Press Releases
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Audrey Young
229-402-5581, audrey@georgiacotton.org
GCC Welcomes Support for Buying American Cotton Act
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) welcomes the recent announcement from the Trump Administration supporting the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA). BACA aims to build structural demand for American cotton by providing tax incentives for brands and retailers who purchase and document their inclusion of American cotton.
Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton producer from Colquitt County, stated, “We appreciate any support of the cotton industry given by President Trump and his administration. If passed, this legislation will increase the demand for cotton which supports local producers and strengths the entire cotton industry.”
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about this and other topics please call 478-988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Jordan Powers
706-542-4274
jpowers@uga.edu
UGA experts track pasture mealybug’s arrival in Georgia
- Pasture mealybug has arrived in Georgia, with the first confirmed detection reported in the southwest corner of the state.
- Scouting and biosecurity are the best defenses for now as researchers work to identify effective management options.
- UGA Extension needs Georgians to report suspected infestations to help researchers track the pest and understand its impact.
Walking the fields is part of farming. The methodical process of scouting for anything unusual can help identify diseases, insects and other management issues before they become a big problem.
When a team of scouts on a Florida farm recently spotted an unfamiliar insect on the grass, they kept walking to determine the spread. When they realized they had crossed into Georgia, they gave Lisa Baxter a call.
Since that call, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension forage specialists have been working around the clock to track the newly arrived pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) and establish the best management options for Georgia grass producers.
Baxter is working closely with Shimat Joseph, an associate professor in the CAES Department of Entomology who specializes in turfgrass and ornamental entomology. While pasture mealybug appears to pose a serious threat to pastures and sugar cane, Joseph said there have been only two official reports involving turfgrass — St. Augustinegrass in Texas and centipedegrass in Georgia.
UGA has established an online Pasture Mealybug Resources hub where Georgians can report suspected cases, follow the latest distribution map, and find updated management and biosecurity recommendations as researchers learn more about the pest. Visit georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu for more information.
The full story on the CAES Field Report can be found here: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/uga-experts-track-pasture-mealybugs-arrival-in-georgia/
I would also be happy to coordinate an interview with Dr. Lisa Baxter and/or Dr. Shimat Joseph, or provide photos for stories. Please send requests to jpowers@uga.edu.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Optometric Eye Association
Dan Curran, 770-658-9586
dancurran@curranpr.com
Georgia Eye Doctor and Toddler Mom Says Back-to-School Eye Exams for Kids Need to Start at Younger Ages
Guidelines Suggest Pediatric Eye Exams Start at Age 3
* Note: A local doctor of optometry is available for an interview.
ATLANTA, Ga. (August, 2026) – Dr. Lauren Dyak, a Georgia eye doctor and mother of a toddler, is urging her fellow parents to get their child’s eyes checked sooner rather than later so the kids can get used to eye exams before it’s a school requirement and to catch anything dire early. Thanks to InfantSEE, a public health program, participating doctors of optometry provide a no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6-12 months old regardless of a family’s income or access to insurance coverage.
“Eye care professionals recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam by the age of 3, followed by annual check-ups once they begin kindergarten,” said Dr. Lauren Dyak, president of the Georgia Optometric Association. “Unfortunately, getting an exam can be intimidating for some children and parents sometimes delay making an appointment. My advice as the mother of a toddler is to start now, the younger the better, so they get used to it and problems can be identified early.”
While many parents may think that a vision screening performed at school is enough, a study funded by the National Eye Institute found that even the most sophisticated vision screening tools, administered by the most highly-trained vision screeners, will miss one-third of children with an eye or vision disorder. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates much more, including eye teaming, focusing, tracking, depth perception, and overall eye health—all essential skills for reading and classroom success.
Today’s children of all ages, including students, spend more time than ever on computers, tablets and other digital devices. Extended screen time can contribute to digital eye strain and may increase the risk of childhood myopia, making regular eye exams even more important.
InfantSEE provides early intervention using necessary specialized equipment and procedures – which are not available as part of most vision screenings. During an InfantSEE assessment a doctor of optometry will test for excessive of unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, eye movement ability, eye health problems, and discuss patient and family history. Comprehensive eye and vision care is important to detect problems early to ensure babies have the opportunity to develop the visual abilities they need to grow and learn.
Doctors of optometry can identify early warning signs and manifestations of more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers during an annual comprehensive eye exam.
To find a participating InfantSEE optometrist visit https://www.infantsee.org/find-a-doctor. To find an optometrist in your area, please visit www.GOAeyes.com.
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The Georgia Optometric Association is a statewide professional organization representing over 700 doctors of optometry located in communities throughout the state of Georgia. Founded in 1904, the GOA and its members work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care services. For more information visit www.GOAeyes.com, or follow www.facebook.com/GeorgiaOptometricAssociation, www.Twitter.com/GOA_eyes and www.Instagram.com/GOAeyes.
#GeorgiaOptometricAssociation #GOAoptometry #backtoschool #eyeexams
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Audrey Young, 229-402-5581
audrey@georgiacotton.org
Ruark, Hopkins, & Sikes Reappointed to Cotton Commission Board
In late July, the Commodity Commission Ex-Officio Committee met to make appointments to the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors. Morgan County cotton farmer John Ruark, Toombs County cotton farmer Chris Hopkins, and Bulloch County cotton farmer Greg Sikes were each reappointed to another three-year term on the Commission’s board of directors.
John Ruark is a multi-generational farmer, and farms cotton, soybeans, wheat, cattle, and poultry alongside his father, son, and cousin in Morgan, Walton, and Oconee Counties, as well as operates a cotton gin, Bostwick Gin & Supply. He has been a member of the Commission’s board since 2014. Ruark is a director of Cotton Incorporated, Southern Cotton Growers, and the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia. He also serves as an alternate producer delegate of the National Cotton Council of America. Ruark is married to his wife, Tamie, and has four adult children and seven grandchildren. The Ruarks attend Apalachee Baptist Church.
Chris Hopkins is also a first-generation farmer and has served on the Commission’s board since 2017. He grows cotton, peanuts, corn, and rye in Toombs and Tattnall Counties. He holds degrees from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Hopkins and his wife, Marilynn, started their operation on 50 acres in 2005. Locally he serves as the president of the Toombs County Farm Bureau and the chairman of the community board of directors for Ameris Bank. Hopkins and his wife Marilynn have two sons and are members of First Baptist Church of Lyons.
Greg Sikes is a first-generation farmer, and along with his wife and son, produces cotton, peanuts, and corn in Bulloch, Bryan, Screven, Burke, Jenkins, and Treutlen Counties. Sikes, a Bulloch County native, worked locally in agribusiness and for local farmers for several years after earning a degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. A co-worker helped him get started farming on his own 25 years ago, and his operation has grown steadily ever since. Sikes regularly conducts trials on his operation with UGA Cooperative Extension and private industry. He is also invested in several agribusinesses that complement his farming operation. Sikes is a director of Southern Cotton Growers and a producer delegate to the National Cotton Council of America. Sikes is a member of the National Peanut Buying Points Association board of directors and the advisory board for Bulloch First Bank. Sikes and his wife Jennifer live in the Nevils community and have two adult children. The Sikes family attends Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about this and other topics please call 478-988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
L-R: John Ruark, Morgan County cotton producer; Chris Hopkins, Toombs County cotton producer; Greg Sikes, Bulloch County cotton producer.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Dept. of Corrections
Joan Heath, director of communications, joan.heath@gdc.ga.gov
Lori Benoit, deputy director of communications, pao@gdc.ga.gov
Execution Date Set for Cobb County Murderer
Stacey Humphreys to be executed on Sept. 16
FORSYTH, Ga. – The Cobb County Superior Court has ordered the execution of convicted murderer Stacey Humphreys. The court ordered the Georgia Department of Corrections to carry out the execution on a date between September 16, 2026 and September 23, 2026. Commissioner Tyrone Oliver has set the date for Wednesday, September 16, at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson at 7 p.m.
Stacey Humphreys was convicted in Cobb County for the 2003 murders of Cyndi Williams and Lori Brown. If executed, Humphreys will be the 55th inmate put to death by lethal injection.
Media interested in a photograph of Humphreys and a listing of his crimes may visit the GDC website gdc.georgia.gov.
About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 49,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit http://www.gdc.georgia.gov.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power’s contract with OpenAI approved; Latest approval part of portfolio of large-load contracts delivering approximately $950 million in annual savings beginning in 2029
Large-load growth continues to provide benefits to customers with expected savings for Georgia Power customers to increase to $180 per year for the typical residential customer; Agreement builds on company’s prior base rate freeze and overall reduction in rates announced this summer
ATLANTA – August 26, 2026 – Today, Georgia Power announced that its contract to serve OpenAI’s new project in Effingham County has been approved as part of the regulatory process with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). This marks the latest step in the company’s proactive strategy to ensure Georgia’s growth benefits the customers it serves. With the projects announced to date and projected future growth in the state, Georgia Power customers are expected to see savings of at least $15 per month beginning in 2029 for the typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, an increase from the company’s December 2025 commitment of $102 per year to $180 per year.
The increased savings for customers are the result of projected incremental revenue from new large-load customers that is expected to provide savings of approximately $950 million per year, increasing customer benefits to $2.847 billion over the three-year period of 2029-2031.
The company’s contract with OpenAI was filed with the Georgia PSC in July and includes 3,200 megawatts (MW) of new demand. Under that agreement, OpenAI will pay the full cost of the infrastructure needed to serve it and has committed up to 1,000 MW of flexible demand response, which enables Georgia Power to reduce energy delivered to the facility during periods of high demand and invest in fewer new generation resources to serve future growth. Read more here: Georgia Power to serve OpenAI project in Effingham County.
When the first signs of projected extraordinary growth appeared in the state, Georgia Power began developing a framework with the Georgia PSC designed to turn that projected growth into lower costs and higher reliability for customers. Today’s announcement also follows the prior freeze on base rates approved by the Georgia PSC in July 2025, as well as the plan approved in May 2026 to lower overall rates.
“We know every dollar counts, and we know that in many parts of the country growth is pushing electric rates up. That is not happening in Georgia,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “In December, we committed to $102 a year in savings for the typical family beginning in 2029. Today, that number is expected to be $180. We appreciate the continued diligence of the Commission and its staff in helping us deliver these savings for customers, and ensuring the right protections are in place for the millions of Georgians we are privileged to serve.”
Since 1990, Georgia Power has offered rates, on average, 15 percent below the national average while also offering flexible rate plans for residential and business customers, as well as a wide variety of programs to help customers save money and energy. With new residents moving to the state and large-load customers like data centers and manufacturers choosing Georgia, Georgia Power and the Georgia PSC took early action to put protections for customers in place by introducing new Georgia PSC Rules and Regulations. In addition, the company made a broader commitment to customers in the Georgia Power Customer Protection Pledge which reaffirms the company’s commitment to serving the interests, the communities, and the priorities of its 2.8 million customers.
