Henry County Is Moving. Here's Everything You Missed and Everything Coming Next

Good morning, Henry County. Welcome to the first edition of our new summer publishing schedule.

Through September, you'll find the Eagle Eye Digest in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. Fewer issues means each one is a little fuller, with more stories, more events, and more of the local information you count on to stay connected.

This week we're covering Henry County's newest public transit route, a hometown restaurant earning statewide recognition, a new federal law that could help local families buy homes, and introducing you to the woman helping reshape downtown Locust Grove.

Plus a practical EYE Q tip that might be the most meaningful one yet, this week's can't-miss event, and a full roundup of what's happening across the county.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

Chick-fil-A is bringing back Cow Appreciation Day today for its 80th anniversary and all you need is a little cow flair to eat free. Show up in anything cow-themed, spots, ears, a full costume if you're feeling it- and you'll get a free entrée, no purchase necessary. Kids 12 and under get a free kids meal and a prize too, while supplies last. Just check with your local Henry County location first since not every restaurant participates.

📍 Participating Chick-fil-A locations, Henry County
🕐 7 AM to 7 PM today, Tuesday, July 14
Find your nearest Henry County location →

HENRY COUNTY - Henry County officially launched Henry Connect Route 1, the county's first fixed route public transit service. The new route connects downtown McDonough with the Stockbridge Park and Ride, offering access to MARTA, Xpress buses, shopping, healthcare, and jobs. To celebrate the launch, rides are free for the first 30 days.

Why it matters: This is a major milestone for Henry County and gives commuters, students, seniors, and families another way to get where they need to go. Wondering where the bus stops and how to ride free? Check out the route map and schedules.

HENRY COUNTY - A new grassroots effort is urging Henry and Clayton County residents to learn more about a wave of proposed data centers planned for the area. According to Conserve Henry, plans include 11 approved data center buildings in Hampton and 15 more proposed along Panhandle Road in Lovejoy, with organizers warning additional projects could follow.

Why it matters: Supporters say data centers bring investment, while opponents worry about traffic, power demand, water use, and the long-term impact on surrounding communities. A public meeting is planned for August 8 to discuss what's next. Want to see where the projects are planned and what's on the agenda for the community meeting?

STOCKBRIDGE - A new federal law backed by U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock limits large private equity firms from buying additional single-family homes. The issue has drawn attention in Henry County after residents pointed to a Stockbridge subdivision that was converted into a rental community after being purchased by an investment company.

Why it matters: Supporters hope the law gives families a fairer chance to buy a home instead of competing with corporate investors. Wondering what the new law changes and why it could affect communities like Stockbridge?

MCDONOUGH - It's not every day a Henry County restaurant catches the attention of one of Georgia's largest newspapers.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently named McDonough's Que Riosity one of six restaurants south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport worth the drive. The feature praises Chef Todd Richards for his creative take on Southern cuisine and highlights several standout menu items that have diners making the trip.

If you've been looking for an excuse to try it, this might be it. Curious which dishes impressed the AJC's food writer? Take a peek

GEORGIA — More than 843 people across 31 states have been sickened by Cyclosporiasis, a parasite that causes sudden watery diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue that can last over a month. Georgia DPH says there's no confirmed outbreak here yet but is urging residents to wash all produce thoroughly before eating and refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables within two hours.

Why it matters: Symptoms can disappear and return. If stomach issues persist more than a few days this summer, see a doctor.What you need to know at GPB News

LOCUST GROVE — Two months into her new job, Michele Holmes has already become one of downtown's biggest champions.

As Locust Grove's new Main Street manager, Holmes isn't just planning events. She's trying to reconnect people with the small businesses that give the historic downtown its personality and charm.

"I want people to discover new businesses, meet new faces, and support the locally owned shops that make downtown special," Holmes says. "When you support local businesses, the whole community becomes stronger."

Holmes arrived in May after spending nine years with the City of Fayetteville, including five years as its Main Street manager. She brought with her a simple belief that Main Street is about much more than festivals.

"People think Main Street is only about events," she says. "Our priority is supporting our downtown businesses and making sure they're noticed."

