Good morning, Henry County!
Quick note before we dive in. If you were one of the Eagles Landing residents who spent the weekend without power after a truck hit a transformer Saturday night, we're glad you're back up and running. And yes, the heat is still very much here. Henry County has four free cooling centers open through Friday August 28. Details below.
Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams gets an important update in the investigation surrounding him, a major company has opened a new facility in Locust Grove, and McDonough residents get their first look at the updated Geranium Park plans.
Plus, we went inside the Henry County Library System and discovered just how much is happening beyond the books. Think Mahjong, murder mysteries, STEAM, crochet, computer classes and even Hannah Montana.
And if summer went by way too fast, you’ve got one last chance to hit the waterpark before it closes for the season.
Coffee ready? Let’s get into it. 🦅👁️
🔍 Once Upon a Crime: Murder Mystery Theater - This Thursday
HAMPTON— Your Thursday night just got a whole lot more interesting. The Henry County Public Library is hosting an interactive adult murder mystery night at Fortson Public Library this Thursday. The theme is straight out of Edgar Allan Poe. "Quoth the Raven, An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery" puts you right in the middle of the action for three hours of suspense, storytelling, and who-done-it drama. It's free, but spots are limited, so register now before it sells out.
📅 Thursday August 27 · 4 to 7 p.m.
📍 Fortson Public Library · Hampton
🆓 Free · Register now before spots are gone →
Stockbridge Mayor Williams Update: No Crime Found. But the Investigation Continues
STOCKBRIDGE — Stockbridge Police investigation found no evidence of criminal activity involving Mayor Jayden Williams and an 18-year-old high school student who joined his political mentorship program. A six-page report did raise ethical and professional concerns over the communications but stopped short of criminal findings.
Meanwhile, a Henry County court delayed Saturday's hearing to determine whether Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt should be recused for potential bias. A virtual recusal hearing is now scheduled for August 31. "What's prompting this recusal is this simple fact that I have a council member who is to act as the jury on my investigation determination who has blatantly already made her decision," Williams said. Gantt responded, saying the council was simply doing its job.
Why it matters: The police found no crime. But the ethical questions and the legal fight over who gets to decide Williams' fate are still very much alive. August 31 is the next date to watch. Full story at CBS News Atlanta →
The Company Behind Your Takeout Containers Just Opened a Major Facility in Locust Grove
LOCUST GROVE — Sabert Corporation, a global food packaging manufacturer, has opened a brand new 300,000 square foot distribution center in Locust Grove — its fifth U.S. distribution facility and one of its most significant recent investments. The facility is designed to serve the entire Southeast including Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina with faster delivery times. Shipping from Locust Grove begins this month. "This investment represents both our commitment to our customers and our confidence in the continued growth of the Southeast market," said CEO Paul McCann.
Why it matters: Another major company is choosing Henry County. Locust Grove keeps showing up on national corporate maps and that's good news for local jobs and the tax base. Full story at Sabert Corporation →
Last Call for the Waterpark. Labor Day Is Your Final Chance.
MCDONOUGH — Summer isn't over yet, but the Kensley Grace Waterpark season is almost gone. Henry County Government confirmed that Labor Day weekend is the final weekend the waterpark will be open for the season. If you haven't made it out yet, this is your sign — go before the slides go quiet until next summer.
Why it matters: Once Labor Day passes, that's it until 2027. Don't miss your last splash of the season. Check hours and details at swimhenry.com →
Free Cooling Centers Are Open Through Friday
HENRY COUNTY — The heat isn't letting up, and Henry County has four free cooling centers open through Friday, August 28. All four locations offer seating and complimentary bottled water. No registration required. Just show up.
🧊 Locust Grove Rec Center · 10 Cleveland St, Locust Grove
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. · Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
🧊 Heritage Park · 101 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🧊 J.P. Moseley Rec Center · 1041 Millers Mill Rd, Stockbridge
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. · Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
🧊 Fairview Rec Center · 35 Austin Rd, Stockbridge
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. · Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McDonough Residents, See the Final Geranium Park Plan.
MCDONOUGH — Remember that Geranium Park survey we told you about back in July? Your feedback worked. The City of McDonough has refined the 20-acre park concept based on community input and is hosting one final community meeting next Tuesday September 1 at 6 p.m. at McDonough City Hall. Key updates include a shaded walking trail through the wooded area north of Judy Drive, a centralized playground repositioned for better visibility and safety, a new disc golf course, and a covered pavilion for families.
