A teacher and softball coach at Loganville Christian Academy (LCA) is facing a felony charge involving allegations of inappropriate communication and conduct with a minor, prompting a law enforcement investigation, action by school administrators, and a public denial from the accused educator's attorney.

 

Katie Elizabeth McDevitt, 28, was arrested by the Walton County Sheriff's Office and booked into the Walton County Jail on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Authorities have identified the charge as grooming a minor. Earlier local reporting also described the case as involving sexual exploitation of a minor.

 

The allegations involve a minor who was not enrolled at Loganville Christian Academy, according to a statement released by school administrators.

 

Investigation began weeks before arrest

 

According to information provided by Loganville Christian Academy, school officials first learned of the investigation on or about September 24, when the Walton County Sheriff's Office notified administrators that McDevitt was under investigation for alleged inappropriate communications with a minor.

 

School officials say McDevitt was immediately placed on administrative leave following that notification.

 

In a letter distributed to LCA families, administrators acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the concern it could generate among parents and students.

 

The school explained that it had been unable to disclose details of the investigation to families earlier because of the ongoing law enforcement process.

 

LCA also emphasized that the minor involved was not a student at the academy and that school officials were unaware of any allegations involving currently enrolled students.

 

The academy said it has remained in communication with investigators and continues to follow developments in the case.

In its statement, LCA stressed that protecting students and maintaining the trust of families remain central priorities for the school.

For generations of children, some of life's biggest adventures begin in the smallest places. A first trip down a slide. The thrill of swinging just a little higher. Making a new friend on the playground. And for parents and grandparents, the joy of watching those memories unfold.

 

This Friday, October 23, the City of Loganville celebrates a new chapter in creating those memories as its newly renovated Toddler Park officially reopens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

 

But behind the colorful playground equipment and refreshed park grounds is a story that stretches back more than two decades — one involving community generosity, years of discussions, careful financial planning, and a commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to more children.

 

It's a journey that began in 2001, and one that reaches an exciting milestone today.

 

A park with roots going back 25 years

 

The story of Loganville's Toddler Park begins in 2001, when the City of Loganville purchased the property to provide recreational opportunities for the community's youngest residents.

 

By 2005, the city was making its first significant investment in playground equipment, with bids totaling approximately $40,000.

That early effort received an important boost from the Loganville Woman's Club, which contributed $10,000 toward the park — an example of the community involvement that has helped shape Loganville's recreational spaces over the years.

 

The playground became a place for families to spend time outdoors, giving younger children their own space to explore, play and develop important social and physical skills.

 

As the years passed, however, expectations for public playgrounds evolved. Greater attention was being placed on accessibility, inclusive equipment, improved safety surfaces, and creating environments where children with different physical abilities could enjoy the same opportunities to play.

Get those costumes ready, grab the biggest candy bucket you can find, and prepare for a frightfully fun afternoon in downtown Loganville!

 

One of the city's sweetest and most cherished traditions is returning this Saturday, October 24, as the 29th Annual Trick or Treat on Main Street transforms downtown Loganville into a Halloween wonderland filled with princesses, superheroes, witches, ghosts, dinosaurs, and probably more than a few miniature versions of their favorite cartoon characters.

 

The festivities run from 4 to 6 p.m., giving families two full hours to enjoy a Halloween celebration that's been bringing the community together for nearly three decades.

 

And here's the really sweet part: It's absolutely FREE!

 

Nearly 30 years of Halloween magic

 

Long before elaborate Halloween inflatables, viral costume videos, and pumpkin-spice everything became October staples, Loganville families were already building a wonderful local tradition.

 

Now celebrating its 29th annual event, Trick or Treat on Main Street has become a fixture on the community calendar.

 

If the celebration has been held every year without interruption, its beginnings would date to approximately 1998. While the precise founding year hasn't been independently confirmed, there's no question this is a tradition with deep roots in Loganville.

 

Think about that for a moment.

 

Children who once dressed up as Power Rangers, Disney princesses, and Ninja Turtles to collect candy on Main Street may now be bringing their own little superheroes and princesses to experience the same excitement.

 

That's what makes traditions like this so special.

Halloween costumes change. The candy favorites change. The children grow up.

 

But the excitement of spending a fall afternoon trick-or-treating in your hometown never gets old.

For Curren Musser, earning the rank of Eagle Scout meant leaving something meaningful behind for the community: a way for people to learn the stories behind Loganville’s historic places.

 

The Loganville City Council recently honored Musser with a proclamation recognizing his achievement and the service project he completed along the way. A member of Monroe’s Troop 81, sponsored by American Legion Post 64, Musser created and installed descriptive placards at historic locations throughout Loganville.

