Georgia Counties Remember 9-11

Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta held a 9-11 memorial ceremony to recoginze those lost on September 11, 2001 and to honor those who continue to defend the country and their community.

Governor Brian Kemp has issued an Executive Order to recognize Sunday, September 11, 2022 as Patriot Day and to fly the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Georgia at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds. The Order also states all Georgians shall observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. 

Chairs Meet for Inaugural Tri-County Collaboration Meeting

Three county chairpersons recently met with one goal - to sustain and strengthen bonds in public health, mental health and communications. Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson and Newton County Chairman Marcello Banes discussed strategies, successes and common barriers in order to forge solutions to these issues together.

Dade County Major Recognized by State Board of Workers' Compensation

Dade Conty Sheriff's Office Major Thomas Bradford (5th from left) was recognized last week as the 2022 Spirit Award recipient at the State Board of Workers' Compensation Annual Conference. On August 7, 2018, Major Bradford was deploying stop sticks in an attempt to stop a fleeing vehicle. The suspect hit the stop sticks, but also struck Major Bradford, resulting in serious injuries including the amputation of his leg. After extensive physical therapy, he returned to work in 16 months.  ACCG Senior Claims Examiner Alan Benson managed his claim.

More Broadband Expansion + Cybersecurity Training

Upson County: Crews from Highline will begin construction of increased broadband accessibility in Upson County on September 12.  This project is funded through a $4.3 million state American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) broadband grant, along with a $2.2 million contribution from Upson County and $2.3 contribution from Highline.  The broadband expansion is expected to provide greater accessibility to over 2,000 residents.

Habersham County: Habersham County leadership participated in a DHS/FEMA-funded cybersecurity training for local governments.  This class, Cybersecurity Risk Awareness for Officials and Senior Management, was led by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.  The state extension agency offers training programs and technical assistance to public safety workers in Texas and worldwide.  

Clayton Couny Breaks Ground on $800 Million Multi-Use Development

Officials with the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, Invest Clayton and Lake City recently broke ground on a massive $800 million multi-use development, which will be the first high-rise complex on metro Atlanta's south side.  The project is under the direction of developer Jacque Roman of Roman United and project architect Hussein Bakari.