That philosophy inspired Passport to the Grove: Red, White & Local, a month-long community challenge that encourages residents to visit 23 downtown businesses, collect stars in a passport, and earn entries into a prize drawing.

For Holmes, the passport isn't really about winning a gift basket. It's about giving people a reason to walk through the front door of a business they've never visited before.

She says one of the most rewarding moments came when even a skeptical business owner who was hesitant about the program became one of its supporters after hearing her vision for downtown. Moments like that remind her why relationship building matters.

The response has been encouraging. Merchants have donated gift cards and merchandise, residents are picking up passports, and social media engagement continues to grow. Holmes hopes the program becomes a tradition that brings new energy to downtown every year.

She also isn't slowing down. In less than eight weeks, Holmes organized the city's July 3 celebration, booked the entire Fridays on the Lawn concert series, and is already thinking about restaurant weeks, seasonal crawls, and other ways to keep people coming back.

"I think people were starving for something," she says. "Especially downtown."

If Holmes has her way, Passport to the Grove won't just introduce visitors to local businesses. It will remind them that the heart of a small town has always been the people behind its front doors.

Explore. Shop. Discover. Win.

Running through July 31, Passport to the Grove invites residents to visit participating downtown businesses, collect stars, and earn entries into a grand prize drawing featuring gift cards and merchandise donated by local merchants.

Bank of Dudley, the program's presenting sponsor, is also hosting special Friday giveaways to welcome visitors.

"Programs like this bring attention to small businesses so our communities can continue to thrive," said Melissa Cole, branch manager at Bank of Dudley. "We've already enjoyed meeting new people and getting our name out in the community."

Learn more: Visit Locust Grove Main Street on Facebook or pick up a passport at any participating downtown business.

We've all got them.

A faded wedding portrait. A picture of your grandparents. An old family reunion that's been tucked away in a shoebox for decades.

Now, with just one prompt, AI can restore those memories in seconds.

Simply upload your photo into ChatGPT or Google's Gemini app and paste the prompt below. The AI can repair scratches, sharpen blurry details, reduce fading, and even add realistic color to black & white photographs.

Here's the prompt:

Restore and colorize this historic photograph into a photorealistic, museum-quality image. Preserve the subject's identity, expression, pose, clothing, and historical authenticity. Repair damage, fading, scratches, tears, and missing details while remaining faithful to the original. Use historically accurate colors, skin tones, lighting, and textures. Enhance sharpness and depth for a clean, high-resolution restoration that looks naturally photographed, not AI generated. Do not invent details or oversaturate the image.

For this example, we restored the above photo of a couple from the 1920s. The result transformed a faded black & white image into a vibrant portrait that looks as though it could have been taken yesterday.

One thing to remember: AI isn't actually recovering lost pixels. It's creating a highly realistic reconstruction based on what's visible in the original. That means faces are usually remarkably accurate, but small background details or objects may not match the original exactly.

Still, if you've got a box of old family photos waiting to be rediscovered, this might be one of the most meaningful ways to use AI. Your family's history could be just one prompt away from looking brand new.

COMMUNITY ROUNDUP

🎓 Thinking About Going Back to School?
Southern Crescent Technical College is hosting Preview Day today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Griffin campus. Tour the campus, meet instructors, explore career programs, and apply for free during the event. Curious what programs are available?

🎟️ Buying Tickets to a VyStar Show?
The VyStar Amphitheater box office is now open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Staff can help with ticket purchases and answer questions before your next concert. Planning a night out?

💦 Need to Cool Off?
Henry County Parks and Recreation announced the Kensley Grace Waterpark is open until 5 p.m. today, giving families one more way to beat the summer heat. Thinking about making a splash?

TUESDAY, JULY 14

Cow Appreciation Day — Free Entrée at Chick-fil-A · 📍 All participating Chick-fil-A locations, Henry County · 🕐 7AM–7PM · FREE entrée · Dress like a cow, and walk into any participating Chick-fil-A for a free entrée. No purchase required. It's all for Chick-fil-A's 80th anniversary.
Watercolor Class · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library, Meeting Room · 🕐 12:30–1:30PM · FREE · All skill levels welcome — paint your own summer-themed piece for National Watercolor Month.