 

His work can now be found at the site of the well that once marked the center of town, the historic Rock Gym, Loganville Memorial Gardens and other locations. Each placard offers residents and visitors a chance to pause, look around and better understand the history of the place where they are standing.

 

The project took nearly a year of research and coordination, including working with the city to get the signs installed. Musser also sought guidance from the Loganville Historical Society, connecting his interest in the past with the knowledge of people dedicated to preserving it.

 

More than 200 vendors, family activities and the inaugural Autumn Dash 5K bring a full day of community celebration to Main Street on October 17.

 

Downtown Loganville will welcome a day of shopping, food and family fun when the city’s annual Autumn Fest returns Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main Street.

 

With more than 200 vendors expected, festivalgoers will have plenty to explore. Arts and crafts sellers, local businesses and food vendors will line the streets, offering opportunities to discover something handmade, find an early Christmas gift and connect with the people behind businesses in our community.

 

Families can make a day of it, with a Kids Zone featuring dozens of activities for children, live community entertainment and plenty of food options to enjoy between stops.

 

Whether you’re browsing the booths or catching up with neighbors, Autumn Fest offers a chance to slow down and enjoy downtown Loganville together.

 

Monroe, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2026) – Piedmont Walton Hospital today opened its newly expanded Emergency Department, completing a $15 million project designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of Walton County and surrounding communities. The expansion more than doubles the hospital’s emergency care capacity and enhances access to critical services at the hospital’s Level III Trauma Center.

 

“This expansion is a direct response to the growing needs of our community,” said Blake Watts, chief executive officer of Piedmont Walton Hospital. “Opening these new spaces allows us to care for more patients, improve the emergency care experience and ensure our team has the resources needed to deliver lifesaving care when every second counts.”

 

Construction on the expansion began in January 2026 and included the addition of 16 exam rooms, two trauma rooms and four fast-track rooms. The space was designed to support increased patient volumes while improving patient flow, reducing wait times, and expanding access to emergency services for residents throughout Walton County and neighboring communities.

 

Loganville has a new option for early-morning coffee runs and afternoon pick-me-ups. Dutch Bros Coffee is now open at 4603 Atlanta Highway, bringing its drive-thru service and extensive drink menu to the community. The company’s location directory identifies both a drive-thru and a pickup window at the shop.

 

The posted hours offer plenty of flexibility: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Customers can also access order-ahead service through the company’s app.

 

For residents unfamiliar with the name, Dutch Bros began far from Georgia. Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma started the business in 1992 with a coffee pushcart beside the railroad tracks in Grants Pass, Oregon. After leaving the dairy business, they built their new venture around espresso, music and personal connections with customers.

 

That emphasis on interaction remains part of the company’s approach. Dutch Bros calls its drink-making employees broistas, and its hiring materials emphasize helping customers navigate the menu and discover drinks that suit their tastes.

 

The Loganville menu goes well beyond a traditional cup of coffee. Options include lattes, mochas, cold brew, nitrogen-infused cold brew, blended coffee drinks and protein coffees. Customers can customize drinks with a variety of flavors, milk choices and toppings.

 

Non-coffee selections include teas, lemonades, smoothies, shakes and the company’s Rebel energy drinks, which can be served iced or blended.

Loganville residents should prepare for possible power outages, flooded roads and hazardous weather this weekend as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast and threatens communities across Georgia.

 

Gov. Brian Kemp issued an updated state of emergency for all 159 counties Thursday, October 8, allowing emergency officials to position personnel and resources ahead of the storm. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s State Operations Center is scheduled to activate early Friday afternoon.

 

For the Loganville area, the main concerns are repeated rounds of heavy rain, prolonged gusty winds and the possibility of tornadoes. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City expects impacts across north and central Georgia from Friday night into Sunday morning.

 

Walton and Gwinnett counties are included in a Flood Watch beginning late Friday night and continuing through Sunday morning. Forecasters anticipate widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated locations potentially receiving around 5 inches.

 

The greatest flooding concerns involve low-lying neighborhoods, roads with poor drainage and creeks or streams that rise quickly during heavy rain. Repeated rainbands passing over the same locations could increase the flash-flood threat. Residents in flood-prone areas should be ready to act if warnings are issued or water begins rising.

A one-point victory for Grayson High School has been overshadowed by a postgame brawl that brought disciplinary action against players from both teams and a postseason ban for visiting Miami Carol City.

 

The fight followed Grayson’s 10–9 home win on Friday, October 2, in Loganville. The Georgia High School Association subsequently suspended four Grayson players for one game each, sidelining them for the Rams’ region opener at Archer on October 9.

 

According to USA TODAY’s account of video from the incident, an exchange of words in the postgame handshake line escalated into shoving and punches. The confrontation spread across the field as additional players became involved and coaches attempted to separate them.

