From shared meals to community service, the ministry founded by Connor Moore is growing with help from dedicated volunteers and generous local businesses.

Sometimes, building a stronger community starts with something simple: opening the doors, sharing a meal and giving young people a place to belong.

That is the spirit behind The Lion’s Den, a Christian youth ministry founded by Connor Moore that gathers at Trinity Prep. Each Friday, students in grades five through twelve can come together for an evening of basketball, volleyball, dinner, worship and lessons in faith.

The ministry partners with Trinity Prep but operates independently of the school. Its invitation extends beyond Trinity’s students, welcoming young people from throughout the community.

For two hours each Friday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the program makes room for friendships, fellowship and conversations that can help shape a young person’s life.

And the community is responding.

What began with a little more than 20 young people has grown into regular gatherings drawing 60 or more. Larger events have brought even more people together, including a summer cookout attended by approximately 150 people and a Halloween celebration that welcomed more than 300.

Those numbers reflect growing interest, but the purpose behind The Lion’s Den is personal: reaching young people, helping them grow in faith and giving them opportunities to care for others.

Seven volunteer leaders help carry that mission forward. Their work includes organizing activities, coordinating meals and planning special events, with Jen handling event planning. Each gathering depends on people willing to give their time and energy to the next generation.

A shared dinner is part of that effort. Sitting down to eat gives students another opportunity to connect, and local restaurants and businesses have stepped forward to support the ministry.

Proposed ordinance introduces “character districts” to guide future development, with a public review period ahead of a possible City Council vote before year’s end.

Loganville residents have an opportunity to help shape how their city grows as officials review a proposed zoning ordinance designed to provide clearer, more detailed guidance for future development.

The 337-page draft and an accompanying zoning map were presented during an Oct. 27 public meeting at Loganville City Hall.

Both documents are available at BuildBetterLoganville.com,

where residents can review the proposal during a 30-day public comment period.

The City Council is looking toward a vote on a final version before the end of the year. The proposal remains a draft, giving residents an opportunity to offer feedback before the council considers adoption.

The rewrite is being prepared by Town Planning & Urban Design Collaborative, or TPUDC, a Franklin, Tennessee-based firm that has also worked in Monroe. Loganville selected the firm from three respondents to the city’s request for proposals and approved a $272,511.75 contract for the project.

The effort began nearly a year ago and has included public input.

Councilwoman Lisa Newberry, chair of the council’s Planning & Development Committee, helped lead the push for an updated ordinance. Among her concerns was a development review process in which applicants frequently revised proposals during council and planning commission meetings to address questions raised by officials and residents.

The proposed ordinance would establish more detailed expectations for development, giving the city and applicants a clearer framework for evaluating projects.

A central feature is the introduction of “character districts,” which address the physical form and feel of development alongside its permitted uses.

Piedmont Walton Hospital has named first responders from the Loganville Police Department, Loganville Fire Department, Walton County EMS, and Air Evac 117 as its November 2026 First Friday Heroes. The responders are being recognized for the teamwork and life-saving care they provided following a serious vehicle accident resulting in one of the passengers sustaining traumatic injuries and severe bleeding.

“We are honored to recognize these first responders for their courageous actions and unwavering commitment to protecting and caring for our community,” said Blake Watts, CEO of Piedmont Walton Hospital.

On Aug. 25, 2026, a car crash resulting in severe injuries occurred on Highway 78 in Loganville. One of the passengers involved in the collision was thrown through the passenger-side windshield before landing back inside the vehicle. The collision caused an open fracture to the victim’s right arm and a severe wound that resulted in significant bleeding.

Loganville Police Officer Codie Carr witnessed the crash and immediately radioed for assistance before helping the victims. Lt. Terry Haymore (Loganville Police), who was less than a block away, responded to the request within moments to assist.

The officers quickly recognized that the victim was suffering from uncontrolled arterial bleeding and applied a tourniquet above her elbow, which slowed but did not stop the bleeding. Shortly afterward, Loganville Police Officer Sgt. Chad McMillan arrived on scene and retrieved a pressure bandage from his patrol vehicle. Together, the officers applied the bandage and were able to bring the bleeding under control.