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Henry County, GA | Issue No. 180 |
Good morning, Henry County!
Hurricane Isaias is headed our way. Strong winds could start as early as around midnight Friday and last into early Sunday morning. Expect downed trees and power outages. Our weather alert below has what you need to know.
If you’re filling up before the storm, we found the cheapest gas in the county.
A new Piedmont Urgent Care just opened in Union Grove, and a Locust Grove lawmaker wants to guarantee you three minutes at the mic during local meetings.
And in Tales From The Perch, Aaron Castellanos walks us through the vineyard he’s turning into a winery right here in Henry County.
Planning your weekend? The Weekend Eye has every event we’re tracking and what the storm could mean for each one.
Let’s get into it. 🦅👁️
Meet someone new over dinner.
The Eagle Eye Table brings Henry County locals together at small tables of six for good food, good conversation, and a chance to meet people outside their usual circles.
No networking. No dating agenda.
October 29 • 6:30 PM • McDonough
WEATHER ALERT
⚠️ Hurricane Isaias Could Change Your Weekend
HENRY COUNTY - Georgia is under a statewide emergency as Hurricane Isaias approaches. Henry County Emergency Management expects strong winds to last from around midnight Friday through early Sunday morning. With the ground already soaked, trees can come down more easily. Power outages are likely.
Before the wind hits:
Charge your phones and power banks
Bring in or tie down patio furniture, trash cans and decorations
Stay off the roads during the worst wind if you can
Weekend plans: Some outdoor events will likely be postponed or canceled. Check with organizers before you head out.
Power out? Report it to Georgia Power, Snapping Shoals EMC or Central Georgia EMC, whichever one serves you.
Why it matters: Forecasts can shift fast. Follow Henry County Emergency Management for the latest. Info as of Thursday evening.
YOUR MONEY
Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in Henry County Right Now
HENRY COUNTY - The cheapest gas in the county right now is $3.38 a gallon if you pay cash at Chevron on GA-138 W in Stockbridge, according to GasBuddy. Paying with a card? Murphy USA on Bill Gardner Parkway in Locust Grove and BJ’s on GA-81 in McDonough are both at $3.45. Just know BJ’s pumps are for members. Down in Hampton, the Marathon on GA-81 is charging $3.65 cash, so it pays to drive a few miles north. Prices as of Thursday.
Why it matters: Fill up before the storm. If the power goes out, stations can go down too, and prices can jump fast ahead of bad weather. Check today’s prices on GasBuddy.
HEALTH
Piedmont Urgent Care Opens New Location in McDonough
MCDONOUGH - Henry County has a new place to go when you can't wait for a doctor's appointment. Piedmont Urgent Care opened a new clinic in the Union Grove area at 5875 East Lake Pkwy, Suite 200 in McDonough. The walk-in center serves adults and children for non-emergency needs, including flu, colds, ear infections, sprains and minor fractures. On-site digital X-ray and rapid testing for flu A and B, COVID-19, RSV, and strep are available same day.
The clinic is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. Walk in or reserve a spot online to reduce your wait time.
Why it matters: This is part of Piedmont's 88-location statewide network, bringing reliable urgent care closer to home for Union Grove and surrounding communities. Reserve a spot at Piedmont Urgent Care.
YOUR VOICE
Local Lawmaker Wants to Protect Public Comment at Government Meetings
LOCUST GROVE - State Rep. Noelle Kahaian of Locust Grove plans to introduce legislation in January that would guarantee residents at least three minutes to speak at local government meetings on issues within the agency's authority, even if those issues aren't on the agenda.
The proposed Preserving Free Speech Act comes amid concerns about residents being cut off during public comment. Kahaian says Georgia's current Open Meetings Act doesn't require local governments to allow public comment. Her proposal would also allow residents to take legal action if their speaking rights are violated.
Why it matters: If passed, the bill could give Henry County residents greater opportunities to raise concerns at public meetings and challenge restrictions on their ability to speak. Read the full story in the Henry Herald.
Aaron Castellanos Is Just Getting Started at Refinery Hill
From catering to a vineyard and now a winery, Castellanos wants to give Henry County more reasons to stay local.