 

One particularly disturbing sequence appeared to show several Carol City players striking a Grayson player who was on the ground before a Carol City coach intervened. The footage drew widespread attention, but the available reports do not establish a definitive account of who initiated the fight.

 

The GHSA announced Grayson’s suspensions on Tuesday, October 6. The players were not publicly identified, and Grayson has the right to appeal. GHSA Executive Director Tim Scott said identifying everyone involved was difficult because available video did not show the entire field after the game ended.

For Dr. Daron Griffin and Dr. Leah Griffin, helping Loganville families pursue better health has been part of their work for years. Now, the husband-and-wife chiropractic team is expanding that mission with Three Fold Fitness, a new local destination for coached workouts, strength training, and community connection.

 

Located at 2887 U.S. 78, Suite 304, the fitness center celebrated its ribbon-cutting with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, September 25. A public grand opening followed on Saturday, September 26, inviting residents to explore the space and meet the team. The opening announcement welcomed both newcomers to exercise and experienced gymgoers.

 

Three Fold Fitness describes its approach as coach-led functional fitness, with an emphasis on strength, conditioning, and results that carry over into everyday life. For residents looking for guidance and a regular workout routine, that gives the new center a clear focus: organized training with a coach leading the way.

 

There is also an accessible way to get acquainted with the gym. Its website lists a free community class on Saturdays at 10 a.m.—an opportunity to visit, meet people, and experience a workout before deciding on the next step. Published weekday classes include 5:30 a.m., 4:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Residents should check with the center for the latest schedule and membership information.

 

Behind the new business is a family already rooted in Loganville’s wellness community.

 

Dr. Daron graduated from Life University in fall 2019. Alongside his chiropractic work, he describes himself as a wellness coach and speaker, with a professional mission centered on helping families and strengthening the community. In his published biography, he identifies faith, family, and service as guiding influences in his life and work.

 

From your favorite pizza spot to the service company you recommend to every neighbor, it’s time to recognize the businesses that help make Loganville a great place to live.

 

The first annual Best of Loganville Awards are here, and nominations are officially open! Presented by Loganville News & Events, The Loganville Pulse, and LoganvilleLocal.com, the 2026 awards give the community a chance to celebrate the local businesses they love and help others discover them.

 

Nominations opened October 1 and will continue through October 31. Voting begins November 1 and runs through December 31, with winners announced after voting closes.

Your nominations make a difference.

 

Think about the businesses that have earned your trust. Maybe it’s a restaurant where the staff remembers your order, a contractor who came through when you needed help, or a neighborhood shop you always enjoy visiting.

 

The Best of Loganville Awards are your opportunity to give those businesses some well-deserved recognition.

 

Nominations also help determine where businesses appear when voting begins. The more nominations a business receives, the higher it will appear on the voting ballot in November. That means your support now can help your favorites stand out when the community starts casting votes.

 

Nominate often throughout October, and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to support the businesses they appreciate, too. Nominations help position businesses on the ballot; the voting period that follows will determine the winners.

Classic cars, community pride, and support for local first responders will come together in downtown Loganville on Saturday, October 3, as the seventh annual Back the Blue Car Show returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

Presented by The Master’s Car Club in partnership with the City of Loganville, the event will raise money for the Loganville Police Department and other local first responders, according to the city’s official event listing.

 

For residents looking for something to do Saturday, the show offers a chance to explore downtown, enjoy the vehicles on display, and spend time with neighbors while supporting a local cause. You don’t have to bring a show car—or know what’s under the hood—to appreciate the craftsmanship and care that go into these vehicles.

 

Along with the car show, this year’s announced attractions include a swap meet, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, food and drinks, and 30 trophies for participating vehicles. The city also lists DJ music and food vendors among the day’s activities.

 

Car owners planning to participate can register their vehicles between 9:30 a.m. and noon. Awards are scheduled for 2 p.m., giving visitors time to browse the show before the winners are recognized.

Who makes the best pizza in Loganville? Who is your favorite local contractor? Which doctor, salon, shop, restaurant or service business deserves to be recognized as one of the very best in our community?

 

It is time to have your say.

 

Loganville News & Events, The Loganville Pulse and LoganvilleLocal.com are excited to announce the first annual Best of Loganville awards, a year-end community contest created to recognize the businesses that make Loganville a great place to live, work, shop and eat.

 

The contest will feature a wide variety of categories covering nearly every part of local life, including restaurants, medical and healthcare providers, retail stores, home services, professional services and much more.

 

At the end of the contest, the winners in each category will receive a Best of Loganville 2026 award — along with something every local business loves to have:

 

Bragging rights for an entire year.

 

Nominations Begin October 1

 

The first phase of Best of Loganville begins with nominations.

 

From Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, residents will be able to nominate their favorite Loganville businesses in the available categories.

