Henry County Happenings

☕ Good Morning, Henry County!

A lot is happening across our community right now. In today’s Morning Eye Opener, we’re covering a potential tax rebate that could put money back into Georgia households, a celebrity chef opening a new restaurant in McDonough, and a local scholarship opportunity for students planning their next steps after high school. These are the kinds of stories that can shape everyday life here in Henry County.

It’s all below!

HENRY COUNTY -  Georgia lawmakers have approved another round of one-time tax rebates that could put money back into the pockets of many residents across the state, including families here in Henry County. The measure passed the Georgia State Senate and now heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, with eligible taxpayers expected to receive up to $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly if the bill becomes law. Supporters say the payments return surplus tax revenue to Georgians, though some critics argue the rebates do little to address larger affordability challenges. Read more at WABE

MCDONOUGH - A new chef-driven restaurant is now open in McDonough, bringing a taste of Atlanta’s dining scene to Henry County. James Beard recognized chef and cookbook author Todd Richards recently opened Que Riosity, a barbecue and grill room that blends Southern cooking with upscale steakhouse style dishes. Located on Jonesboro Road, the restaurant is already serving guests Thursday through Monday and aims to give locals a quality independent dining option closer to home. Read more in the Rough Draft Atlanta

HENRY COUNTY - Henry County high school seniors interested in careers tied to plants, agriculture, or environmental science still have a chance to apply for a local college scholarship offered by the Henry County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers. The merit based award is open to graduating seniors who live in Henry County and plan to study fields such as horticulture, forestry, landscape design, or environmental science. Applications require recommendations and a short essay describing the student’s goals and must be submitted before the deadline later this month. Read more in the Henry Herald

GEORGIA - A new national poll finds a growing number of Americans believe a four-year college degree may no longer be worth the cost as tuition rises and student debt continues to climb. For families in communities like Henry County weighing the price of higher education, the shift raises concerns that fewer students pursuing college could eventually weaken the nation’s competitive edge in innovation and global industries. Read more in Newsweek

STOCKBRIDGE - The first thing you notice pulling up to 112 Old Conyers Road is the American flag. Then the wind chimes. Then the quiet. Tucked back off the road behind a wide colonial porch, the property feels less like Stockbridge, Georgia and more like somewhere in New England, a feeling that is entirely the point.

Anita and Marvin have been welcoming guests into Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast for eight years. In a region where B&Bs are rare, most scattered across the Northeast, what they've built here is genuinely one of a kind for Henry County.

"We knew from the beginning we were going to have to introduce the concept," Anita says, smiling. "Most of our people have experienced an Airbnb. But we are not an Airbnb. We're regulated by the state and the city, inspected by the health department. We operate just like a hotel, the only difference is the setting. And the love."

That love is unmistakable the moment you step inside. Out back, a lake sits quietly behind the property, a picturesque backdrop for weddings, corporate retreats, and still moments with nature. Guests have come from across the country and as far as internationally to fish that lake, celebrate milestones on those grounds, and wake up to a breakfast that feels like someone's grandmother made it just for you.

Anita grew up a pastor's daughter in rural South Georgia, organizing church trips and community events since her teens. She didn't recognize it as a gift until a Purpose Driven Life campaign at her church finally gave it a name. When she spotted the for-sale sign on the property she'd admired for years and made what she calls "a ridiculous offer," God provided the closing funds the week they were due.

"We consider ourselves good stewards over what God gave us," she says. "We knew from the beginning it was purposed to be a blessing to many more people."

Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast
📍 112 Old Conyers Rd, Stockbridge, GA 30281
📞 (470) 878 0868
🌐 stockbridgelakesbnb.com
📧 [email protected]
📘 facebook.com/StockbridgeLakesBandB
📸 Instagram @stockbridgelakesbnb

This Saturday, March 21, Anita and Marvin open their grounds to the community for their first-ever Community Yard Sale and Networking Expo from 9am to 2pm. Eight vendors confirmed, space for up to 15. Free to attend.

STOCKBRIDGE - Piedmont Henry Hospital is working to rebuild its volunteer program after the pandemic reduced the once 200-person team to about 30 volunteers today. Hospital leaders say those friendly faces make a powerful difference for patients and families on difficult days. Read the full story at Eagle Eye Digest

Wednesday March 18

Thursday March 19

Friday March 20

Why doesn’t the sun need to go to college?

Because it already has millions of degrees! 😄