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Good morning, Henry County
Henry County students are heading back to school with the district's largest budget ever, a downtown McDonough favorite is celebrating a fresh new beginning, and one Locust Grove teacher spent her summer paddling 95 miles to help protect Georgia's rivers.
We're also keeping you up to speed on the latest developments in Stockbridge, taking a look at what Atlanta's booming luxury housing market means for Henry County, and sharing everything you need to make the most of the week.
Let's see what caught our eye today. 🦅👁️
Chic & Shabby Decor Opens Its Doors in Downtown McDonough — This Friday
MCDONOUGH — It’s the grand reopening of Chic & Shabby Decor on Keys Ferry Street this Friday, and it sounds like exactly what downtown McDonough needed. The event will feature giveaways, surprises, and a space designed to inspire. Come wander, discover something you didn't know you needed, and support a local dream that's finally coming true.
Friday, August 7 · 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 206 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough
🎟️ Free · Giveaways and surprises all weekend
Henry County Schools Opens With an $800 Million Historic Budget
HENRY COUNTY — Henry County's Board of Education approved more than $800 million for the 2026-27 school year — funded by several years of penny sales tax. The district's 42,000 students will see immediate benefits including iPads for all kindergarten and first grade students to support literacy and math learning. Superintendent Dr. John Pace II says student achievement, graduation rates, and college acceptances have all improved in recent years.
Why it matters: Henry County Schools is the eighth largest district in Georgia and it's investing like it. Every family with a child in Henry County Schools benefits from this. Full story at WSB-TV →
Mayor Jayden Williams Is Fighting Back. Here's Where Things Stand
STOCKBRIDGE — Stockbridge's youngest mayor is pushing back hard. Mayor Jayden Williams, 22, has been locked out of his office, had his purchasing card deactivated, and lost access to city vehicles, all while fighting a 21-page investigative report alleging financial misspending. Williams has detailed explanations for each flagged expense: a $176 Alabama hotel stay during a Youth Council trip with the Alveda King Foundation, restaurant charges he says were staff work meetings with no alcohol purchased, and vehicle use he says he stopped immediately after a February directive from the council.
His attorney, Robert Kenner argues the council overstepped its authority. "If you haven't found any wrongdoing and you just want to investigate... then once you find some wrongdoing, you deal with it accordingly. But they have reversed that process," Kenner said. Williams' legal team also released text messages from Stockbridge Councilwoman LaKeisha Ganett to the mayor's grandmother warning that "embarrassing stuff" would come out at a hearing, which Kenner called an attempt to bully Williams into resigning. Ganett confirmed sending the text but denied it was a threat. A Superior Court hearing is scheduled for August 17 to determine whether the council's suspension of the mayor's powers was legally valid.
Why it matters: This is no longer just an internal investigation. It's heading to court on August 17, and Stockbridge residents deserve to know what their city government is spending on legal fees on both sides while this plays out. Full story at Atlanta News First →
A Locust Grove Teacher Just Paddled 95 Miles Across Georgia. Here's Why
Mt. Carmel Elementary School and Locust Grove resident Mickey Cole recently took part in Georgia Rivers Paddle Georgia. By Special photo: Georgia Rivers
LOCUST GROVE — Mt. Carmel Elementary School teacher Mickey Cole completed a seven-day 95-mile kayak journey on three Georgia rivers as part of Paddle Georgia — an annual event raising awareness to protect Georgia's waterways. Cole was among 360 paddlers from 15 states and also received environmental education and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream training along the way.
Why it matters: A Henry County teacher spent her summer doing something extraordinary to protect the rivers that flow through our own backyard. Full story at Henry Herald →
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Atlanta Is Now a Top 10 Luxury Market. Here's What That Looks Like in Henry County
HENRY COUNTY - Atlanta just ranked 9th in the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com's national luxury housing market ranking — the first time the city has broken into the top 10. Analysts say Atlanta offers more space for the money than almost any other luxury market in the country. Here's what that means right here on the Southside. Read the full story at What Now Atlanta →
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
National Night Out · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater Parking Lot, Stockbridge · 🕐 6–9PM · FREE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Henry County Farmers Market · 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE
Headshot & Bio Video Event · 📍 Building 140, McDonough · 🕐 9–11AM
Community Bike Night · 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ, McDonough · 🕐 5–9PM · Benefits Henry County First Responders
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Connecting Henry Farmers Market · 📍 Wesley Chapel UMC, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–3PM · FREE, SNAP/EBT gets 50% off
Caribbean Roots Eats & Beats · 📍 Downtown Main Street, Hampton · 🕐 6–10PM
Sonic Pizza Jam · 📍 Starlite McDonough · 🕐 6PM. A meet-and-greet with Sonic the Hedgehog plus unlimited cheese pizza, drinks, and skating at Starlite's roller rink.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Locust Grove Farmers Market · 📍 Train Viewing Platform, Locust Grove · 🕐 9AM–1PM
Back to School Craft & Vendor Market · 📍 Tanger Outlets, Locust Grove · 🕐 Aug 8–9
Night of Hope · 📍 West Alexander Park, McDonough · 🕐 6–8:30PM · FREE
Motown on the Square (4th Annual) · 📍 Downtown McDonough · 🕐 5–8PM · FREE
Bad Medicine — Iconic Bon Jovi Tribute Band · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, McDonough · 🕐 Doors 6PM, show 9–11PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
The Perrys in McDonough · 📍 The Ole' Country Church, McDonough · 🕐 6PM
Scott Antique Markets, final day · 📍 Atlanta Expo Center · 🕐 10AM–4PM · Worth the Trip
10-Mile Nature Trek · 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Stonecrest · 🕐 8AM–1:30PM · FREE, registration required · A more challenging step up from the weekly hikes, 10-12 miles at a 2.5 mph pace, led by DeKalb County park rangers. Designed for adults, no dogs allowed.
Good Newsletters Are Everywhere Now. Here Are Our Favorites
We put together a bundle of free newsletters worth your time. The kind that make you think, plan, or just breathe easier on a Sunday. No fluff. Check them out here
That's your Tuesday, Henry County
Whether you're preparing for the first week of school, stopping by a local grand reopening, or simply catching up on what's happening around the county, thanks for making us part of your morning.
We'll continue sharing breaking news, community stories, and local happenings throughout the week on Facebook and Instagram, so be sure to follow along if you haven't already.
Have a story idea or community event? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].
Have a great weekend, and we'll see you Friday.
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest