Henry County Happenings

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HENRY COUNTY - Henry County Schools will operate on a delayed start Monday morning as expected overnight storms and freezing temperatures raised safety concerns. District leaders say the extra time will allow crews to assess road conditions and ensure school campuses are safe before students arrive. Families are encouraged to check official school communications for updated bus schedules and start times. Read more at the HenryHerald.com

MCDONOUGH - The inaugural McDonough Storytellers Film Festival hits the historic downtown square on June 5th and 6th, bringing two days of film screenings, industry panels, networking galas, and workshops to multiple venues anchored at Story on the Square. More than 15 Emmy winners, directors, and industry pros will lead panels and serve as judges, with the festival celebrating storytelling across film, screenplay, music video, audio drama, and more. There's a special focus on women filmmakers and first-time directors over 40, making this one of the more inclusive festivals to land in the Atlanta metro area. Read more at HenryHerald.com

HENRY COUNTY - Henry County native Shawn Watson, a champion wrestler turned celebrated high school coach, is set for induction into the Georgia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on May 2 at Lanier Technical College's Ramsey Center. Watson wrapped up a remarkable career with 503 victories, one state title, and 44 area champions across his time coaching at both Henry County and Tift County. Beyond the record books, Watson has spent the last five years quietly showing up for his son Reece, who has been recovering from a serious car accident, crediting coaching with keeping him grounded through it all. Read more at HenryHerald.com

LOCUST GROVE - Wayback Burgers is coming to Locust Grove Shops at 595 Market Place Boulevard, with franchise owner Willie Watson expecting to open the doors in late 2026. Watson is a QSR veteran with over four decades in the industry who came out of retirement specifically to bring this one home, as Locust Grove isn't far from where he grew up. The 1,800-square-foot spot will feature made-to-order burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, a patio, and a glass-windowed kitchen so you can watch your food being made. Read more at WhatNow Atlanta

HENRY COUNTY - A lucky Clayton County resident hit the $2 million top prize playing the Jackpots Galore scratch-off game, claiming their winnings on March 11 at a Rex convenience store just down the road on Georgia Highway 42. The winning ticket was purchased at the Rex C Store, a reminder that life-changing wins happen at everyday stops not far from home. As always, proceeds from Georgia Lottery games benefit education across the state. Read more at HenryHerald.com

LOCUST GROVE - The Locust Grove Wildcats will face the Ola Mustangs again tonight at 6 p.m., just days after defeating them 10 to 6. Locust Grove enters the matchup undefeated at 15-0, while Ola comes in at 6-7 and hopes to bounce back after the recent loss. The rematch gives the Wildcats a chance to extend their perfect season while the Mustangs try to defend their home field. Read more at MaxPreps

STOCKBRIDGE - Before the pandemic, Piedmont Henry Hospital had more than 200 volunteers helping guide patients, greet visitors, and support hospital staff.

Today, the program is rebuilding with about 30 committed volunteers as the hospital works to restore one of the most human parts of the patient experience.

“We’re in the business of bad days,” said Laura Whitaker Shortt, Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services. “People come here when something is wrong. So seeing a friendly face can make a huge difference.”

Many of those friendly faces are senior volunteers who help throughout the hospital. They greet visitors at information desks, drive courtesy carts to help patients reach appointments, assist staff in departments like the NICU, and work in the hospital gift shop.

But the impact they have often goes far beyond their assigned duties.

One volunteer, known throughout the hospital as Ms. Fran, has been serving patients for three decades. At 90 years old, she still volunteers three days a week. If she notices a patient sitting alone before surgery, she may wait for them to finish their procedure, find their room afterward, and stop by to make sure they are not alone.

Another volunteer, Ms. Cheryl Hardin, once helped calm a nervous patient preparing for surgery simply by talking with her and her family. During their conversation, they discovered they were both Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) fans.

Weeks after the surgery, the patient returned to the hospital with a gift for Cheryl. A vintage Washington Redskins sweatshirt, brought as a thank you for the comfort she offered during a frightening moment.

Stories like that capture the quiet power of volunteers.

“They’re choosing to be here,” said Sherrita Emerson, Auxiliary Services Specialist for Volunteer Services. “They bring joy and help make our patients happy.”

Whitaker Shortt says the hospital is looking for what she calls service leaders, volunteers who take ownership of helping others and supporting their community.

The hospital hopes to rebuild the program closer to its pre-pandemic size so that more patients and families can experience the comfort volunteers bring.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Sherrita Emerson at 678-604-1666 for more information.

Monday March 16

Tuesday March 17

Wednesday March 18

Thursday March 19

Friday March 20

Why did the picture go to prison?

Because it was framed! 😄