“Data centers are paying more so families and small businesses can pay less, and our goal with every contract we sign under this framework is to deliver value for them,” added Greene. “Our customers depend on us for reliable and affordable energy every day, and that is the focus behind every decision we make.”
To learn more about how Georgia Power is keeping energy reliable and rates stable for millions of Georgia homes and businesses, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning projected incremental revenues from large-load customers and expected customer savings. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2026 and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including rate actions relating to return on equity, equity ratios, additional generating capacity and transmission facilities and fuel and other cost recovery mechanisms; the impact of recent and future federal and state legal and regulatory changes, including tax, environmental and other laws and regulations to which Georgia Power is subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws, regulations and guidance; the extent and timing of costs and legal requirements related to coal combustion residuals; current and future litigation or regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries; the effects, extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which Georgia Power operates, including from the development and deployment of alternative energy sources; variations in demand for electricity; available sources and costs of natural gas and other fuels and commodities; the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction and operation of facilities or other projects; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to past, ongoing and proposed construction projects; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; investment performance of the employee and retiree benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust funds; advances in technology, including the pace and extent of development of low- to no-carbon energy and battery energy storage technologies and the impact of advancing technology on data center and other large load customer demand; the ability to successfully operate Georgia Power’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities and the successful performance of necessary corporate functions; the inherent risks involved in operating nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; global and U.S. economic conditions, including impacts from geopolitical conflicts, recession, inflation, changes in trade policies (including tariffs and other trade measures) of the United States and other countries, interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; prolonged or recurring U.S. federal government shutdowns; access to capital markets and other financing sources; changes in Georgia Power’s credit ratings; the ability of Georgia Power to obtain additional generating capacity (or sell excess generating capacity) at competitive prices; catastrophic events such as fires, including wildfires, land movement, earthquakes, explosions, floods, high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, solar flares, droughts, future epidemic or pandemic health events, wars, political unrest or other similar occurrences; the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating resources; and the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Fulton County Probate Court
Cory Henry
770-335-1384
cory.henry@fultoncountyga.gov
‘Forever Fridays’ are back: Fulton County Probate Court relaunches free Friday weddings
**September 4 Kickoff to Feature Music, Photography, Wedding Treats, a Special Performance — and a Surprise Celebrity Guest Officiant**
ATLANTA — Love is back on the calendar in Fulton County.
The Fulton County Probate Court is officially relaunching its popular “Forever Fridays” wedding ceremonies beginning Friday, September 4, 2026, giving couples a fun, memorable and completely free way to say “I do.”
To celebrate the return, Probate Court is turning the September 4 kickoff into a special wedding experience. Couples can expect music, wedding photography, celebratory cupcakes, a special wedding performance and a surprise celebrity guest officiant who will help welcome the first Forever Fridays couples back to the altar.
The free group wedding ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. at the Fulton County South Service Center, located at 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, Georgia 30349.
No appointment is required, and there is no ceremony fee. Couples must have a valid Fulton County marriage license and may bring a maximum of two guests per couple due to limited space.
“Forever Fridays is about more than a wedding ceremony—it’s about strengthening families and communities,” said Chief Probate Judge Kenya Johnson. “By eliminating ceremony costs, couples can put those dollars toward their future and begin their marriage with greater stability. Strong families help build stronger, safer communities, and we are honored to be part of the beginning of so many new Fulton County families.”
Forever Fridays offers couples a meaningful alternative to the expense and stress that can accompany a traditional wedding while still creating a special moment to celebrate their commitment. The September 4 relaunch will feature several special touches, while future Friday ceremonies will continue the Court’s tradition of providing free group wedding ceremonies. Couples should arrive ready to celebrate — Fulton County is making Fridays forever again!
**FOREVER FRIDAYS AT A GLANCE**
Relaunch: Friday, September 4, 2026
Ceremony: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fulton County South Services Center
5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, GA 30349
Format: Group wedding ceremony
Cost: FREE — no ceremony fee**
Appointment: None required
Required: Valid Fulton County marriage license
Guests: Maximum of two guests per couple due to space limitations
About the Fulton County Probate Court
The Fulton County Probate Court serves Fulton County residents in matters involving estates, guardianships and conservatorships, marriage licenses and Georgia Weapons Carry licenses. Through programs such as Forever Fridays, free Wills clinics and estate planning presentations, Probate Court continues to expand access to public services while creating welcoming and meaningful experiences for the residents it serves.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Trucking Association
Emily Crane, Vice President of Safety and Engagement
770-815-8177
emily@gatrucking.org
Georgia Trucking Association Applauds Major Progress Against Unsafe and Illegal Trucking Operations
Federal enforcement gains and Georgia licensing safeguards strengthen highway safety and fair competition
ATLANTA — The Georgia Trucking Association today joined trucking organizations nationwide in recognizing significant federal and state progress to remove unsafe and illegal operators, strengthen regulatory oversight and restore fair competition for motor carriers and professional drivers who follow the rules.
The results are documented in a new progress report from the Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC). The report follows last fall’s release of Trucking Resurgence: The Fight for Fairness and Safety, an industry-led action plan that identified regulatory and enforcement gaps allowing unsafe and fraudulent operators to enter and remain in the trucking industry. The Georgia Trucking Association was among the earliest state associations supporting the original initiative.
“Georgia’s responsible carriers invest every day in qualified drivers, safe equipment and compliance,” said Seth Millican, president and CEO of the Georgia Trucking Association. “They should not be forced to compete against operators built on fraud, shortcuts or deliberate noncompliance. This progress shows what targeted enforcement should look like: use existing authority, close gaps in the system and focus enforcement on the people and companies breaking the rules—not on adding new burdens for those already operating safely.”
Georgia has also taken concrete steps to strengthen commercial driver qualifications and roadside enforcement. The Georgia Department of Public Safety began statewide enforcement of updated federal English-language proficiency guidance in May 2025, including a standardized two-part roadside assessment. Beginning June 25, 2025, commercial drivers who fail the assessment are placed out of service.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services has updated its procedures to reflect strengthened federal eligibility and documentation requirements for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses. In June 2026, DDS also completed the statewide transition to an FMCSA-approved modernized CDL skills test designed to evaluate applicants using realistic, safety-critical driving scenarios without lowering qualification standards.
The national progress report highlights extensive enforcement and reform efforts, including:
- Nearly 10,000 CDL training providers removed from the federal Training Provider Registry, with more than 550 sham or noncompliant schools subjected to federal removal and enforcement action;
- $217 million in new federal investments supporting trucking safety enforcement, CDL integrity, technology and workforce development;
- 704 investigations of high-risk motor carriers, with 430 carriers voluntarily ceasing operations and another 60 to 70 shut down;
- Audits of CDL programs and non-domiciled CDL issuance practices in all 50 states;
- More than 194,000 non-domiciled CDLs that will no longer qualify under strengthened federal requirements;
- More than 27,000 commercial drivers placed out of service for violations of federal English-language proficiency requirements; and
- 76 noncompliant electronic logging device platforms removed from the approved registry and another 426 blocked from entering the marketplace.
Many of the original plan’s recommendations called for better use of existing authority, stronger verification and more consistent enforcement—not new requirements for carriers already operating safely and legally.
“FMCSA’s mission is to prevent crashes, fatalities and injuries involving large trucks and buses, and that requires a regulatory system with no room for fraud or deliberate noncompliance,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs. “The overwhelming majority of motor carriers and professional drivers operate safely and responsibly. Our responsibility is to support those operators by identifying bad actors, enforcing the law and closing gaps that threaten highway safety and the integrity of the trucking industry. The progress reflected in this report shows what is possible when government, law enforcement and industry work together, and we remain committed to building on these results.”
“The numbers are significant, but the principle is even more important,” Millican said. “A safe, responsible carrier should compete on service, efficiency and professionalism—not against a company gaining an advantage by evading the law. We need to preserve this momentum, strengthen the systems that identify high-risk operators earlier and make these reforms durable.”
The original Trucking Resurgence plan focused on seven areas in which bad actors were exploiting weaknesses in existing systems: CDL integrity, federal motor carrier safety data, cross-border workforce integrity, non-domiciled CDLs, English-language proficiency, trucking fraud and electronic logging devices.
Despite the progress, continued enforcement and additional reforms remain necessary. The Georgia Trucking Association will continue working with FMCSA, Congress, Georgia officials, state licensing and enforcement agencies, law enforcement and industry partners to strengthen driver qualifications, improve carrier vetting, combat fraud and protect the integrity of the trucking industry.
The complete progress report and original action plan are available through the Trucking Resurgence website.
About the Georgia Trucking Association
Founded in 1933, the Georgia Trucking Association is the statewide voice of trucking. GTA advances Georgia’s trucking industry by shaping policy, promoting safety and efficiency, and supporting the people and companies that keep the state moving.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan
912-988-1847
dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
Mighty Talk | One Pilot’s Story: From Pittsburg to the Ardennes presented by Bruce Halley
Wednesday, August 26th at 11:00 am at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Mighty Talk series continues with One Pilot’s Story: From Pittsburg to the Ardennes, presented by Bruce Halley. This program will take place on August 26th at 11:00 am at the museum.
The program is free to the public, but please register at https://forms.gle/RpZKBZ2HCT3PNMMN9
About the Presentation
When he graduated high school in May 1941, Raymond Ankeny – like many young men at that time – planned to enroll in college, graduate, get a job and start a family. All these plans were put on hold when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Raymond enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in early 1942 and was called up in 1943. After a series of stations and training programs he earned his wings as a multi-engine pilot and was assigned to fly heavy bombers. His crew deployed to the 8th Airforce in England in late 1944 and began flying bombing missions in B-17s in January 1945.
On their 21st mission they were shot down and the plane crashed south of Dresden Germany. The remains of the crew were eventually located and were relocated for identification at the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in Belgium, where he was buried in his final resting place in 1948.
This presentation will provide a review of his life prior to being called into service, snapshots of his training to become a pilot, life on the base in England, a review of his missions during the war, and some of their reflections about these missions. We will provide an in-depth review of this crew’s final mission and the individual crew member outcomes, focusing on the 6 members who died that day. Finally, we will review the sequence of events surrounding their eventual recovery, identification and burial, and the research effort to assemble this story.
About the Presenter
Bruce Halley is a dedicated researcher and family advocate committed to preserving the stories of World War II airmen. His work focuses on documenting the combat service and final missions of Eighth Air Force personnel, particularly those who served with the 490th Bomb Group. Through extensive research and collaboration with veterans’ families, Halley helps ensure that the sacrifices and experiences of these airmen are remembered and shared with future generations.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby
(229) 386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Cotton Commission
Taylor Sills
478-988-4235, taylor@georgiacotton.org
Cotton/Peanut Research Field Day set for Sept. 2, 2026, in Tifton, Georgia
PERRY/TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor a joint research field day on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in Tifton, Georgia.
The field day will start at 8:00 a.m. at the University of Georgia Lang Farm located at 230 Rigdon Aultman Road, Tifton, Georgia. After a brief welcome, field day attendees will visit the UGA Lang Farm to tour several trials and hear from speakers. Attendees will return to the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center for lunch and a short program. The field day is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP to Mallory Marchant at mallory.marchant@uga.edu or calling 229-386-3366 to provide an accurate count for lunch.
The purpose of the tour is to showcase current research, which is funded by the respective commissions, in plot-side presentations by the researchers. The sponsors’ goal is to provide an educational environment for cotton and peanut farmers and give them the opportunity to pose questions directly to the researchers and to express opinions and concerns pertinent to the production of their crops.
Chairmen of the cotton and peanut commissions, Bart Davis and Donald Chase, respectively, agree this event gives farmers the distinct opportunity to interact with the researchers, leadership of each commission, other farmers and industry representatives. It is an excellent place for farmers to observe, first-hand, the research programs funded by their checkoff investments.
To view an agenda, visit www.GeorgiaCottonCommission.org or www.GaPeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby
(229) 386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Achievement Club Award
Fifteen families recognized for 2025 high yields
TIFTON, Ga. – Fifteen farm families were recently announced by the University of Georgia Peanut Team for their high yielding peanuts in 2025. The high yields ranged from 4,156 to 6,794 pounds per acre.
The winners were recognized at a dinner in August which was sponsored by the University of Georgia Peanut Team, Georgia Peanut Commission, American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, AMVAC, BASF, Bayer, Fine Americas and Nichino America.
Many of the high yielding farmers agree that having a good rotation, good quality seed and good weather make all the difference with their yields. Additionally, the timing of applications for disease, weed and insect management are key in achieving high yields.
“Many of the state winners combine their management strategies like crop rotation, variety, planting date and critical timing of applications of pesticides to reach these high yields,” says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. “The yields are counted for the entire farm, irrigated or dryland; and they continue to increase year after year.”
Another component of the farmers’ success is following recommendations from the Extension service and asking questions.
According to a report on the production practices of the 2025 winners, the majority use a 3-year rotation plan with other crops such as cotton or corn. Most of the winners plant in twin rows during the month of May.
Another trait among the high yield winners is cultivar selection with many of the winners planting the Georgia-06G cultivar. Other cultivars planted by the winners include TifNV-HG, Georgia-12Y and Georgia-16HO.
The 2025 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club overall state winners are John Gaines Jr., Baker County, with 6,640 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; R&A Partnership, Mitchell County, with 6,794 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category, and Sapp Bros. Farm, Mitchell County with 6,275 in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 1 winners are Mike Newberry of Hillside Farms, Early County, with 6,495 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category, Gary Powell, Marion County, with 4,156 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category, and Jimmy Webb, Calhoun County, with 5,731 in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 2 winners are Bailey, Jhett and Reed Sapp, Mitchell County, with 6,633 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; Vic Fleet of Rolling Hills Farm, Miller County, with 6,296 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category, and 4 Miller Farms, Seminole County, with 6,113 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 3 winners are Tucker Cobb, Washington County, with 6,142 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category, David Selph, Wilcox County, with 5,771 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and 3H Cattle Co. LLC, Washington County, with 5,663 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 4 winners are Jamie Jones, Brooks County, with 5,678 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category, Jordan Harrison, Grady County, with 5,374 pounds per acre in the 300-699 category, and Franz & Daniel Rowland, Brooks County, with 5,367 pounds per acre in the 700-plus category.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Thornton Kennedy
404-210-0360
thornton@prsouth.net
Clay Cosmos Opens at Providence Canyon State Park
Glamping Site Turns a Georgia Day Trip Into a Two-Night Escape Under Some of the Darkest Night Skies on the East Coast
- Walk the rim trail at golden hour, when the canyon’s clay walls glow deepest orange and pink
- Hike into Canyons 4 and 5 and join the Canyon Climbers Club
- Spend an evening stargazing beneath some of the darkest skies in the region
- Visit the park’s museum, visitor center, and 2,706 acres of trails and forest
- Historic downtown Lumpkin, where a handful of local spots around the courthouse square serve a small-town Southern lunch, 10 minutes away
- Richland Distilling Company, an award-winning rum distillery built on a working sugarcane farm, 20 minutes away
- Omaha Brewing Company, a family-owned craft brewery pouring its own beer with live music and food trucks on weekends, 20 minutes away
- White Oak Pastures, a 158-year-old regenerative farm practicing zero-waste, humane animal management, 45 minutes away
- Pasaquan, a psychedelic 7-acre folk art compound in Buena Vista featuring towering totems and painted concrete walls, 35 minutes away (open Friday through Sunday)
- Florence Marina State Park, 9 miles away on 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George
- Nearby state parks and refuges including the newly renovated George T. Bagby State Park, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, and Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: CAF Airbase Georgia
Steve Forsyth
770-714-7750
sforsyth106@gmail.com
Delta Air Lines Named Title Sponsor for CAF Airbase Georgia’s Moonlight Swing Supporting Education Expansion
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. (Aug. 15, 2026) – Delta Air Lines, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, is the title sponsor of CAF Airbase Georgia’s Moonlight Swing, a 1940s-themed gala celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. The inaugural event will be Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Airbase Georgia’s hangar at Atlanta Regional Airport–Falcon Field.
Moonlight Swing will serve as the public launch of Airbase Georgia’s campaign to expand its hangar and education facilities, creating new opportunities to preserve military aviation history, educate future generations, and inspire tomorrow’s aviation workforce. The project will increase space for educational programming, museum exhibits, historic aircraft restoration and community events, while serving as a regional destination for military aviation history, tourism and aviation education.
“Moonlight Swing is more than a gala,” said Airbase Leader Mark Richards. “It is an investment in preserving our nation’s history while inspiring tomorrow’s innovators, aviators, and leaders. Every guest and every sponsor becomes part of that mission.”
Delta’s sponsorship reflects a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to aviation, service, and remembrance. During World War II, Delta answered the nation’s call by modifying 916 military aircraft, overhauling more than 1,000 aircraft engines and instruments, training Army Air Forces pilots and mechanics, and operating military cargo routes supporting the Allied war effort. Today, the airline continues that tradition of service through its nationally recognized Normandy Legacy Flight program, transporting World War II veterans to France each year to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.
Airbase Georgia has preserved the legacy of the Greatest Generation for almost 40 years by restoring and flying historic military aircraft, honoring veterans through commemorative events and educational programs, and connecting thousands of students each year with the history, technology, and leadership lessons of World War II. Airbase Georgia also participates in Delta’s annual Veterans Day program honoring military veterans and Delta employees.
“Delta Air Lines and Airbase Georgia share more than a love of aviation — we share a commitment to preserving the legacy of those who built our nation and our industry,” Richards said. “As Delta embarks on its next century of flight, we’re honored to have them supporting Airbase Georgia’s mission of preserving history, expanding education, and inspiring future generations.”
Expanded facilities will strengthen Airbase Georgia’s growing education initiatives. Aviation career awareness includes an upcoming Aviation Futures Day, a new regional initiative in November designed to connect high school students with aviation employers, educational institutions and industry professionals.
Community organizations and local businesses also have joined Delta in supporting Moonlight Swing through in-kind sponsorships. Current supporting sponsors include Visit Peachtree City, Timeless Occasions, Food Dude, Audio Visual Production Group International, 3 Guys Golf Carts, Invisible Man Pictures, and The Citizen.
Guests attending Moonlight Swing will enjoy an elegant evening beneath the wings of authentic World War II aircraft, with dinner, dancing to the music of Peachtree Jazz Edition and a silent auction featuring military aviation artwork.
Tickets, reserved tables and sponsorship opportunities remain available. For information, visit airbasegeorgia.org.
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About the CAF Airbase Georgia
CAF Airbase Georgia, based at Atlanta Regional Airport -Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Ga., was founded in 1987. The Airbase is one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The group maintains and flies seven vintage military aircraft including a P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair, an SBD Dauntless, an LT-6 Mosquito, a P-63A Kingcobra, a PT-19 Cornell and a T-34 Mentor. Under restoration are an N2S Stearman and P-47 Thunderbolt. The Airbase, composed of more than 300 volunteer members, is a founding partner of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail launched in 2021. The Airbase is part of the CAF, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to conduct its mission. For more information, go to https://airbasegeorgia.org/.
Swing dancing will be a highlight of CAF Airbase Georgia’s Moonlight Swing fundraising event Oct. 17. Peachtree Jazz Edition will provide live music, and a silent auction will feature aviation art. (Photo by Pam Ellis)
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Atlanta Gas Light
Media Line: 855-AGL-NEWS
Ashley Hoffman, ahoffman@southernco.com
Atlanta Gas Light joins Georgia 811 Damage Prevention Summit to advance safe digging across Georgia
On National 811 Day, Atlanta Gas Light encourages contractors, excavators and homeowners to help prevent utility damage: contact 811 before digging
Atlanta, GA. – August 7, 2026 – Atlanta Gas Light is joining Georgia 811, utility operators, contractors and others at the GA811 Damage Prevention Summit on August 11, or “8/11,” to reinforce the importance of safe excavation practices and protecting critical underground infrastructure.
Held on 811 Day, a national observance dedicated to promoting safe digging awareness, the summit highlights the shared responsibility of preventing damage to underground infrastructure and reinforcing the importance of contacting 811 before any digging project. The GA811 Damage Prevention Summit provides an opportunity for industry professionals to share best practices, discuss emerging challenges and strengthen partnerships that enhance damage prevention efforts statewide.
As a key supporter of the summit, Atlanta Gas Light is helping drive industry-wide efforts to advance damage prevention education, improve excavation safety and protect the communities it serves.
Every year, thousands of incidents occur where underground infrastructure is damaged by individuals or companies who begin an excavation project without having the buried facilities properly located. Striking underground natural gas pipelines puts those digging at risk of injury or death, can lead to costly fines and repairs, and subjects their communities to safety risk and potentially lengthy and widespread utility service disruptions.
Whether planting a tree, installing a mailbox, building a deck or managing a commercial construction project, anyone planning to dig should contact 811 at least three business days before work begins. The service is free, and utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground lines to help excavators work safely.
Atlanta Gas Light encourages homeowners and contractors to dig with C.A.R.E. by following these safe digging guidelines:
- Call or Click Before You Dig: Before starting any outdoor digging project, customers should call 811 or visit Georgia 811 at least three days in advance to request to have underground utility lines marked. Requests can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free.