Tasty Tuesdays · 📍 Clark Park, Stockbridge · 🕐 5:30–8PM · FREE · Food trucks and festival vibes hosted by the City of Stockbridge, this month's Tuesday food fix.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

Dead Man's Hand Poker · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern (Upstairs), 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · FREE to play · 21+ — Every Wednesday.

Walk It Out Wednesday · 📍 Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Lithonia · 🕐 4–6PM · FREE · ~25 min from McDonough (Close to Home).

Adult Computer Class for Seniors · 📍 Cochran Public Library, Stockbridge · 🕐 3–4PM · FREE · Typing, internet navigation, and basic computer skills in a no-pressure setting.

Bear Heist — Tabletop RPG · 📍 Fairview Public Library, Stockbridge · 🕐 3:30–4:30PM · FREE · Teamwork, creativity, and a little chaos as your team of bears tries to steal the honey.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

Henry County Farmers Market · 📍 Jason T. Harper Arena, Heritage Park, 95 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE · Every Thursday through August 27 — Henry County Master Gardeners with fresh produce, perennials, vegetables, and native plants.

Noiseless Novels · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library, Meeting Room · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · Adults — bring your own book, read silently with the group, then swap notes on what you're reading.

Tuned Up Thursday — Karaoke Night · 📍 1942 On The Square, 30B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM · Every Thursday · Grab the mic or just grab a drink.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

Tiny Tent Concert Series — Week 2 🎶 · 📍 130 MLK King Sr. Heritage Trail, Stockbridge · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE — reservation required · Live local music in the heart of Downtown Stockbridge — bring a lawn chair. Runs weekly through August 14.

Caleb Gordon: The Eden Experience · 📍 Relevant Church, 4770 GA-42, Locust Grove · 🕐 Doors 6:15PM | Show 7PM · Ticketed · Christian hip-hop artist Caleb Gordon brings The Eden Experience to Locust Grove — dynamic production, striking visuals, and a live show described as both energetic and sacred. VIP packages include a Q&A, photo, and signed item. VIP doors open 5PM.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · Good music and good vibes on the Square.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

AWARE Animal Tours · 📍 Arabia Mountain area, Lithonia · 🕐 1–2PM · FREE, weather permitting · Every Sat & Sun.

Sweet Magnolia Farmstead — Sunset U-Pick 🌸 · 📍 141 Austin Dr, McDonough (Ola area) · 🕐 5:30–8:30PM · Tickets via website · U-pick flowers at golden hour with a free ice cream sundae included. 📞 (678) 618-7289

Goat Yoga · 📍 Heritage Park, 101 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 11AM–12PM · Monthly all-ages session with friendly dwarf goats roaming free while you stretch, hosted by Henry County Parks and Rec.

Jazz Fest: Avery Sunshine, Gerald Albright, JUBU & Julian Vaughn · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 8PM · From $74 via Ticketmaster · Four of contemporary jazz's most celebrated voices on one stage right here in Stockbridge — smooth, soulful, and worth every seat.

Fire Lake — A Tribute to Bob Seger · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $23–$161 · 21+ after 8PM · Night Moves, Old Time Rock & Roll, Against the Wind — every Bob Seger classic performed live to close out Saturday night.

SUNDAY, JULY 19

Free Guided Nature Hike · 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest · 🕐 8–10:30AM · FREE · ~25 min from McDonough (Close to Home)

AWARE Free Animal Tours · 📍 Arabia Mountain area, Lithonia · 🕐 1–2PM · FREE · Weather permitting (Close to Home)

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

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call a factory that makes okay products?

A satisfactory.🤣

That's your Tuesday, Henry County.

A lot is happening in this community, and we're glad to be the ones keeping you in the loop twice a week all summer long.

Tuesday brings you the news. Friday brings you the weekend guide. Same Eagle Eye Digest you've come to count on, just with more intention behind each issue. We're building something bigger for the fall and we can't wait to share it with you.

Got a tip, a story idea, or a business we should know about? Send us a note at [email protected]. We read every one.

Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️