HENRY COUNTY - Pull into the long driveway at Refinery Hill, past rows of grapevines and cypress trees scattered across the landscape, and you might forget you're in Henry County. With its rustic charm and countryside setting, the 19-acre property feels like a little piece of Tuscany.
It's the kind of place Aaron Castellanos envisioned when he and his wife, Sheena, purchased the property in 2018. And if there's one thing you learn about Castellanos, it's that once he gets an idea in his head, he's determined to make it happen.
First came their catering business, The Grand Gourmet, which has been serving events for more than two decades. Then came Refinery Hill, the event venue. In 2019, they planted their first grapes. Now Castellanos is preparing to open The Winery at Refinery Hill.
Rows of muscadine grapevines stretch across the lush grounds of Refinery Hill, where Aaron Castellanos began growing grapes in 2019. Today, the vineyard is part of his vision for The Winery at Refinery Hill.
He didn't know much about growing grapes when he started. He attended workshops, learned how to prune vines, manage diseases and harvest grapes. Eventually, he decided to try making wine.
His first batch in early 2024 was just a gallon. He forgot about it for four months before tasting it.
“Holy crap, this is good!” he recalled.
He told Sheena they needed to start making wine.
Castellanos admits he's constantly coming up with ideas. His wife, he jokes, helps keep him grounded. He describes his ability to tackle problems and juggle projects as a superpower.
Today, The Winery at Refinery Hill has the equipment to produce more than 3,500 gallons of wine. Castellanos is experimenting with strawberry lemon, blackberry fig and muscadine wines infused with tropical fruits like guava and passion fruit.
But he's just as excited about what the winery could mean for Henry County.
“You don't have to travel to North Georgia if you don't want to,” he said.
Castellanos wants residents to have somewhere close to home to enjoy wine, food, music and time with friends. The Grand Gourmet will provide the food, bringing the couple's established catering operation into the winery experience.
“I visualize a place where the community can come and gather and socialize and have a good time, and not spend a fortune enjoying themselves,” he said.
The winery is awaiting final state and county approvals before opening for wine sales. Castellanos hopes to welcome guests later this year, although January remains a possibility.
He's already imagining additional gathering spaces and overnight accommodations on the property.
For now, he's focused on opening The Winery at Refinery Hill and giving Henry County another place to enjoy without having to leave home.
Connect With The Winery at Refinery Hill
Follow Refinery Hill for updates on the winery's opening, upcoming events, and more.
Website: refineryhill.com
Facebook: Refinery Hill
Address: 500 Pullin Road, McDonough, GA 30253
Phone: (770) 363-5877
Email: [email protected]
THINGS TO DO
⚠️ Heads up: Hurricane Isaias could postpone or cancel any of these. Check with organizers before you go.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Damion Hall of Guy · 📍 1942 Social, Stockbridge · 🕐 Doors 7:30PM | Show 9PM · Ticketed · The legendary R&B vocalist brings his silky catalog to Stockbridge — if you grew up on Guy, this one’s for you.
Legends of Rock · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 Doors 6PM | Show 9PM · $18–$129 · 21+ after 8PM · Ten tributes, one band — classic rock’s greatest hits performed live on the McDonough Square stage.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Georgia State Fair · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🕐 See georgiafair.com for times · Hampton is hosting the Georgia State Fair — rides, food, entertainment, and everything fall wrapped into one weekend at the Speedway.
Blues on Main · 📍 Fountain on Main, Forest Park · 🕐 6–10PM · FREE · ~20 min from McDonough · Live blues music at the Fountain on Main — a free Friday night done right just over the county line. (Close to Home)
Looking for more? Live music, fall festivals and family fun are all in The Weekend Eye, with storm notes for every event.
That’s a wrap, Henry County.
Stay safe this weekend. Charge your phones, secure your yard and check The Weekend Eye before you head out. And keep an eye on Refinery Hill. We’ll let you know the minute those wine doors open.
One quick favor. We’re growing our Instagram and Facebook pages, and that’s where you’ll catch event reminders, behind the scenes photos and local stories between issues. If you get this newsletter but haven’t followed us yet, find us on Instagram and Facebook. It takes two seconds and helps more neighbors find us.
Still thinking about the Eagle Eye Table? Registration closes October 27. Grab your seat here.
Stay sharp. Stay local. 🦅👁️