- Allow the Required Time for Marking: After contacting Georgia 811, wait for underground utility lines to be marked before digging (approximately three working days). Locators will mark the approximate location of buried lines with color-coded spray paint, flags or stakes corresponding to the utility. The color used for natural gas is yellow.
- Respect the Marks: Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the lines or flags are damaged or removed, customers are encouraged to contact Georgia 811 to have the lines remarked.
- Excavate Carefully: Only use hand-digging tools when digging near the location markers. This will help avoid potential damage to underground utility lines.
If a natural gas line is accidentally damaged or the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is present, call 911 or the Atlanta Gas Light 24-hour emergency phone line at 1-877-427-4321 from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or equipment that might cause a spark or create an open flame.
Atlanta Gas Light continues to work closely with excavators, municipalities, and industry partners throughout Georgia to promote safe digging practices and reduce damage to underground infrastructure. Through education, outreach and collaboration, the company remains committed to helping ensure that communities remain safe while supporting responsible growth across the state.
For more information visit AtlantaGasLight.com/Call811 or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
About Atlanta Gas Light: Atlanta Gas Light is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.8 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit AtlantaGasLight.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Cassie Ann Kiggen
706-542-6190
cakiggen@uga.edu
2026 UGA CAES Almanac is now available!
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is very pleased to share with you the latest volume of its annual magazine, the CAES Almanac.
You can find the digital edition here: 2026 CAES Almanac
This issue celebrates the people, research and programs advancing agriculture, strengthening communities and improving lives across Georgia and beyond.
We are proud to share these stories of innovation and impact from across CAES and UGA Cooperative Extension!
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan
912-988-1847
dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
Mighty Talk | A Fortress and a Legacy presented by J. Ross Greene
Thursday, August 20th at 11:00 am at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Mighty Talk series continue with A Fortress and a Legacy, presented by J. Ross Geene. This program will take place on August 20th at 11:00 am at the museum.
The program is free to the public, but please register athttps://forms.gle/CkGJ5Y7RLhsThypf6
Optional Lunch: Join us for an optional lunch afterwards. $10/12 cash/credit for members or $15/17cash/credit for non-members.
About the Book
A Fortress and a Legacy combine stunning historical accuracy with the pathos of a family torn by war. An exchange of letters between Knoxville native and B-17 bombardier Bud Perrin and his bride, a former Miss America contestant, gives this story heart and soul.
The book captivates readers with its portrayal of the cross-current of personal relationships set against the background of enlistment, training, and execution of bombing missions over continental Europe.
About the Author
J. Ross Greene’s passion for World War II and determination to share his uncle’s inspiring story led to the extensive research required to write this book. With a background in engineering, he founded a financial consulting firm, beginning his now more than forty-year investment career.
A Fortress and a Legacy represents his gift not only to his cousin—the daughter his uncle never knew— but to all those who share his appreciation for those who sacrificed for the cause of freedom.
Ross and his wife Lynne, who have three children and eight grandchildren, make their home near Atlanta, Georgia.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Jordan Powers
706-542-4274
jpowers@uga.edu
The 2026 Almanac from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is now live
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is thrilled to share the fifth volume of its award-winning annual magazine, the Almanac.
2026 Almanac: Science in service of humanity and the environment.
Almanac is published annually for alumni, friends and supporters of CAES by the Office of the Dean and Director. It is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Stories may be republished by media outlets in part or in full. Media kits are included at the end of each immersive story. Please reach out to CAES PR Manager Jordan Powers with questions or interview requests.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: CAF Airbase Georgia
Steve Forsyth
770-714-7750
sforsyth106@gmail.com
CAF Airbase Georgia to Launch 2026 Georgia Barnstorming Tour
Stops in Toccoa, Augusta, Atlanta, Athens, Macon and Gainesville
PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (Aug. 5, 2026) – Opportunities to fly in restored WWII aircraft will be offered at seven Georgia airports August through November when Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia launches its 2026 Georgia Barnstorming Tour. Several aircraft in the Airbase Georgia fleet will travel to Toccoa, Augusta, Atlanta, Macon, Athens and Gainesville, wrapping up the tour at home in Peachtree City, to offer aviation fans an experience of a lifetime. Rides can be scheduled in advance at www:airbasegeorgia.org.
The tour will begin in Toccoa on Aug. 15 at Toccoa Airport – R.G. Letourneau Field, where the Airbase will bring its PT-19 for display and rides to help celebrate the Toccoa Airport Open House.
The next stop is Augusta on Sept. 12 at Augusta Regional Airport, where the Airbase plans to visit with its P-51 Mustang and three trainers: the LT-6 Mosquito, the PT-19 and a T-34.
“We’re happy to bring this historic fleet to Augusta,” said Airbase Leader Mark Richards. “The P-51 was an incredible guardian for American bombers over Germany and our PT-19 helped train the Tuskegee Airmen in Alabama.”
The third stop on the tour will be for Good Neighbor Day, Sept. 20, at Dekalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta. Airbase Georgia plans to take the same group of exciting planes plus the Dauntless SBD dive bomber, the hero of Midway, to that event for rides on Sunday only.
Macon will be the fourth stop, on Sept. 26, at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. All five aircraft are scheduled to appear there.
Two stops are planned on Oct. 24. Gainesville’s Pixel Man Airshow at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport will have the LT-6, PT-19 trainer and T-34 Mentor trainer. Athens-Ben Epps Airport will host Airbase Georgia for a day of rides with the P-51 Mustang, SBD dive bomber and the LT-6.
The final rides event will be during the Atlanta Gun Show Nov. 21-22 at Airbase Georgia’s headquarters, adjacent to Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field. All five rides aircraft are scheduled to be available. Additional tour stops may be announced during the summer and fall.
“This tour will offer amazing experiences to people across the state,” Richards said. “It helps fulfill our mission of honoring the Greatest Generation who flew these warbirds, and it helps enable school-age children to connect with the WWII history these planes represent. We also hope this tour will encourage more young people to consider careers in aviation.”
About the CAF Airbase Georgia Warbird Museum
CAF Airbase Georgia, based in Peachtree City, Ga., was founded in 1987. The Airbase is one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The group maintains and flies seven vintage military aircraft including a P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair, an SBD Dauntless, and a P-63A Kingcobra. The Airbase, composed of more than 300 volunteer members, is a founding partner of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail launched in 2021. The Airbase is part of the CAF, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to conduct its mission. For more information, go to https://airbasegeorgia.org/.
P-51 Mustang
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Jordan Powers
706-542-4274
jpowers@uga.edu
UGA Grand Farm Field Day to highlight research, technologies shaping Georgia agriculture on Aug. 13
What: The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Grand Farm is set to host the UGA Grand Farm Field Day, an event designed for attendees to experience the research, partnerships and technologies shaping the future of Georgia agriculture.
UGA Grand Farm is a collaborative agricultural technology innovation hub led by UGA CAES and Grand Farm. Located in Perry, Georgia, the 250-acre farm brings together growers, researchers, startups, industry leaders and students to test emerging technologies, host hands-on events and accelerate practical solutions through applied research.
Through presentations and guided field tours, attendees will explore active trials, meet researchers and industry partners, and get an inside look at the USDA National Proving Grounds Network™ for AgTech initiative and other innovations taking place at UGA Grand Farm.
In addition, Pivot Bio’s Year of One Million Thanks Buddy Seat Tour will make a stop at the UGA Grand Farm Field Day. The year-long effort is traveling across rural America to celebrate farmers while bringing them together with leaders from business, government, academia and beyond to explore practical partnerships and solutions for the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities. Visitors will be able to see the tour’s working farm tractor, add a personal thank-you message for farmers and learn more about the conversations taking place from the Buddy Seat.
Where:UGA Grand Farm, 1101 Limerock Pkwy., Perry, GA 31069, (GPS Coordinates: 31.48126 N, 83.52084 W)
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
(A full agenda is available here.)
Who: Featured speakers and industry leaders include:
- Dr. Steven Mirsky, Director of Digital Agriculture, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Dr. Lenin Rodriguez, Director, UGA Grand Farm
- Dr. Travis Frey, Chief Technology Officer, Pivot Bio
Photo Opps:
- Guided outdoor field tours of active trial plots and research sites
- Live demonstrations of emerging technology and field machinery
- Keynote presentations by USDA-ARS and UGA Grand Farm leadership
- On-site interviews with researchers, industry partners and speakers
- Pivot Bio’s One Million Thanks Grati-Tractor will be onsite throughout the event; media are welcome to interview Dr. Frey from the Buddy Seat
RSVP: Media outlets may register via the event page. Please contact CAES PR Manager Jordan Powers at jpowers@uga.edu with any questions.
Event Contact: Kaytlyn Cobb, Regional Assistant Director, UGA Grand Farm, kaytlync@grandfarm.com
Media Contacts:Jordan Powers, PR Manager, CAES Office of Marketing and Communications, jpowers@uga.edu
Erin Loesing, Agriculture & Science Communication Leader – Global, Pivot Bio, eloesing@pivotbio.com
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: State Affairs
Joy Walstrum, joy@stateaffairs.com
www.stateaffairs.com
Killed While Crossing: A Georgia Town Hall on Pedestrian Safety
Every crossing tells a story. Join us Sept. 20 to help change the ending.
Every day, Georgians risk their lives just crossing the street. Since 2018, tens of thousands of pedestrians have been killed or injured on our roads — landing Georgia among the 10 most dangerous states in the nation for walkers. This isn’t a statistic. It’s a crisis playing out on our sidewalks, at our crosswalks, in our neighborhoods.
It’s time to talk about why — and what we can do about it.
State Affairs Georgia reporter Beau Evans has spent months investigating the human toll behind these numbers and the infrastructure, policy and planning issues driving them. Now, we’re bringing that reporting into the room with the people who can act on it — that includes you.
Join us in Macon for a town hall that puts solutions on the table.
State Affairs Georgia Town Hall: Killed While Crossing
Date: Sept. 20, 2026
Location: Macon, Georgia
Time: 2–4 p.m. EDT
Residents, transportation experts, local leaders, advocates and policymakers will come together for a direct conversation about what’s broken — and how to fix it. Whether you walk, bike, drive or ride transit, Georgia’s streets should be safe for you. The event will be moderated by Tyrik Wynn, anchor and reporter at 41NBC News and host of the station’s weekday morning “Daybreak” newscasts.
The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. This is a conversation that can’t wait.
Please click here to register.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Op-Ed: Higher Electric Prices & Lower Reliability? Not in Georgia.
This op-ed piece by Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia, is available for use in your newspaper
To download a photo of Greene, please click here.