 

Every business already listed on LoganvilleLocal.com will automatically be included in the voting, so those businesses do not have to be nominated simply to participate.

Piedmont Walton recently presented a sponsorship check to the Walton County School District in support of its Healthcare Pathways Internship Program, which gives local high school students opportunities to gain real-world healthcare experience while earning class credit.

 

“Piedmont Walton’s student programs offer experiences that allow students to gain a better understanding of what a career in healthcare can look like,” said Jamilla Fontenot, clinical education coordinator for Piedmont Walton. “Through our different programs, students get to see the day-to-day of healthcare professionals working in a variety of roles and learn how they can impact patient care.”

 

The sponsorship helps cover the cost of ACEMAPP, a platform required for student interns participating at Piedmont Walton. Students use the platform to complete and submit required documentation, training, immunization records, background checks and other compliance requirements before beginning their clinical experiences. By covering the cost, the sponsorship helps ensure that the expense does not become a barrier to participation.

 

During the high school internship program, students rotate through 12 departments at Piedmont Walton and are introduced to healthcare professionals and career opportunities available in their community. The hospital traditionally hosts 10 students per semester, or approximately 20 students each year. This year, Piedmont Walton expanded the program by 40% and welcomed Monroe Area High School as a third participating school.

There are football games on the schedule every Friday night.

 

Then there are games like this one.

 

When the Loganville Red Devils and Walnut Grove Warriors take the field Friday night, the opponent will not be some school from the other side of the state. These are players who have grown up in the same community, families who know one another, students who see each other around town and fans who will spend the next year hearing about whatever happens under the lights.

 

That makes this one different.

 

Loganville hosts Walnut Grove at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Loganville High School, and both teams arrive with plenty to play for.

 

Walnut Grove enters the game at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in region play. Loganville comes in at 2-2 and looking to bounce back after opening its region schedule with a loss.

 

And while the standings matter, everybody around Loganville knows there is something else riding on this one.

After a long wait, Tequila Street Taqueria has finally opened its doors at 262 Main Street in Loganville—and my first visit left me excited to go back.

 

The restaurant is now welcoming guests during its soft opening, drawing positive early reactions and giving downtown another inviting place to gather for a meal. With beautiful murals, traditional Mexican décor and dining spaces spread across two levels, Tequila Street makes an impression before the food even arrives.

But the food is what will bring me back.

 

On a recent visit, I ordered tacos with beans and rice, and the meal was excellent. The tacos were the highlight, but the beans and rice deserve some appreciation, too. The entire plate made for a thoroughly enjoyable meal—the kind that leaves you telling friends they need to try this place.

 

The friendly service added to the experience. The people were welcoming, and that warmth fit perfectly with the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. A beautiful building gets your attention, but great food and a welcoming team give you a reason to return. Tequila Street delivered on both during my visit.

 

There’s plenty to appreciate about the setting. The lower-level dining room offers a lovely place to settle in for a meal, while upstairs features another dining area and a bar. An outdoor balcony overlooks Main Street, giving diners a different perspective on downtown Loganville and adding something special to the experience.

Loganville has a new reason to head downtown this weekend: the opening of the O’Kelly Memorial Library at 210 Main Street.

 

The library will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 19, inviting residents to explore its new home and mark a milestone for a familiar community institution. The move brings the library from its longtime location on Conyers Road into the heart of downtown Loganville.

 

Saturday’s celebration will include a ribbon cutting, guest speakers, light refreshments, giveaways and other activities. Families will also have a chance to enjoy a Ken Scott Magic Show at noon.

 

For longtime patrons, the opening offers an opportunity to get acquainted with a new setting for their library visits. For those who haven’t stopped by in a while, it’s an invitation to rediscover a local resource for reading, learning and connecting with neighbors.

 

O’Kelly Memorial Library remains part of the Azalea Regional Library System, which serves Walton County and surrounding communities.

Turning left along one of Loganville’s busiest shopping corridors can mean waiting for an opening across several lanes of traffic. City leaders are now moving forward with discussions that could change how drivers enter and exit businesses along that stretch of U.S. Highway 78.

 

At its Sept. 10 meeting, the Loganville City Council voted 5–1 to formally pursue discussions with the Georgia Department of Transportation about safety improvements between Logan Drive and C.S. Floyd Road, according to reporting by Jim Thompson of The Walton Tribune, published by Monroe Local.

 

The vote advances the planning process. It does not establish a final road design or a construction start date.

 

The stretch under consideration serves restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers. Council discussions focused on reducing the risks associated with left turns across multiple lanes while improving access to those businesses.

 

Among the possibilities are a raised concrete median, designated left-turn lanes and a new traffic signal at the shopping center anchored by Publix. Changes to shopping-center parking lots and connections between businesses could help direct drivers toward the proposed signal, giving them a controlled location to turn left.

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.