Loganville residents are invited to gather on the Town Green for an evening honoring the firefighters, law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals who serve the community.

Public Safety Night will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Loganville Town Green, located at 235 Main Street.

The free, family-friendly event will give residents an opportunity to meet local first responders, learn more about their work and get an up-close look at emergency vehicles and specialized equipment used by area fire and law enforcement agencies.

Children attending the event can enter for a chance to win a free bicycle. The first 100 attendees will also receive a complimentary slice of pizza.

Public Safety Night is designed to bring residents and first responders together in a relaxed setting while recognizing the men and women who work to protect Loganville and the surrounding community.

Families are encouraged to attend, explore the equipment displays and personally thank the public safety personnel who respond during emergencies and serve the community throughout the year.

Public Safety Night

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 24
• Time: 5–7 p.m.
• Location: Loganville Town Green, 235 Main Street, Loganville
• Admission: Free
• Activities: Emergency-equipment displays and opportunities to meet local public safety officers
• Giveaway: Children can enter for a chance to win a free bicycle
• Free food: Complimentary pizza for the first 100 attendees

A juvenile has been charged following an investigation into social media threats involving students at Loganville Middle School, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

The threats were reportedly made Wednesday evening by several juveniles through social media. Investigators from the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division and Youth Services Division responded to the incident.

The juvenile who was charged and the juvenile’s parent were escorted to Juvenile Court and turned over to court officials. Because the person charged is a minor, authorities did not release a name or details about the specific charge.

The incident caused significant concern among local families. Approximately 30% of Loganville Middle School students were absent following the threats, disrupting classes and other instructional activities.

Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks said threats against students, employees or school campuses will be investigated thoroughly, regardless of whether they are made online or in person.

The arrest and firing of three Gwinnett County police officers accused of misusing Flock license-plate-reader information is drawing renewed attention to the technology’s presence in Loganville and the safeguards governing its use.

A review of the DeFlock crowdsourced camera map shows 13 automated license-plate-reader locations within Loganville’s city limits.

That number should not be considered an official inventory of cameras owned or operated by the City of Loganville. DeFlock says its database is compiled through volunteer reports and OpenStreetMap data, meaning locations can be added, removed or reclassified. However, the map provides a picture of how extensively plate-reading technology has become part of Loganville’s public-safety landscape.

Flock cameras photograph passing vehicles and record information including license-plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, locations and times. Law-enforcement agencies can search that information when investigating crimes, locating stolen vehicles or looking for vehicles connected to missing and endangered people.

A Loganville man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years after a Gwinnett County jury found him guilty of aggravated sexual battery in a case involving a 17-year-old.

According to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office, Johnel Elisse Welch, 43, of Loganville, was convicted following a jury trial last week. He was sentenced to life plus 30 years with the possibility of parole.

“We will always hold those who commit crimes like these accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said.

WALTON COUNTY, GA — Knowing where a fire extinguisher is located is one thing. Knowing how to use it effectively when a fire breaks out is another.

Walton County Fire Rescue is offering hands-on fire extinguisher training designed to give local businesses, schools, organizations and community groups the knowledge and confidence they need to respond during a fire emergency.

Rather than limiting the program to classroom instruction, participants get an opportunity to practice using electronic fire extinguisher simulators. The equipment creates a realistic training experience without the smoke, mess or residue associated with an actual fire.

Piedmont Walton Hospital has been certified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma, validating the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality emergency and trauma care for Walton County and surrounding communities.

The ACS granted Piedmont Walton Hospital Level III Trauma Center verification, following a comprehensive review of the hospital's trauma program, clinical capabilities and adherence to national standards for trauma care.

"Piedmont Walton’s trauma team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate care to every patient who comes through our doors," said Mark Benak, M.D., trauma medical director at Piedmont Walton Hospital. "This certification recognizes the strength of our trauma program and our ongoing efforts to provide the highest level of care close to home."