If you’re reading the headlines, you may have noticed a seemingly nationwide crisis – the increased use of artificial intelligence and cloud storage by all of us is driving an electricity demand surge unlike anything in recent memory. Companies are racing to build data centers and, in state after state, the grid is not ready. Electric rates are rising. Reliability is under pressure – residents of some states even live in fear of potential blackouts. Families and small businesses are absorbing costs that were never designed to land on them. New businesses are reevaluating where they build or operate because reliable power is not readily available in some markets.
As the CEO of the largest electric company in the state, serving millions of homes and businesses, I want to assure you that is NOT happening in Georgia.
At Georgia Power, we’ve built and maintained the infrastructure our state needs for more than 140 years. From the beginning of the electric age, when lanterns gave way to electric lights, to the advent of air conditioning in the 1960s, to the internet boom of the 1990s, we know how to come together to face moments of rapid technological change and opportunity and keep Georgia moving in the right direction. Working alongside the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and state leaders, we’ve taken deliberate steps that position our state differently. We believe growth can be a benefit – not a burden – and we’ve planned accordingly.
As temperatures climb and families across Georgia adjust their thermostats this summer, I want our customers to know two things: the energy you need will be there, and we are working every day to keep it affordable. In May, the PSC approved a plan that will deliver approximately $285 million in annual savings for customers, or about $50 in yearly savings for the typical residential household. That means the overall rate you are paying for electricity from Georgia Power is lower than it was this time last year – very few utilities can say the same.
Those savings build on other recent good news for customers: stable rates through 2028, along with more than $100 in additional annual savings planned beginning in 2029. This isn’t accidental. It reflects a deliberate strategy to manage Georgia’s economic growth and rising electricity demand while keeping costs down for customers.
So, how are we able to deliver these benefits when other states are struggling?
Because we have a system that allows us to plan, invest, and deliver—for today and for 20 years from today.
Years ago, we recognized that large energy users, like data centers, could reshape the demand for electricity. Working with the PSC, we put protections in place to ensure residential and small business customers wouldn’t bear the cost of that growth. We created new rules and regulations that require them to pay for the infrastructure needed to serve them, commit to longer contract terms, minimum bills, termination payments, and financial security provisions.
Simply put: They pay more, so you pay less.
This rate-reducing load growth is also resulting in a stronger, more resilient power grid for you, and for future generations of Georgians. We’re adding new power plants across the state, including natural gas, solar, and battery storage, as well as increasing the output of the country’s largest generator of clean energy at Plant Vogtle. We’re also building new transmission lines that serve as the backbone of our electric grid, reliably moving energy from power plants to the communities that depend on it.
This is what it looks like when growth is matched with preparation. Higher reliability and lower costs as we work to ensure that Georgia’s success benefits the people who call this state home.
At Georgia Power, our job is to make sure the infrastructure we build keeps pace with our state’s bright future – and serves everyone. The families watching their bills every month. The small business owners who can’t afford a reliability failure. The next generation of Georgians who deserve opportunity, stability, and a future in the state they know and love.
Georgia Power is built for this moment. On behalf of thousands of employees working across the state, we are grateful and honored to serve you, your family, and your business.
Kim Greene, Georgia Power Chairman, President and CEO
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Kim Broun, kim.broun@georgiaemc.com
Georgia EMC Announces Heather Teilhet as Next President/CEO
(TUCKER, GA, August 3, 2026) – After a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors of Georgia EMC is pleased to announce the selection of Heather Teilhet as the organization’s next President/CEO. She will take office on January 4, 2027.
Heather Teilhet
Teilhet brings almost two decades of electric utility leadership experience to Georgia EMC and 28 years of experience in government affairs and communications roles. She is returning to Georgia EMC after serving there from 2009 to 2017 in a variety of advocacy and government relations roles. Most recently, she has served as Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Oglethorpe Power Corporation, one of the largest generation cooperatives in the U.S. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary for Governor Sonny Perdue during portions of his first and second terms in office.
“Georgia EMC is delighted to welcome Heather Teilhet as President/CEO. We believe Heather is ideally suited to serving Georgia EMC’s members in the dynamic times ahead for our industry,” said Brenda Green, Board Chairman. “We look forward to working closely with Heather to strengthen all EMCs in Georgia so they can continue serving their members’ needs effectively.”
“I’m honored to return to Georgia EMC in this leadership role and grateful for the Board’s confidence in me. Having worked alongside Georgia’s electric cooperatives for many years, I have a deep appreciation for Georgia EMC’s advocacy and support for its members. I look forward to working with our Board, the talented team and our 41 Member cooperatives as they deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to nearly five million Georgians and the communities they serve,” said Teilhet.
The board extends its sincere thanks to Dennis Chastain for almost four decades of service to Georgia’s EMCs, including the last 11 years leading Georgia EMC as President/CEO, and congratulates him on his upcoming retirement.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Audrey Young, 229-402-5581
audrey@georgiacotton.org
2025 Georgia Quality Cotton Award Winners Announced
The 2025 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the 2026 Georgia Cotton Commission Mid-Year Meeting on July 29, 2026. The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine and administered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team. Dr. Yangxuan Liu, extension economist at the University of Georgia, conducted the analysis. Dr. Phillip Roberts presented the awards at the event in Statesboro on behalf of the UGA Cotton Team.
The purpose of the awards is to recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and to identify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque, and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.
The awards are given in each of these three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners in these categories are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The sponsors of this program congratulate the following winners:
- Grower – Groves Landing Plantation LLC, Dooly County
- Ginner – Creek Cotton Company, Vienna
- Nominated by – Bill Starr
- Grower – Reese Foster, Terrell County
- Ginner – McClesky Cotton, Dawson
- Nominated by – Seth McAllister
- Grower – Stuart Goosen, Jefferson County
- Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc., Midville
- Nominated by – Pamela Sapp
- Grower – Jacob Sandeford, Burke County
- Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc., Midville
- Nominated by – Cliff Collins & Peyton Sapp
- Grower – Smith Farms, Jefferson County
- Ginner – Farmers Gin & Storage Co., Inc., Wadley
- Nominated by – Pamela Sapp
- Grower – Craig Drew, Brooks County
- Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company, Inc., Quitman
- Nominated by – Jacob Kalina & Michasia Dowdy
- Grower – Overstreet Farms, Appling County
- Ginner – Southeastern Gin and Peanut, Surrency
- Nominated by – Will Brown
- Grower – Turner Farms, Appling County
- Ginner – Southeastern Gin and Peanut, Surrency
- Nominated by – Will Brown
- Grower – John Bulloch, Thomas County
- Ginner – Boston Gin, Boston
- Nominated by – Sydni Ingram
- Grower – Garrett Bridges Farms, Seminole County
- Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin, Inc., Donalsonville
- Nominated by – Justin E. Odom & Cody Powell
- Grower –A P Farms, Decatur County
- Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin Inc., Donalsonville
- Nominated by – Justin E. Odom & Brian Hayes
Jefferson County Farmer Stuart Goosen (left) and Ralph Sandeford of Midville Warehouse Inc. (center) accept the 2025 Best Cotton Award as part of the 2025 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards. L-R – Goosen; Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission Executive Director; Sandeford; Pamela Sapp, Jefferson County Extension Coordinator; and Will Duffie, Bayer Crop Science.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia 811
Megan Estes, 770-823-3936, mestes@georgia811.com
MISTAKES CAN COST YOU! Call 811 Before You Dig
“I’ve been digging here for years without a problem.”
“I know where my utilities are – I was here when they were installed.”
“I’m on a farm, so I don’t need a dig ticket.”
“I’m not digging very deep.”
“These are some of the most common reasons people give for not contacting 811 before digging,” says Megan Estes, Director of Corporate Communications at Georgia 811. “The reality is that every digging project is different. A locate request isn’t a one-time permit – it’s valid for one specific location, one specific type of work, and for only 30 days. If the location changes or the scope of the project changes, you’ll need a new ticket. It’s every dig, every time.”
Georgia law requires anyone planning to dig to contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before beginning work. After a ticket is submitted, Georgia 811 notifies the utility companies that may have underground facilities in the area. Those utility companies then send professional locators to mark the approximate location of their underground lines using paint, flags, or both.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that Georgia 811 locates underground utilities,” Estes says. “Our role is to notify the affected utility companies. They are responsible for sending their locate technicians to mark their facilities.”
Before breaking ground, those digging should verify that all notified utility companies have responded to the ticket. Using the ticket number, homeowners and contractors can check ticket responses online or through the Georgia 811 mobile app to confirm whether utilities have marked their lines.
The process is quick, easy, and completely free. Taking a few minutes to request a dig ticket before renting equipment or starting a project can help prevent service outages, costly repairs, injuries, and even fatalities.
Georgia 811 offers several convenient ways to submit a locate request. Homeowners and contractors can submit tickets online at www.Georgia811.com or simply dial 811, the national Call Before You Dig number.
As 811 Day (August 11) approaches, Georgia 811 reminds everyone that whether you’re planting a tree, installing a mailbox, building a fence, or tackling a major construction project, one simple step can make all the difference:
Know what’s below. Contact 811 before every dig, every time.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power cuts ribbon on new Moody battery energy storage facility paired with solar
Newest Lowndes County facility adds 49.5 MW of flexible energy storage to grid
ATLANTA – July 27, 2026 – Georgia Power leaders joined state and local elected officials, as well as community leaders, recently to celebrate the completion of one of the company’s first battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected to solar. The Moody Battery Facility, located just outside of Valdosta, Ga., is capable of 49.5 megawatts (MW) of battery storage, which can be deployed back to the grid over a four-hour period. This flexible energy storage system matches the output of the nearby Moody solar facility and adds resiliency to the state’s power grid.
Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Jason Shaw and Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes joined members of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, the Valdosta City Council, and other community partners, alongside Georgia Power leaders to cut the ribbon on the project, underscoring the strong partnerships that brought this project to life. The event spotlighted not only the importance of the project but also the lasting economic impact and benefits it will bring to Lowndes County.
“The successful completion of the Moody Battery Energy Storage System, ahead of schedule, is great news for our customers and for reliable energy in our state,” said Rick Anderson, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power. “This project not only enhances grid resiliency but highlights our commitment to adding cost-effective resources to our diverse generation mix through programs reviewed and approved with the Georgia PSC. We appreciate the hard work of Crowder Engineering, and the other companies involved in this project, as well as the community that has supported this new energy source in Lowndes County.”
At this battery and solar co-located facility, battery energy storage helps capture renewable resources produced during periods when the demand for electricity is lower and stores it for use when the demand is higher, such as on cold winter mornings. These projects help to address the state’s growing power needs approved by the Georgia PSC through the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process in a cost-effective and strategic manner.
Georgia Power Adding BESS Statewide
The Moody BESS facility was approved with three other BESS projects across the state, and Georgia Power is nearing completion of those projects – totaling 715 MW – Bibb, Cherokee, and Floyd counties, projects, which were previously approved in the 2023 IRP Update.
