 31, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) hosted a strategic planning session with departments, officials, and partner agencies to review the County’s response to emergency and disaster situations. Agencies involved in the training included Forsyth County EMA, the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, E-911, Roads & Bridges, Engineering, Public Facilities and other county departments that have a role to play in emergency preparedness and response.

Whitfield County Conasauga Mental Health Court Celebrates Participant

The Conasauga Mental Health Court celebrated the achievements of participant Shelley Bailey during the recent graduation ceremony. Since its inception in July 2018, the Mental Health Court program has offered individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses a voluntary opportunity to address their conditions while assuming responsibility for their own mental well-being. Bailey was presented with a certificate of completion, acknowledging her unwavering commitment and efforts.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger Visits Coweta County to Tour New Elections and Voter Registration Office

Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger visited Coweta County to tour the recently opened Elections and Voter Registration Office. The new facility is located at Coweta County at Shenandoah, which also houses the Tax Commissioner’s Office (Tag & Property Tax). This summer, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) and Veterans Service will move into the building. Coweta County will then be one of only a few counties in the state to house the Tag Office & DDS in the same building. The new facility also offers a drive-thru to help with accessibility. The new Elections and Voter Registration Office will also offer early-voting to nearby Coweta County residents.

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, cli ck here.

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