| ISSUE# 032 | TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
☕ Good morning, Henry County!
Pour yourself a cup. We've got a lot to cover today.
On the state level, we're tracking deadly truck crashes on Georgia roads, a runway safety alert at several Georgia airports, Tyler Perry's generous gift to TSA workers that had to be returned, and a proposal that could cap Social Security benefits for higher earners.
Right next door in Rockdale County, residents are pushing back hard against a massive data center project. It's a story Henry County residents should watch closely as our own commissioners consider similar rules.
Tales From the Perch is also back today, plus a full events rundown to help you plan your week.
Let’s Get Into It!
🌤️ WEATHER
👁️ MORNING EYE OPENER | LOCAL NEWS
Data Center Pushback Grows Next Door in Rockdale County
ROCKDALE COUNTY - Residents in Rockdale County packed a recent zoning meeting, raising concerns about a large data center project under construction at Rockbridge and Farmer roads. Some say blasting from the site has caused cracks in their homes and created ongoing noise and disruption.
County leaders are also considering a proposal for a lithium-ion battery storage system to support the campus, which has raised concerns about fire risk and environmental impact, including from the local fire department.
For Henry County residents, it’s a situation worth watching as local officials consider their own data center rules, including how close these facilities can be built to neighborhoods. Read more at On Common Ground News
Tyler Perry Gift Cards Given to TSA Workers… Then Taken Back
GEORGIA - TSA workers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson airport were given $1,000 gift cards from Tyler Perry after working without pay during the federal shutdown. But they were later told to return them because federal employees can’t accept gifts valued over $20.
Perry had worked through proper channels after cash donations weren’t allowed, but the value still exceeded federal ethics rules. The situation highlights both the financial strain workers faced and the strict limits placed on federal employees. Read more at KARE 11
Georgia Airports Named Collision Risk Hot Spots
GEORGIA - The FAA has identified several Georgia airports as having elevated risks for runway collisions based on safety data and traffic patterns. The designation highlights areas where increased attention is needed to prevent close calls between aircraft.
The findings are part of a nationwide safety review focused on airports with complex layouts or heavy traffic. Officials say the goal is to improve procedures and reduce the risk of accidents before they happen. Read more at USA Today
Georgia Truck Crash Deaths Hit 10 Year High
GEORGIA - Georgia saw 257 deaths from large truck crashes in 2023, the highest number in a decade, according to a new state report. The number represents an 81% increase since 2013, pointing to a sharp rise in deadly crashes involving commercial trucks.
Truck related crashes also hit a 10 year high overall, with more than 50,000 incidents reported statewide. Officials say increased freight traffic and congestion are major factors behind the growing danger on Georgia roads. Read more at The Georgia Sun
Plan to Cap Social Security Benefits Gains Attention
WASHINGTON - A new proposal is gaining attention that would cap Social Security benefits for higher earning retirees, potentially limiting how much some Americans receive each year. The idea is part of a broader effort to address long term funding concerns for the program.
Supporters say the cap could help extend the program’s solvency and protect benefits for lower income retirees, while critics warn it could reduce payouts for those who paid more into the system. The debate comes as Social Security faces financial pressure in the coming years. Read more at USA Today
🦅 TALES FROM THE PERCH | AN ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
Real stories of the people behind the businesses in Henry County
Each profile takes you inside the journey, the why, the challenges, and the wins, spotlighting entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful right here in Henry County.
📅 AN EYE ON WHAT’S HAPPENING
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Weird Science Book Club — Story on the Square 📍 19 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 6:00pm · Free · Purchase book from Story on the Square
The Business Owner's Guide to Local Government (101) 📍 324 Simpson Street, McDonough 🕐 10:00am–12:00pm · $15 A two-hour practical workshop on zoning, permitting, budgeting, and how local government decisions impact your business.
DIY Coloring Book Drop-In — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library, 115 MLK Jr. Blvd, Locust Grove 🕐 3:00pm–5:00pm · Free Celebrate National Crayon Day by making your own coloring book. Sheets available for children, teens, and adults. Crayon trivia included.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Easter Photos with the Easter Bunny 📍 Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 218, Locust Grove 🕐 1:00pm–7:00pm · Free Extended hours today through April 3.
Baby Storytime — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · Meeting Room 🕐 10:30am–11:00am · Free For caregivers of non-walkers.
Preschool Storytime — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · Meeting Room 🕐 11:30am–12:00pm · Free
Nostalgia Night: Beyblade — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · Meeting Room 🕐 4:00pm–5:00pm · Free · Adults Watch old school Beyblade episodes, chat favorite characters, and battle each other in the stadiums set up on site.
Line Dancing Class — Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt 📍 Merle Manders Conference Center, 111 Davis Rd, Stockbridge 🕐 6:00pm–8:00pm · Free · All ages · No sandals Instruction by JP with YAK Line Dancers. Bring your own fan.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Easter Photos with the Easter Bunny 📍 Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 218, Locust Grove 🕐 1:00pm–7:00pm · Free
Tech Talk: Gmail — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · Meeting Room 🕐 3:00pm–4:00pm · Free Learn basic computer skills. April topic is Gmail.
Diamond Art Coasters — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library 🕐 6:00pm–7:00pm · Free Make a cute cat or dog diamond art coaster to take home.
Bike Night at Sweet Auburn BBQ 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ, McDonough 🕐 5:00pm–9:00pm · Free Monthly community bike night. Motorcycle showcase, raffles, music, food and drinks. 10% of proceeds benefit Henry County First Responders.
Henry County 4-H: Pastabilities Dinner 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough 🕐 6:00pm–8:00pm · $5 per chair · $25 per table ⚠️ Registration deadline was March 20 — confirm if still open Dinner, live music, and silent auction benefiting Henry County 4-H youth programs.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Easter Photos with the Easter Bunny 📍 Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 218, Locust Grove 🕐 1:00pm–7:00pm · Free Last day before Easter weekend.
Cherry Blossom Windsocks — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library 🕐 All day drop-in · Free · While supplies last Stop by to make a cherry blossom windsock. No registration required.
Get Sideways — Southern Roots Tavern 📍 Southern Roots Tavern & Eatery, 15 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 8:00pm–11:00pm
Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣
Why do melons have weddings?
They cantelope.🤣
That’s Your Bird’s Eye View For Today.
Today was about staying connected to Georgia, to the fight brewing next door in Rockdale, to the entrepreneurs in our backyard, and to the week ahead.
We'll see you tomorrow. 🦅👁️