The City of Loganville has begun the process of finding its next city manager following City Manager Danny Roberts’ announcement that he plans to retire after approximately a decade of service to the city.

Roberts informed members of the Loganville City Council of his retirement plans during the council’s July 2026 retreat and later made the decision public. He is expected to remain with the city through the end of his current contract, giving city leaders time to conduct a formal search for his replacement.

The city took its first major step in that process during a called meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25, when the mayor and council heard presentations from executive recruitment firms interested in conducting the city manager search.

Two established local service companies are joining forces, bringing heating, cooling and plumbing services together under one team while continuing a longstanding commitment to serving the Loganville-area community.

Techmazing Heating, Cooling & Plumbing announced Monday that it is joining forces with TAPP Plumbing, a local company known for its plumbing services and longstanding relationships with area homeowners and businesses.

The move brings together two companies that have built their reputations around local service, with Techmazing expanding its plumbing operations while preserving the customer relationships and community presence TAPP Plumbing has developed over the years.

Piedmont Eastside Medical Center opened an outpatient behavioral health practice on its south campus this week. The clinic is the first outpatient behavioral health practice in the Piedmont system. It is located at 2160 Fountain Drive, Suite 200 in Snellville, Georgia off of Stone Mountain Highway (U.S.-78).

“At Piedmont, we know that behavioral health care can be life-changing, and patients deserve access to high-quality support close to home,” said Larry Ebert, chief executive officer of Piedmont Eastside. “Opening this outpatient behavioral health practice reflects our commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care at every stage of the health journey. By expanding access to specialized services and creating a seamless experience between inpatient and outpatient settings, we can better support the mental health and well-being of our patients and their families.”

Psychiatrists Brian Wright, M.D., Piedmont Eastside's medical director of behavioral health, Muhammad S. Ahmed, M.D., and Hamid Redha Shirazi, D.O., will practice at the new location. These board-certified psychiatrists provide specialized care for adults, including seniors, and they treat a wide range of mental health conditions. In addition, they oversee advanced interventional psychiatric services, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine therapy.

The Rotary Club of Loganville has recognized Your Pie Pizza in Loganville for its continued commitment to serving the community and helping local families during difficult times.

Rotary President Dan Curry presented owners Noah and Andrea Wells with a certificate of appreciation and a Rotary challenge coin featuring the organization’s Four-Way Test. The recognition celebrated the couple’s willingness to step forward whenever their neighbors need assistance.

Among the restaurant’s recent community efforts was its response after a local family lost its home and belongings in a house fire earlier this year.

Your Pie quickly offered its Loganville restaurant as a drop-off location for clothing, household goods, toys and other needed items. The community responded with such overwhelming generosity that the collection had to be concluded after only one day because the family had already received so many donations.

McDonald’s is preparing to reopen its Loganville restaurant following a complete demolition and ground-up reconstruction of the longtime Atlanta Highway location.

The restaurant at 4638 Atlanta Highway is currently scheduled to reopen Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

This was much more than a routine renovation. The former restaurant was completely demolished earlier this year to make way for a new, modern McDonald’s designed to accommodate Loganville’s continued growth and changing customer habits.

The rebuilt restaurant is expected to feature additional parking, expanded pickup areas for mobile and delivery orders, and an improved drive-through configuration intended to increase efficiency and reduce congestion.

Loganville residents should get ready to sing along when Departure returns to the Town Green for the August installment of Groovin’ on the Green.

Departure — The Journey Tribute Band will perform Friday, August 21, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Loganville Town Green, located at 235 Main Street. Admission is free.

The concert will bring some of Journey’s most recognizable music to downtown Loganville, including songs from the band’s celebrated run during the 1970s and 1980s. Fans can expect a night filled with familiar rock anthems and ballads such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Separate Ways,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and “Wheel in the Sky.”