The Georgia PSC also approved the construction of nine additional BESS facilities strategically placed on eight sites throughout the state, adding more than 3,000 MW of additional planned storage. The sites were strategically selected based on deployment capabilities, including the opportunity to locate additional resources at existing company plant sites, existing company-owned land, and proximity to substations or current company facilities. New BESS facilities include locations at Plants Bowen, Hammond, McIntosh, Wansley and Yates as well as stand-alone locations in Hall and McDuffie counties.
To support the increasing demand for renewable energy, the company has also been approved for two new state-of-the-art solar systems paired with battery storage for a combined capacity of 350 MW. These projects are designed to maximize high solar irradiance while minimizing land disturbance. New solar + BESS projects include locations in Laurens and Dougherty counties.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Angela Holland, Georgia Association of Convenience Stores, aholland@gacs.com
Georgia Association of Convenience Stores Launches GACS L.E.A.D. Academy
DALLAS, Ga. — The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS) is proud to announce the launch of the GACS L.E.A.D. Academy, an eight-month leadership development program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in Georgia’s convenience store industry.
Beginning in October 2026, the Academy will bring together owners, operators, decision-makers, and high-potential team members for an immersive leadership experience that combines practical instruction, executive networking, facility tours, and real-world learning. The program reflects GACS’s continued commitment to strengthening the industry through education and professional development.
“Leadership isn’t defined by titles, but by responsibility and commitment. It is reflected in how we collaborate, respond to challenges, and remain focused on what matters most,” said Angela Holland, CAE, President of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores. “Through the GACS L.E.A.D. Academy, we are investing in the future of Georgia’s convenience store industry by equipping emerging and established leaders with the skills, perspectives, and relationships they need to succeed.”
Facilitated by nationally recognized leadership consultant Dr. Larry Grays, founder of EPL Consulting, the Academy moves beyond the traditional classroom by pairing expert instruction with insights from respected convenience store executives, Fortune 500 business leaders, state legislators, military personnel, and members of the GACS Board of Directors.
Participants will explore topics including:
- Defining Great Leadership: From Operator to Strategist
- Team Building & Improving Retention: Winning the War for Talent
- Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations
- Leading Through Change
- Strategic Planning & Vision Casting
- Effective Communication & Industry Advocacy
Throughout the eight-month program, participants will travel across Georgia for behind-the-scenes visits to different industry-leading facilities, including one of Core-Mark’s newest distribution centers, one of Coca-Cola UNITED’s production plants, Chick-fil-A’s Support Center, the Georgia Ports Authority, the Georgia State Capitol, along with many other prestigious destinations! Sessions will also feature speakers from organizations such as Whatley Convenience Stores, Jet Food Stores of Georgia, RaceTrac, Lockheed Martin, the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Trilith Studios, the Savannah Bananas, and many more, providing participants with a perspective of leadership across different industries.
The inaugural class begins October 21, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, with a welcome dinner followed by participation in the GACS Southern Convenience Store & Petroleum Show. The Academy concludes during the 2027 GACS Convention at the historic Jekyll Island Club, where graduates will be recognized during a special graduation ceremony.
Enrollment is limited to 36 participants to foster meaningful collaboration and personalized leadership development. The $1,500 program investment includes required reading materials, DISC assessment fees, and registration for GACS events associated with the Academy.
Applications for the inaugural class are now being accepted.
To learn more about the curriculum, featured speakers, monthly sessions, or to apply, visit www.gacs.com/lead.
About the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS)
The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS) was founded in 1973 by convenience store owners and operators to create a united voice within the Georgia General Assembly. GACS advances the business success of its members and the convenience store industry through political engagement, knowledge circulation and relevant services. GACS represents roughly 1,600 convenience stores in Georgia. To learn more, please visit www.gacs.com
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Kim Broun, kim.broun@georgiaemc.com
Georgia EMC Announces New Addition to Economic Development Team Leadership
(TUCKER, GA, July 23, 2026) — Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is pleased to announce Tammy Caudell has recently joined the association as manager of economic development.
Tammy will lead the economic development team in its overarching mission to attract business investment and support economic growth across Georgia’s EMC communities. In this role, she will focus specifically on economic development strategy, prospect recruitment, stakeholder engagement and team management.
Tammy Caudell
“I am thrilled to welcome Tammy to our economic development team,” said Bradley Harris, vice president of community and economic development at Georgia EMC. “Tammy’s expertise will further enhance our efforts to empower the communities that our member EMCs serve and drive economic growth statewide.”
With nearly three decades of experience in economic development, business development and strategic marketing, Tammy has played a significant role in attracting more than $2.3 billion in capital investment to northeast Georgia.
In her previous role as senior business developer for Carroll Daniel Construction, Tammy delivered successful commercial and industrial projects across the state. She has also served as senior project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where she worked closely with state leadership to invest in industry growth. Earlier in her career, she held marketing and business development roles with The Coca-Cola Company and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, building a strong foundation in client engagement, strategic communications and relationship management.
Tammy is recognized for her ability to build trusted partnerships with corporate executives, community stakeholders and public-sector leaders. Her collaborative approach, leadership and deep knowledge of Georgia’s economic development landscape have made her a respected resource for companies investing and expanding throughout the state.
Tammy earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a concentration in public relations from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University. Tammy is a Georgia Certified Economic Developer through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and is an active member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC). She is also a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2009.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Reg Griffin, reg.griffin@decal.ga.gov, 404-656-0239 office
Georgia’s Pre-K Program Prepares for 2026–2027 School Year
This Year Marks the 34th Year of Pre-K in Georgia
ATLANTA, Ga., (July 24, 2026) – School bells are ringing for the state’s youngest learners as Georgia’s Pre-K Program begins its 34th year. The first day of Georgia’s Pre-K Program will vary based on school system and child care provider. It starts as early as July 24 in Chattooga County and as late as the week of September 3 in Murray and Webster counties. Most Georgia school systems begin classes during the first two weeks of August.
“Research shows that the early education of children from birth to age five is critical to their success in kindergarten and elementary school,” said Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the state agency that administers the program. “We believe laying a solid foundation for academic and social emotional success in our youngest learners is also important for the long-term economic growth of Georgia by helping to build a competent and qualified workforce.”
“Starting school is an exciting time for children and families and is also a time when learning and education become more formalized,” said Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports. “Starting school is a big step, and we are honored to provide the first quality formal education experience for many children in Georgia.”
For families enrolling their children in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Adams offered the following helpful tips to make the first day go smoother:
- Attend Pre-K orientation at the school where your child will be attending. Visit the classroom so your child is familiar with the new surroundings and will be able to meet their teachers.
- Practice your morning routine days before the actual first day of school.
- Pick out your child’s outfit the night before, have everything you will need ready to go!
- Send your child to school in clothes they can manage independently in the bathroom.
- Make sure your child’s shoes are comfortable and safe for playtime, close-toed shoes are a good choice.
- Tell your child’s teacher about any fears she/he may have.
- Discuss any special dietary needs or allergies your child may have with the teacher and ask her/him to explain program policies relating to children’s allergies.
- Complete necessary forms or releases your Pre-K provider may require for dispensing medication during the school day.
- Locate the bathroom with your child and determine special bathroom routines the school observes.
- Allow extra time for the first day of school once you arrive. Make sure you have time to say good-bye.
- Ask if your child can bring a familiar blanket for rest time: Can they bring a favorite stuffed animal?
- Send a family photo in your child’s backpack in case they get lonely.
Last year, Georgia achieved a historic milestone by meeting all 10 benchmarks in the annual NIEER State of Pre‑K Report Card for the 2024–2025 school year. This accomplishment marked a major step forward for the state’s early childhood education system and underscored Georgia’s ongoing commitment to providing high‑quality pre‑kindergarten experiences for its youngest learners.
This achievement was made possible by increased funding from the Georgia Lottery. With statewide Pre-K at around 68,500 students, the teacher-to-student ratio decreased to 1:10 and class size was reduced to a maximum of 20, down from 22.
Georgia’s Pre-K Program began in 1992 as a pilot program serving 750 at-risk four-year-olds at 20 locations. Because of the success of the Georgia Lottery, in 1995 the Pre-K program was opened to all four-year-old children regardless of family income. The program has been consistently ranked one of the top state programs in the nation by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) based on quality standards, teacher qualifications and enrollment.
About DECAL
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program; licenses child care centers and home-based child care; administers Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program and federal nutrition programs; and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community-powered child care rating system.
The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. For more information, go to www.decal.ga.gov.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power to serve OpenAI project in Effingham County
OpenAI commits to supporting the power grid with up to 1,000 MW of flexible demand response; Lowering power use at scale will help ensure reliable electric service for all customers when demand is highest
ATLANTA – July 22, 2026 – As Georgia continues to grow and attract new investment and jobs, Georgia Power continues to work to ensure that growth benefits all Georgia Power customers. Today, AI research and deployment company OpenAI announced its plans for a new project in Effingham County, Georgia – about 45 minutes outside of Savannah – which will be served by Georgia Power. The project is expected to create thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars in new investment for the local community. Read more about the announcement here: Building AI infrastructure with the Effingham County community | OpenAI
As outlined in OpenAI’s announcement, OpenAI will pay the full infrastructure and electric service costs to serve its facility and will fulfill requirements for long-term energy contracts and include financial assurances designed to protect Georgia Power customers. This approach is aligned with the updated rules and regulations first approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in January 2025, which sit at the center of Georgia Power’s industry-leading strategy to meet the needs of large-energy users while also delivering lower rates and higher reliability for all customers. Read more about this robust strategy in the Georgia Power Customer Protection Pledge.
In addition, OpenAI, which is expected to need approximately 3,200 megawatts (MW) of power for its new facility, has agreed to provide up to 1,000 MW of flexible demand response where it will reduce its power use in times of high demand, meaningfully supporting reliability across Georgia Power’s system. Under the 25-year agreement, Georgia Power will have the ability to reduce energy delivered to the OpenAI facility during certain times to support the stability and reliability of the electric grid. This demand response resource will also allow the company to invest in fewer new generation resources to serve future growth, providing savings for customers in the long term. Georgia Power’s load flexibility agreement with OpenAI is among the largest single-facility demand response commitments in the country.
“We appreciate the leadership and thoughtfulness of the OpenAI team as they prepare to bring significant investment and cutting-edge technology to Georgia,” said Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president of Strategic Growth for Georgia Power. “At Georgia Power, we are working every day to help ensure that growth from data centers and other large-energy users brings value for our customers through higher reliability and lower prices. Companies like OpenAI are making real commitments when it comes to responsible operation and development and demonstrating the benefits that these facilities can bring to Georgia communities. We’re excited to work with OpenAI, Effingham County and local partners on this significant project.”
