Henry County, GA | Issue No. 181 |
Good morning, Henry County!
Fall break is over, and the kids are back in class even though it’s Columbus Day. Just a heads-up: post offices are closed today.
After Hurricane Isaias soaked metro Atlanta this weekend, the calm has arrived. Expect sunny skies today with a high near 83. If you’re still cleaning up limbs or waiting on power, hang in there.
Mark your calendar: early voting starts tomorrow, October 13, and runs through October 30. Road money is on the ballot, and Commissioner Kevin Lewis is hosting a T-SPLOST town hall Wednesday night if you want answers before you vote.
Also inside: Locust Grove just landed on a national list, and the reason says a lot about where Henry County is headed.
A Piedmont doctor shares her simple game plan for cold and flu season. And there’s still time to grab your seat at the Eagle Eye Table.
Let’s get into it. 🦅👁️
ON THE BALLOT
Road Money Is on Your Ballot. Here’s Your Chance to Ask About It.
HENRY COUNTY - Commissioner Kevin Lewis is hosting a town hall Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 PM on T-SPLOST 2, the renewal of Henry County’s one-cent transportation sales tax. It’s at the Henry County Administration Building, 140 Henry Pkwy in McDonough, and streams live on YouTube and Facebook.
If voters say yes in November, collections run April 2027 through March 2033. That picks up right where the current tax ends, with no increase to your rate. The county expects about $330 million. Henry County keeps roughly $215.9 million and the rest goes to Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge. Top projects include widening Jonesboro Road and Bill Gardner Parkway, plus intersection fixes like Chambers Road at McCullough.
Why it matters: Early voting opens Tuesday, so some of your neighbors will vote on this before the town hall even happens. Show up, ask your questions, then cast your ballot. See the full project list
NEST WATCH
Locust Grove Just Made a National List. Here’s Why.
LOCUST GROVE - Locust Grove landed on WorldAtlas’ list of Georgia towns drawing older residents. The city’s 65-plus population grew from 510 to 737. About 14.5% of those seniors moved there within the past year. That’s roughly four times the statewide average.
Why it matters: More seniors means more demand for doctors, housing and services close to home. The county approved a freestanding emergency department for Locust Grove in September, a sign the infrastructure is starting to catch up. Read more
HEALTH
Cold and Flu Season Is Here. A Local Doctor Says Start With the Basics.
Dr. Evan Graham, primary care physician with Piedmont Physicians of Locust Grove, is encouraging Henry County families to take simple preventive steps as cold and flu season begins.
LOCUST GROVE - The kids are back in class, and so are the germs. Dr. Evan Graham, a primary care physician with Piedmont Physicians of Locust Grove, says the best defense is still the simple stuff. Wash your hands often, stay hydrated, get at least seven hours of sleep and aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. She also calls the flu shot a key line of defense. “The flu vaccine can prevent numerous strains of the virus, and it can also lessen the severity of illness for those who still become sick,” Dr. Graham said. If you do get sick, Piedmont offers same-day virtual visits through primary care, Piedmont Urgent Care and QuickCare, so you can get seen without leaving the couch.
Why it matters: Germs spread fast once school is back in session. Getting ahead of them now means fewer sick days for the whole house. Book a virtual visit at piedmont.org
KEEP AN 👁️ ON
Stockbridge City Council Meets Monday
The Stockbridge City Council meets Monday, October 12 at 6 PM at City Hall, 4640 North Henry Blvd. The meeting streams live on Facebook. Watch live on Facebook
2026 Kiwanis Henry County Fair
📍 Nash Farm Park, 4361 Jonesboro Road, Hampton · 🕐 Opens Tuesday at 6 PM, runs through Sunday, Oct. 18 · Ticketed
Missed the State Fair? Here’s your second shot, closer to home. Six days of rides, fair food and family fun right here in Henry County. Get fair details
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Meet Your New Bestie · 📍 Fairview Public Library, Stockbridge · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · Fill out a short questionnaire and get matched with someone who answered like you — refreshments included. Adults only.
Spy Romance Book Club · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · This quarter’s pick is It Had To Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier. Come ready to talk spies and swoons.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Basic Computer Class for Seniors · 📍 Cochran Public Library, Stockbridge · 🕐 3–4PM · FREE · Internet basics, email, search, and online safety — in a no-pressure environment built for adults. Know a parent or neighbor who still calls you for tech help? Send them here.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
Ladies Night Out on the Square — Breast Cancer Awareness Night · 📍 McDonough Square, 5 Griffin St, McDonough · 🗓 🕐 3 hours · FREE · Grab your girls and head to the Square — Main Street McDonough is hosting a Ladies Night Out in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shop local boutiques, dine at Square restaurants, and make a whole evening of it. Come out and show up for the women in your community.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Recipe Swap · 📍 Fairview Public Library, Stockbridge · 🕐 3–4PM · FREE · Bring a written recipe and a sample of the dish if you’re feeling generous. Every family recipe has a story worth sharing. If you bring food, list every ingredient.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Bags, Bands & Bites Oktoberfest · 📍 Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe, 1 Cherry Street, Hampton · 🕐 Time TBA · Cornhole, live music, food, and vendors — all benefiting Twisted Pink. Rescheduled from last weekend and back on for Saturday.
Fall on the Farm — Southern Belle Farm · 📍 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · 🕐 Sat 10AM–7PM | Sun 1–7PM · Pumpkin patch and market free · activities ticketed · Pumpkins, hayrides, a corn maze, pig races, and plenty of room to run. Also open today, Monday October 12, 10AM–5PM.
Fall Vendor Market at Tanger Outlets · 📍 Tanger Outlets, 1000 Tanger Dr, Locust Grove · 🕐 Sat & Sun, 10AM–5PM · Shop local vendors and seasonal finds at this weekend market presented by Hometown Vendor Market.
ALL MONTH
Scarecrow Village · 📍 Downtown Locust Grove · 🕐 Through October 31 · FREE · Stroll downtown and check out scarecrows made by local businesses, schools, and neighbors — scan the QR codes to vote for your favorites.
CLOSE TO HOME — Coming Up
The Great Pumpkin Walk · 📍 Historic Courthouse Square, Fayetteville · 🗓 October 19–28 · Local schools and community groups turn the square into a gallery of decorated pumpkins — worth the short drive next week.
That’s your Monday, Henry County.
Early voting opens tomorrow, so bring your ID and your T-SPLOST questions. And if you’ve been meaning to grab a seat at the Eagle Eye Table, registration closes October 27. Save your seat here.
Stay sharp. Stay local. 🦅👁️