Why it matters: This is the last chance to weigh in before the final design is locked in. You helped shape it — come see what it looks like now.
📅 Tuesday September 1 · 6 p.m.
📍 McDonough City Hall · Council Chambers
Follow City of McDonough for updates →
Your Henry County Library Is Doing Way More Than You Think
Books, music and movement bring Henry County’s youngest readers together.
Photo courtesy of Henry County Library System
HENRY COUNTY - If you haven’t checked your local library calendar lately, you might be surprised by what’s on it. Mahjong. Crochet. Murder mysteries. Computer classes for seniors. STEAM programs for homeschoolers. Teen groups. Baby storytime. Even a Hannah Montana nostalgia night.
And that’s just a random Wednesday.
Across Henry County’s five library branches, McDonough, Cochran, Fortson, Fairview and Locust Grove, a whole lot is happening beyond checking out books. Anna, Assistant Director of Programming and Outreach, and Erica, Assistant Director of Public Services, told us there’s a lot of thought behind what ends up on that calendar.
“Each community is different,” explained Erica Ware, Assistant Director of Public Services.
Take Mahjong. It’s become popular in Stockbridge because people there are interested in it. Staff pay attention to what patrons are talking about, what’s trending, and what people tell them they’d like to see.
Adult participants put their detective skills to work during a library murder mystery.
Photo courtesy of Henry County Library System.
That’s also how Hampton ended up with a murder mystery program.
People interested in true crime wanted something where they could actually solve a case. Now participants gather for as long as three hours, pull out whiteboards, debate suspects and try to crack the mystery together.
The unexpected part? Erica says people come in as strangers and start forming friendships.
The library has also expanded its homeschool programming after families asked for more STEM. That now includes coding, science, and other hands-on activities. And here’s something worth knowing: the programs are free. Always.
Anna Cogdill, Assistant Director of Programming and Outreach, and Erica see the library as something bigger than a building full of books. They call it a “third space,” a place outside of home, work or school where everyone in the community has somewhere to go and somewhere to belong.
That may be the part we like most.
So the next time you’re looking for something to do, learn or try, check the library calendar before assuming you have to leave Henry County.
Turns out, one of the county’s best community resources has been sitting there all along.
Find Your Next Class
Henry County Library System Event Calendar
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Today, August 25
Toddler Storytime · 📍 Cochran Public Library · 🕐 11–11:30am · FREE
Tween Tuesday – DIY Mini Book Charms · 📍 Fortson Public Library · 🕐 3:30–5pm · FREE
STEM Tween Lego Challenges · 📍 Cochran Public Library · 🕐 4–5pm · FREE
Wednesday, August 26
Homeschool at Panola: Bug Detectives · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge · 🕐 10–11:30am · 💵 $8/student
Nature hike and ant observation lab, designed primarily for K–2nd grade, all homeschoolers welcome. Registration required — call the park, space limited.
Thursday, August 27
Once Upon a Crime: Murder Mystery Theater · 📍 Fortson Public Library · 🕐 4–7pm · FREE, registration required. Interactive adult murder mystery night, "Quoth the Raven, An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery." Register: forms.gle/3hDtTnvwVLbJzKxT7
Friday, August 28
Dr. Iconic Band · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern & Eatery, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9pm
Tiny Tent Concert Series — Encore ft. Quasey · 📍 130 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, Downtown Stockbridge · 🕐 6–8pm · FREE, ticket required
Quasey, "The Southern Soul Heartthrob," headlines the first of two encore performances.
Sunset U-Pick · 📍 Sweet Magnolia Farmstead · 🕐 6–8:30pm · $25 adults / $15 kids (3–12) Golden hour in the flower field.
Food Truck Frenzy · 📍 Tanger Station, 2950 Tanger Blvd, Locust Grove · 🕐 4–9pm · FREE. Food trucks plus a Luella Athletics away football watch party.
Saturday, August 29
Rail and Roots Farmer's Market · 📍 Historic Train Depot, Downtown Hampton · 🕐 9am–1pm · FREE
AKA Family Empowerment Day · 📍 Nash Farm Park, 4361 Jonesboro Road, Hampton · 🕐 11am–3pm · FREE. Family photos, blood pressure screenings, food trucks, family bingo, book giveaways.
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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 Friday, Henry County
From what’s happening at City Hall to everything happening inside our local libraries, there’s always something worth paying attention to close to home.
We’ll be back Friday with more local news, plus The Weekend Eye with your guide to Labor Day weekend.
Until then send your tips to [email protected].
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️