In recent years, with new residents moving to the state and large-energy users like data centers and manufacturers choosing Georgia, Georgia Power has moved quickly to anticipate and effectively manage growth with the Georgia PSC. This process includes conducting rigorous reviews of large-load contracts as they are reached with customers – such as the one with OpenAI currently – with Georgia PSC Staff. This industry-leading strategy is helping protect residential and small business customers, and has helped deliver the company’s earlier base rate freeze as well as a plan to provide annual savings of $102 for the typical residential customer beginning in 2029.
To learn more about how Georgia Power is keeping energy reliable and affordable for millions of Georgia homes and businesses, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Trent Jones, tj3business@gmail.com, 478-308-9922
10 Good Men: Final World War II Documentary Screening at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
CHATHAM COUNTY, GA – JULY 16th 2026 – YouTube historian Trent “TJ” Jones will present a special screening of his highly anticipated feature documentary, 10 Good Men, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
The 90-minute film preserves the firsthand combat stories of ten of the last remaining World War II veterans who flew the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress — the equivalent of a single full crew during the war. Featuring rare restored and colorized archive footage, an Emmy Award-winning narrator in Dan Nachtrab, and powerful interviews with these aging heroes, 10 Good Men offers a rare and intimate look at the air war over Europe through the eyes of those who lived it.
The documentary has already earned rave reviews from New York Times best-selling authors and respected Air Force historians and will be playing in select locations beginning in May. It marks the first feature film from TJ3 Productions, the company behind Jones’s popular TJ3 History YouTube channel, which has built a large following with in-depth World War II aviation storytelling.
A Q&A session with director Trent “TJ” Jones will follow the screening, giving audiences a chance to hear directly from the filmmakers and learn more about the three-year journey to bring these veterans’ stories to life.
“These men represent the final voices of a generation that is quickly leaving us,” said Jones. “Our goal with 10 Good Men was to honor their service with the highest production quality possible, so that their experiences can be preserved and shared for generations to come.”
Tickets for the world premiere are available online at www.10goodmen.com/event-details/savannah-ga-the-national-museum-of-mighty-eighth-airforce, or at the door the morning of the screening. For more information about the film, visit www.10goodmen.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Jessie Bland
(229) 386-3470, jessie@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Commission hosting 2027 calendar photo contest featuring peanut farms from across the state
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission is hosting a photo contest through Oct. 1, 2026, featuring peanut farms from across the state to fill the pages of the 2027 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Photos will also be selected to be used in various promotional projects by GPC throughout the year.
Georgia farmers are encouraged to submit their best high-resolution photo from throughout the growing season. Winning entries will be selected for each month of the calendar, as well as the cover page. Below are tips to consider when selecting a photo to enter:
- Make sure the photo is not offensive and avoid photos with large, easy to read corporate logos.
- Think about the months of the year and select photos that represent them. For example, land prep work in the winter, planting in the spring, irrigation in the summer and harvest in the fall.
- Make sure photos are taken in horizontal format, so they will fill the entire page of the calendar.
- Showcase your family (young and old) and what being a Georgia peanut farmer means to you.
- Choose a photo you feel helps others understand more about how you care for the crop they love.
Photo entries must be taken during the 2024, 2025 or 2026 peanut crop year and feature peanut production. Entries must also be high resolution (300 dpi), horizontal and not taken with a phone; otherwise, they may be disqualified. Please submit photos in .jpg format with the online entry form provided on www.gapeanuts.com by Oct. 1, 2026, for consideration. Winning entries will be entered for a chance to win a Visa gift card. Visit www.gapeanuts.com for complete details.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby
(229) 386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Commission announces Georgia Peanut Innovation Award
Contest will recognize a unique new peanut product concept with a $10K cash prize
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission announces a new award and cash prize for food entrepreneurs: The Georgia Peanut Innovation Award will recognize and reward the most unique and viable new product concept inspired by Georgia Peanuts. The $10,000 cash prize will be awarded at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 22, 2026. The contest is open to any new and unique application of peanuts, whether the product idea is in the prototype phase or has been on the market for less than a year. While the product must be food-related, it can be intended for either human or animal consumption.
“Peanuts have always been unique,” remarks Taylor Arnold, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “They’re one of the most affordable sources of protein and they conserve water, improve soil health and are a zero-waste plant, making them perfectly suited for the future. It’s only fitting they also should inspire some unique ideas when it comes to new products.”
Peanut product innovators can enter the contest by visiting gapeanuts.com and filling out an official entry form. Entries must be submitted by August 20, 2026. After an internal evaluation, five finalists will be presented to a panel of business professionals from the fields of agriculture, finance, education, retail and product/recipe development.
The award and $10,000 cash prize will be presented to the winner by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Donald Chase, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 22, 2026, in Moultrie, Georgia.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power reaffirms longstanding commitment to make growth work for customers with Customer Protection Pledge
Pledge highlights key elements of company’s industry-leading strategy that have enabled its earlier base rate freeze and will provide future savings for customers
ATLANTA – July 15, 2026 – With new residents moving to the state and large-energy users like data centers and manufacturers choosing Georgia, Georgia Power continues to work to ensure that growth benefits all Georgia Power customers. The company has moved quickly to anticipate and effectively manage this growth with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), creating an industry-leading strategy that is helping protect residential and small business customers through a comprehensive approach that has helped deliver the company’s earlier base rate freeze and a plan to provide annual savings of $102 per year for the typical residential customer beginning in 2029.
Today, the company further affirmed its overall commitment by introducing its Customer Protection Pledge at GeorgiaPower.com/Pledge, including six key points.
- Protect Your Rates and Keep Energy Affordable
- Ensure New Large-Energy Users Pay Their Way
- Invest in a Stronger, More Reliable Grid
- Negotiate Fairly and Transparently for Property
- Power a Balanced, Reliable Energy Future
- Protect What We Share
“We know that, in many parts of the country, rapid growth and increasing demand for electricity are creating higher electric rates and lower reliability – that is not happening in Georgia,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Our Pledge clearly defines and solidifies the strategy that has been working for Georgia Power customers and our communities in recent years. Our company is built for this moment and, as we build and expand the power grid to serve this growth, we will do so responsibly and in a way which lives up to our longstanding mission to be a Citizen Wherever We Serve.”
For more than 140 years, Georgia Power has delivered reliable and affordable energy to Georgians as the state has grown. Since 1990, the company has offered rates, on average, 15 percent below the national average while also offering flexible rate plans for residential and business customers, as well as a wide variety of programs to help customers save money and energy. Alongside this focus on affordability, the company also continues to make investments that deliver greater reliability across the state, including its ongoing Grid Investment Program, which improved reliability for more than 500,000 customers in 2025 alone.
To learn more about how Georgia Power is keeping energy reliable and affordable for millions of Georgia homes and businesses, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Reg Griffin, reg.griffin@decal.ga.gov, 404-656-0239 office
DECAL Introduces DECAL FAST: Family Access to Services & Tools
Georgia Families Looking for Child Care Now Have Easy Access to Vital Information
ATLANTA, Ga., (June 28, 2026) – The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has launched a new family portal called DECAL FAST: Family Access to Services & Tools to support Georgia’s families looking for child care or early education services.
This new portal offers families a more intuitive experience, making it easier for them to find information and connect with early care and education services, tools, and resources. A key feature of the portal is CALi, an AI chatbot, that will help families self‑navigate through the portal and quickly find the information they need. CALi will provide timely, intuitive support that will make DECAL resources more accessible, easy to find, and user centered.
“DECAL works continually to make our programs, services, and tools easy for families to find and use,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “DECAL FAST uses cutting edge technology to ensure that families across the state can find the best solutions for their early care and education needs.”
The portal was tested by DECAL staff and by DECAL Family Peer Ambassadors led by Child and Family Development Outreach Manager Bridget Ratajczak. Their involvement provided authentic, user-driven feedback to ensure that the portal meets the needs, supports, and expectations of the families we serve.
“We are so grateful for the feedback on the design and content that our DECAL Family Peer Ambassadors provided,” Ratajczak said. “Their input was a critical part of the design and testing process, providing family voice and ensuring that the portal is accessible to and meets the needs of families across Georgia.”
DECAL FAST is fully ADA compliant and accessible for all users including those who use screen readers or have other vision challenges. Language used in the portal has been intentionally simplified, and the design ensures easy and intuitive use on mobile devices. All content, except legal information, is also available in Spanish.
DECAL FAST is accessible through families.decal.ga.gov and through the Families and Find Quality Rated links on the DECAL website, www.decal.ga.gov.
About DECAL
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community powered child care rating system.
The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. For more information, go to www.decal.ga.gov.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power continues to offer options to connect customers to solar
New Customer Identified Resource programs expand how commercial and industrial customers can support their sustainability efforts; Company has procured more than 2,200 megawatts of new solar in last two years through CARES program
ATLANTA – June 25, 2026 – Georgia Power has opened enrollment for the new Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription Customer Identified Resource (CARES CIR) program, which the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approved in the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) stipulated agreement. As part of Georgia Power’s commitment to clean energy, Georgia Power routinely seeks utility-scale and distributed solar generation resources through competitive request for proposals (RFP) processes, in which renewable energy project developers bid in a project. Commercial and industrial customers can then subscribe to the CARES program where they receive renewable benefits associated with those projects. CARES CIR is a customer-driven expansion on this procurement and subscription concept that allows commercial and industrial customers to identify and submit additional renewable energy projects to Georgia Power at prices that will create value for all Georgia Power customers.
Interest in CARES subscriptions continues to grow as more customers look for ways to support renewable energy. By allowing customers to bring forward their preferred renewable energy projects, the CARES CIR program expands access to renewables while preserving benefits and maintaining protections for all Georgia Power customers. Once projects are approved, Georgia Power establishes long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with qualified developers and works with participating customers to execute subscription agreements.
“The CARES CIR program represents the next step in giving our customers more choice and flexibility in how they meet their sustainability goals,” said Wilson Mallard, director of renewable development for Georgia Power. “By enabling customers to identify and subscribe to renewable energy projects that align with their priorities, we’re expanding access to clean energy while maintaining reliability and value for all of our customers across Georgia.”
CARES CIR, which is approved for up to 3,000 additional megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects, divides projects into two distinct programs:
- CARES CIR Utility-Scale allows eligible metered customers with annual energy demands above 3 MW to subscribe to renewable projects larger than 6 MW.
- CARES CIR Distributed Generation allows eligible metered commercial and industrial customers with smaller annual energy demands between 1 MW and 3 MW to subscribe to locally sourced solar projects in Georgia ranging from 250 kilowatts to 6 MW in size. The program will be filed through the traditional Distributed Generation RFP process, with a Notice of Intent period and application window expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Georgia Power Expands CARES Utility-Scale Programs
Last year, Georgia Power announced PSC approval of 1,068 MW of new solar PPAs and 91 MW Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) under the CARES 2023 RFP. Recently, two additional CARES 2023 RFP solar PPAs totaling 385 MW were filed for approval with the PSC, bringing the CARES 2023 RFP total to more than 1.4 gigawatts, pending final PSC approval.