Departure has been performing together for more than 18 years and has built a national following by recreating the sound, appearance and energy of Journey’s classic era.

LOGANVILLE, GA — Loganville has no shortage of places to grab chicken wings, but Spice Wing offers a menu—and a story—that helps it stand apart.

Located at 4743 Atlanta Highway, Suite 180, Spice Wing recently welcomed Loganville News and Events for an extensive taste test featuring wings, appetizers, sides, desserts and even a first experience with chicken and waffles.

The result was an enthusiastic five-star review.

The meal began with an impressive assortment of appetizers. The macaroni and cheese bites delivered plenty of flavor, while the seasoned fries and mozzarella sticks were both well-cooked and satisfying.

The jalapeño poppers were another highlight. Filled with cheese and packed with flavor, they offered a great balance without overwhelming heat.

One of the biggest appetizer surprises was the corn bites. Slightly sweet with flavorful corn in the center, they proved to be an unexpected favorite. The sweet potato fries were also well-seasoned, while the fried pickles delivered exactly the crispy, tangy flavor fans of the appetizer expect.

Then came the funnel cake fries—which technically qualified as dessert but did not wait until the end of the meal.

“They were a great little dessert,” Loganville News and Events founder Ray Lane said during the review. “And I had them before I had the main food, so that’s even better.”

N Zone Sports Gwinnett-Walton is accepting registrations for its upcoming Fall Soccer League, giving local children an opportunity to learn the game, strengthen their skills and enjoy a positive team sports experience.

The league is open to athletes of all skill levels, from children kicking a soccer ball for the first time to experienced players looking to continue developing their game. The program focuses on teaching soccer fundamentals while helping participants build confidence, practice teamwork and develop a lasting love for physical activity.

More than 250 young athletes have participated in N Zone Sports Gwinnett-Walton’s soccer leagues, basketball leagues, camps and academies this year. With fall divisions beginning to take shape, families interested in joining the soccer league are encouraged to register soon.

American Legion Post 233 in Loganville has been officially designated a Purple Heart Legion Post, recognizing the courage and sacrifices of military service members who were wounded or killed in action.

The designation was formalized during a special ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. Purple Heart recipients in attendance were individually recognized, along with family members and relatives representing recipients who could not be present.

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 233 Color Guard, led by Jerry Mahaffey. Post Chaplain David Bondy delivered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, performed by Crystal Wilson.

Stan Mauldin served as master of ceremonies and spoke about eligibility for the Purple Heart. Louis Zayas, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, attended as the ceremony’s guest speaker.

Loganville Mayor Brandon Whitfield then read the official proclamation designating Post 233 as a Purple Heart Legion Post.

The proclamation recognizes the Purple Heart as the nation’s oldest military decoration still awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces. Its origins date to 1782, when Gen. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit.

When a tornado, hurricane, flood or other disaster strikes, the first hours and days can leave families facing damaged homes, fallen trees and overwhelming cleanup work.

A team based right here in Loganville is now better prepared to respond.

Lisa and Mike Clotfelter lead the local Samaritan’s Purse disaster-relief effort operating through The Cross, a Loganville church located on Tig Knight Road. The couple recently received one of the organization’s specially equipped relief vehicles, giving local volunteers immediate access to the tools needed when they are called into a disaster area.

The truck is stocked with brand-new equipment, including several types of saws, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers, rakes, brooms, shovels and other cleanup tools. With the vehicle loaded and ready, the Loganville team can be deployed to assist following nearly any type of natural disaster.

Visitors to Loganville’s new O’Kelly Memorial Library will be greeted by more than books, technology and expanded community spaces. One of the building’s largest interior walls is becoming a visual celebration of the city itself.

Artist Tamara Haase is creating an expansive mural built around the word “LOGANVILLE,” with scenes from the community’s history and identity painted within and around the oversized letters.