Through the CARES 2025 RFP, approved in the 2022 IRP, Georgia Power has signed five contracts for 752 MW. The PPAs were selected by Georgia Power following a competitive solicitation overseen by an independent evaluator and PSC staff. The facilities will be located throughout Georgia and include:
- Appling County: 20-year PPA providing 78 MW of solar capacity
- Decatur County: 30-year PPA providing 130 MW of solar capacity
- Jefferson County: 25-year PPA providing 194 MW of solar capacity
- Sumter County: 30-year PPA providing 200 MW of solar capacity
- Warren County: 25-year PPA providing 150 MW of solar capacity
To learn more about the CARES program, including the new CARES CIR process, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/CARES.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Alejandro Sepulveda, Business Development Director, Vehicle License Plate Solutions, SICPA, info@SICPA.com
Iowa DOT Launches SICPA Temporary Tag Solution for Vehicles to Boost Officer and Public Safety
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 26, 2026 – On January 1, SICPA, a global leader in authenticated security solutions, launched a statewide system for issuing secure, verifiable temporary tags for vehicles with a wide range of protective features in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).
The paper-based temporary tags previously issued by Iowa car dealers were notoriously easy to counterfeit, leaving both law enforcement and the public vulnerable to a wide range of safety risks. Often, they were simply laser-printed or even hand-written. Across the country, fraudulent and expired temporary tags are frequently used to evade speed cameras, insurance requirements, and fees, and avoid police detection in the case of illegal activity.
In Grand Prairie, Texas, a police officer was killed while attempting to stop a vehicle with a fraudulent temporary tag. The suspect sped away upon being spotted, and the pursuit ended in a fatal crash. A New Orleans police officer was killed in a shooting in which the getaway vehicle had a fraudulent temporary tag. Similar instances have occurred throughout the U.S.
The new tags are not connected with the car’s driver. Instead, each is linked to the specific dealer issuing the tag, eliminating the ability of disreputable actors to make or sell tags. SICPA maintains the database of dealer distribution for the Iowa DOT.
The new temporary tags utilize SICPA’s proprietary, multi-faceted optical technology at the forefront of the security printing industry. This allows for easy, instant visual authentication, so officers can clearly tell if a tag is fake. The tag also contains a proprietary feature which invalidates expired tags when exposed to sunlight over time, ensuring an expired tag can be clearly identified and cannot be re-used.
About SICPA
Established in 1927, SICPA is a Swiss private technology company that supports the effective governance and long-term prosperity of nations. SICPA is best known for protecting the majority of the world’s banknotes. With operations across five continents, SICPA delivers solutions across digital identity and integrity, revenue mobilisation, natural resources, health and brand protection. For more information visit www.SICPA.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power prepared for severe weather and ready to respond
Company encourages customers and festival attendees to take steps now to prepare, keep safety first
Atlanta – June 18, 2025 – Georgia Power is tracking predictions for severe weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and the potential for isolated tornadoes, across the state over the next 24-hours, and crews are prepared to respond to issues quickly, and as conditions are safe to work. Heavy rain, which can saturate ground or create localized flooding, combined with high wind conditions, can cause trees to fall and damage electrical infrastructure causing power outages.
Georgia Power reminds customers and visitors to stay safe and take time to prepare now – before the system enters the state. In addition to following local media reports and weather sources like the National Weather Service, resources available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm can help customers prepare and stay informed.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- Social Media – Follow Georgia Power across Facebook, Instagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Safety Tips for Customers and Crews
Georgia Power urges customers to prioritize safety during severe weather and provides the following tools to stay connected and informed.
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If you must be on the roads, please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. Warn those going out to clear debris to watch for and avoid downed wires.
- Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
- Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia’s Plant Hatch receives 20-year license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Unit 1 authorized to operate through 2054 and Unit 2 through 2058
ATLANTA – June 15, 2026 – Georgia Power announced today that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved the subsequent license renewal for the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley. The approval authorizes continued operation of the facility for an additional 20 years by extending the operating license for Plant Hatch Unit 1 through 2054 and Unit 2 through 2058 – up to 80 years of operation for each reactor. The units were originally licensed to operate in the mid-1970s, with the NRC approving a previous 20-year license extension in 2002.
Plant Hatch, which marked 50 years of safe, reliable operation last year, is Georgia’s first nuclear power plant and is co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities. Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company, operates the plant on behalf of the co-owners. In 1975, the year Hatch Unit 1 entered service, Georgia’s population was around 5 million people and, today, that number has more than doubled with more than 11 million people now calling Georgia home. Plant Hatch has helped meet the electrical needs of that growth year after year, with its opening also marking a pivotal moment for Georgia Power’s commitment to developing a diverse, cleaner generation mix to serve customers.
In the decades following the completion of Plant Hatch, the co-owners have partnered to build four other nuclear units at Plant Alvin W. Vogtle near Waynesboro. With the completion of the new Vogtle Units 3 & 4 in recent years, Plant Vogtle is now the largest generator of clean energy in the United States. Nuclear energy from both Plants Hatch and Vogtle provided nearly 30 percent of Georgia Power’s overall energy production last year.
“At Georgia Power, our commitment to our customers is to ensure that the reliable, affordable energy they expect is there when they need it. Our nuclear facilities provide reliable energy around the clock at a stable, predictable cost, and are central to how we deliver on this commitment,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “I’m proud of the work that happens every day at Plant Hatch, the dedication of the teams onsite, and that all of our customers benefit from the reliability and efficiency of this power plant. This license extension is great news as our state continues to grow and demand for electricity continues to increase.”
Over the last 20 years, the co-owners have invested in major improvements at Plant Hatch. Improvements have included, among other items, replacement of Unit 2 cooling towers; replacement of key components such as large transformers, plant service water pumps, feedwater heaters and more; as well as identification and elimination of single point vulnerabilities across the site. Education and continuous improvement are also key to the success of Plant Hatch, with recent investments including the construction of the Plant Hatch Energy Education Center and a second onsite simulator to train reactor operators.
The NRC’s decision follows a comprehensive safety and environmental review of the plant’s operating performance, aging management programs and compliance with federal regulations. At the conclusion of the review, the NRC determined Plant Hatch can continue to operate safely and in accordance with all applicable standards throughout the subsequent license renewal period.
“The NRC’s approval reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our workforce and our sustained focus on operational excellence,” said Pete Sena, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Nuclear. “Our teams remain committed to operating Plant Hatch reliably for decades to come.”
In addition to providing dependable electricity, Plant Hatch supports hundreds of highly skilled, long-term jobs and contributes to the economic vitality of Appling County and surrounding communities with millions of dollars of property taxes paid each year. The plant maintains strong community partnerships, supporting local public schools and technical colleges, STEM programs, the United Way and more. Plant Hatch’s property is also a protected ecosystem with approximately 200 acres having been replanted with native longleaf pine, as well as bluebird and purple martin nesting programs in place, and a special program with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to help protect the red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally endangered species.
Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/NuclearEnergy to learn more about Plants Vogtle and Hatch.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
About Southern Nuclear
Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO) headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., is a leader among the nation’s nuclear energy facility operators and an innovator in advanced nuclear technologies. For more than 35 years, Southern Nuclear has operated nuclear energy facilities at the highest levels of safety and reliability. Southern Nuclear operates over 8,200 MW for Alabama Power and Georgia Power, including the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant, and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, which serves as the largest generator of clean energy in the country following the completion of Vogtle Units 3 & 4, the first newly constructed units in the United States in over 30 years.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare for hurricane season
Grid improvements help reduce outages and speed recovery during severe weather
ATLANTA – June 3, 2026 – The Atlantic hurricane season is here and runs through Nov. 30. Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take simple steps now to protect their families, homes and businesses. Hurricane season can bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to both coastal and inland communities. While the National Weather Service predicts a below-normal hurricane season due to a strengthening El Niño driving more unfavorable conditions for hurricane formation in the Atlantic basin, warmer than average ocean temperatures in the waters near the United States will support intensification of any hurricanes that do form. Preparing ahead of time can ensure families and homes are safe when storms arrive.
This hurricane season marks two years since Hurricane Helene in 2024, the most damaging storm in Georgia Power history. Throughout the storm’s path, damage to the grid’s infrastructure was so severe that crews were rebuilding rather than simply reconnecting. There were nearly 12,000 power poles broken, over 5,800 transformers damaged,1,500 miles of downed power lines, and over 345 transmission structures rebuilt or repaired. Advanced smart‑grid technology supported remote restoration, enabling crews to return service to more than one million customers within the first five days despite widespread devastation.
Georgia Power is continuing to strengthen grid reliability through its Grid Investment Program, investing $1.3 billion in system upgrades over the past three years. In 2025 alone, the company completed more than 100 distribution projects and advanced 25 major transmission improvements, enhancing service reliability for more than 500,000 customers statewide. These upgrades, including smart‑grid technology, stronger infrastructure, and undergrounding, are helping reduce outages and significantly speed restoration, particularly during major storms like Hurricane Helene. For more details about how Georgia Power continues improving reliability, visit GeorgiaPower.com/Grid.
“The work we’ve done to strengthen and modernize our grid is directly improving how we prepare for and respond to hurricanes,” said Tami Barron, senior vice president of distribution at Georgia Power. “These investments are reducing outages and helping us restore power faster, even in the most challenging conditions, as we saw during Hurricane Helene. That progress is critical as we enter another active storm season, and it is made possible by our team of highly skilled employees who are among the best in the industry and who train year-round to respond safely, efficiently and with a strong commitment to our customers when it matters most.”
Getting Your Home Prepared
- Build an emergency supply kit with food, water, flashlights, and medications to get you through at least three days.
- Charge phones, battery packs and anything else you rely on every day.
- Secure loose items around your home. Patio furniture, garbage cans, and yard décor can easily turn into hazards in high winds.
- Plan for power outages by keeping freezer doors closed, unplugging appliances that may overload circuits and leave a porch light on once power is restored.
- Know your surroundings by checking flood maps, evacuation routes, and how you will receive emergency alerts.
Before, During and After a Storm Safety Tips
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check out the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Charge cell phones before the storm and unplug major appliances if you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off power lines yourself or enter flooded areas or those with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage or hidden under standing water. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
Stay Connected During Hurricane Season
- Download the Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- Check Your Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.
- Get Familiar with the Outage & Storm Center – Available at georgiapower.com/outagemap, customers can visit this site to report and check the status of outages via the interactive Outage Map, and access useful safety tips and information.
- Follow the company on social media – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
For tips on storm safety, outage preparedness and what to do before hurricane season, visit GeorgiaPower.com/Storm.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
A mother is checking the items and preparing an emergency bag in the living room at home.
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