The mural brings together familiar landmarks, local traditions and images that help tell the story of Loganville. Among the scenes are the city’s water tower, Vines Mansion, cattle representing the area’s agricultural heritage, a tribute to Willie D. O’Kelly, a historic newspaper image, Loganville’s celebrated baseball program, the community’s popular car show, a Buncombe, Georgia sign and the Loganville Town Green decorated for America’s 250th anniversary.

A steam locomotive stretches across the lower portion of the mural, adding another connection to the transportation and development history of the area. Flowers, stonework, trees and rolling green scenery tie the individual images together.

Members of the Loganville Rotary Club recently received a firsthand look at the progress being made inside the new O’Kelly Memorial Library, including a room that will recognize the club and the lasting community legacy of former Rotarian Kurt Hansen.

The tour gave Rotary members an opportunity to see the results of a project the organization has supported in a significant way. In October 2025, the Loganville Rotary Club presented a $40,000 donation from its Kurt Hansen Fund to help support the new library. It was the largest single donation made by the club during its more than two decades of service in Loganville.

In recognition of that contribution, a room inside the new library will be named in honor of Kurt Hansen and the Loganville Rotary Club. Plans for the room include a photograph of Hansen and information about his life, his community involvement and the vision that ultimately led to the fund bearing his name.

The room also contains a stained-glass window that was carefully removed from the existing O’Kelly Memorial Library and brought to the new facility. Preserving and relocating the window allows an important piece of the original library to remain part of the community’s next chapter.

Hansen was a longtime Loganville pharmacist, Rotarian and member of the city’s planning commission. Before his unexpected death at age 51, he encouraged the club to establish a fund that would receive regular contributions, grow through investment and eventually support a major project benefiting the Loganville community.

The Rotary Club of Loganville recently gathered at Your Pie in Loganville for a special thank you party honoring the individuals and businesses that helped make this year’s Wing Fling possible.

The celebration brought together sponsors, volunteers, participants and community partners whose support contributed to another successful year for the popular local fundraiser. It was an opportunity for Rotary members to personally recognize the many people who donated their time, resources and talents to the event.

Now in its 11th year, the Loganville Wing Fling has grown into an important community tradition. During that time, the event has raised more than $400,000 for a wide variety of local charities, organizations and community causes.

The Walton County 4-H BB team delivered a nearly flawless performance at the 59th Daisy National BB Gun Championship in Rogers, Arkansas, earning its third national title in commanding fashion.

The five-member team of Violet Combs, Olivia Barth, Aubrey Fendley, Freya Combs and Madisyn Everett dominated the national competition, defeating the second-place team by an impressive 57 points to claim the prestigious Golden Gun trophy.

Walton County finished with 1,928 points out of a possible 2,000, the highest score the team has ever posted and just two points shy of the NRA National BB Gun team record.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Walton County District Attorney Randal “Randy” M. McGinley to serve as a Superior Court judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit.

McGinley will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Superior Court Judge W. Kendall Wynne Jr. The Alcovy Judicial Circuit serves Walton and Newton counties.

McGinley has served as district attorney for the circuit since 2020. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit in 2011 before being promoted to chief assistant district attorney in 2017.

Walton County residents are being warned about unofficial voter registration notices that may contain outdated information or attempt to collect personal details.

The Walton County Board of Elections says third-party companies are contacting voters through mail, email and text messages. Some of these communications may appear to be official election notices, even though they were not sent by the county or another government election office.

The notices may falsely claim that a resident is not registered to vote, provide inaccurate registration information or ask the recipient to submit personal information.

Monroe, Ga. (July 20, 2026) - Piedmont Walton Hospital is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital's Medical Office Building, 2151B W. Spring St., Suite 100.

On July 13, the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The organization also reported that there has been an increased need for blood products, and blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, creating an urgent need for donors to schedule appointments now.

"Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to help others," said Cari Bailey, director of community relations at Piedmont Walton Hospital. " With the Red Cross reporting an emergency blood shortage, now is a critical time. We really appreciate everyone who donated at our last blood drive. You're truly helping save lives."

The Loganville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person connected to a reported theft at the Publix in Loganville.

According to police, the incident occurred on July 15, 2026. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the individual pictured above removing a wallet from a woman’s purse while she was distracted as she shopped inside the store.

Police have released several images of the individual, who was wearing a dark baseball cap, a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and red-and-black shoes at the time of the incident.

One of Loganville's favorite summer traditions returns this Friday evening as Groovin' on the Green welcomes residents back to the Town Green for another free night of live music, food, and community fellowship.

The July concert will feature Atlanta's own After School Special, a high-energy band known for bringing the biggest hits of the 1990s to life. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at the Loganville Town Green, located at 235 Main Street.

Whether you're a fan of Green Day, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, No Doubt, or dozens of other iconic artists from the decade, the evening promises a soundtrack that will have many in the audience singing along from the first song to the last.

While the music is certainly the main attraction, Groovin' on the Green has become much more than a concert series. Since its inception, it has grown into one of Loganville's signature community events, creating a place where families, friends, and neighbors can slow down for an evening and simply enjoy being together.

Loganville, GA - Residents who notice an increased law enforcement and emergency vehicle presence around Youth Middle School this week have no cause for alarm.

Walton County public safety agencies are conducting a four-day active shooter and mass casualty response training exercise at the Loganville-area school from Tuesday, July 14, through Friday, July 17. Because students are still on summer break, the campus provides an ideal setting for realistic emergency response training.

Officials emphasize that there is no active emergency. The activity is part of a planned exercise designed to strengthen coordination among law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, emergency management teams, and school staff in the event of a real crisis.

The training comes as schools and first responders continue to place a heightened focus on emergency preparedness following tragic incidents across the nation, including the 2024 school shooting in neighboring Barrow County.

Monroe, GA - The local restaurant scene has taken another hit as When Pigs Fly BBQ in downtown Monroe has officially closed its doors after four years in business, becoming the latest in a growing list of restaurants across Walton and Gwinnett counties that have recently shut down.

The veteran-owned barbecue restaurant announced the news Wednesday in a heartfelt message to customers on social media.

"To our amazing community, it is with heavy hearts that we announce When Pigs Fly BBQ has officially closed our doors after four wonderful years. To all our incredible customers, neighbors, and friends in Monroe: THANK YOU. We opened this restaurant with a dream to bring slow-smoked, all-American BBQ to downtown Monroe, GA. The memories, laughs, and friendships we've built over the last four years mean the world to us."

When Pigs Fly first announced its plans to open during the 2021 Monroe Christmas Parade, bringing new life to the former Kaity's Downtown location on North Wayne Street. Since opening in 2022, the restaurant became known for its smoked barbecue, family atmosphere, and support of the local community.

American Legion Post 233 in Loganville has installed a new leadership team led by Commander "Military Mike" Madsen. The new officers and executive committee are focused on strengthening the Post, expanding support and resources for local veterans, and increasing the organization's involvement throughout the Loganville community. Their vision aims to build a stronger American Legion while continuing its tradition of service to veterans and the community.

The Loganville Police Department is inviting the community to take part in the 12th Annual Donut Dash 5K on Saturday, September 19, in support of Walton County Special Olympics. The family-friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, with proceeds helping provide year-round athletic opportunities for local athletes with intellectual disabilities. Registration is now open, with early registrants guaranteed an event T-shirt while supplies last.

Piedmont Primary Care at Monroe Pavilion has welcomed Dr. Oyovwike Sandra Amedu, a board-certified internal medicine physician who is now accepting new patients in Walton County. With a focus on preventive care, women's health, weight management, and chronic disease management, Dr. Amedu is committed to helping patients build healthier lives through personalized, long-term care. She completed her residency at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and joins the growing primary care team serving the Monroe community.