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ISSUE# 039 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 HENRY COUNTY GA

Good morning, Henry County ☀️

Today’s mix feels like a snapshot of where things are headed. A historic leadership moment in Stockbridge, technology showing up in real life right here at home, and a real opportunity in Hampton for anyone thinking about buying a home.

We’re also sharing a story that brings it all back to community. One McDonough mom who turned her own experience into something that’s now connecting nearly 19,000 women across Henry County.

And a quick reminder, today is Tax Day. If it’s been sitting in the back of your mind, consider this your friendly tap on the shoulder to take a look.

Let’s get into it!

Stockbridge Swears In New Police Chief Today

STOCKBRIDGE — Stockbridge is starting a new chapter today as Orrin Scott Hamilton is officially sworn in as the city’s new police chief. He brings more than 30 years of experience to the role and makes history as the first Black police chief in the city.

For a community that’s growing as fast as Stockbridge, leadership like this matters. It’s one of those moments that sets the tone for how the city moves forward.
Read more in WSB-TV

Drone Food Delivery Now in Henry County

LOCUST GROVE — This might sound like something out of the future, but it’s already happening right here. DoorDash has launched with Locust Grove serving as one of the first test areas.

The service is designed to cut through traffic and get smaller orders to your door in as little as five to twenty minutes, flying out of a hub near Tanger Outlets.

There are limits for now. Drones can only carry lighter items and operate within a certain range, so this won’t replace traditional delivery just yet.

Still, it’s a glimpse at what could be next, especially in fast growing areas like Henry County where traffic and demand for delivery are both on the rise.
Read more in Atlanta News First

Free Homeownership Event Coming to Hampton This Saturday

HAMPTON — If buying a home has been on your mind, this Saturday might be worth your time. A free event in Hampton is bringing together experts to help with everything from mortgage pre-approvals to down payment assistance and even estate planning.

It all happens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Mt. Carmel Park Recreation Center, and there’s no cost to attend. For many in Henry County, this could be a real first step toward homeownership without the guesswork.
Read more in Henry Herald

She Didn’t Have a Village. So She Built One for 19,000 Moms

MCDONOUGH - “I had absolutely no village.” Martine Stefanovic says. She had just left New York, the life she knew, the friends, the rhythm, the ease of connection. First Wisconsin, then Georgia. Two young kids, a new marriage, and no one around her.

“I was drowning in postpartum. I realized it was postpartum loneliness.”

In New York, life had been full. “Happy hours, girls trips every year… to go from that to zero, I knew I needed to build community.” So when she arrived in Georgia, she made a decision. “My number one goal is to build community. I’m gonna get friends.”

When she couldn’t find it, she created it. In 2019, she started a Facebook group with about 50 moms. “This is not like I wanted this to become my business. I needed this community.” She poured into it, even using her own money to bring people together. “I would pay $60 and say, ‘If you come, you get a free cup of coffee.’” Because for her, connection had to be real. “You can talk a good talk, but if you don’t see it…”

Then came COVID, and everything shifted. “Where can I find toilet paper?” she laughs. “Moms really leaned on the community.” What started as a digital space became something deeper. Two moms meeting for brunch turned into three, then thirty. Today, McDonough Moms is nearly 19,000 women strong.

But for Martine, the number isn’t the point. “I think the most rewarding part is seeing relationships being formed outside of the group.” She’s intentional about what the space feels like. “We have to be like toxic kindness… like unlimited rainbows.” Because every new mom who joins should feel safe, a place where she can ask questions, be vulnerable, and not be judged.

That same instinct to fill a gap has carried beyond the group. After struggling to piece together summer plans for her own kids, Martine launched Henry County’s first Summer Camp Expo, bringing families face-to-face with local programs in one place. “I’ve been sitting on this idea for a while… I was scared, but I said, I’m going to do it.” Hundreds of families showed up.

Because that’s what she does. She sees what’s missing and builds it.

“I would love for McDonough Moms to be a space where moms can come in order to meet another mom and build a village.”

And for thousands of women across Henry County, that’s exactly what it’s become.

If you’re a local mom looking for connection, you can request to join the McDonough Moms group on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/mcdonoughmoms

Cardiologists: Try This Sugar Trick For Looser Pants Fast

For many people over 40, weight gain does not start because they suddenly eat more. It often begins when the body handles sugar differently after meals.

Cardiologists say repeated blood sugar spikes and crashes can push the body to store more energy as belly fat, even when daily habits stay mostly the same.

Read the report on the sugar pattern researchers are studying.

Food Network Winner Brings Sweet Success to Locust Grove

Nicole Silva at her bakery in Locust Grove, where every cupcake starts with the same passion that first began in her home kitchen.

LOCUST GROVE - Earlier this week, we shared the story of Nicole Silva, the Locust Grove baker who went from learning at her grandmother’s side to making it all the way to the finale of The Great American Baking Show on the Food Network.

Her shop, Crumbles by Nicole, has been quietly serving up fresh-baked favorites for nearly a decade and has become a true Henry County staple.

👉 Catch the full story here and see how it all came together.

Visit Crumbles by Nicole
📍 3988 GA 42, Locust Grove, GA 30248
📞 (678) 764 2340
🌐 https://www.crumblesbynicole.com/

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Banned Book Club 📍 Story on the Square · 19 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 6:00 PM · Free Book clubs are free — purchase the book from Story on the Square to support the store.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Line Dancing Class — City of Stockbridge (recurring Wednesdays) 📍 Merle Manders Conference Center · 111 Davis Rd, Stockbridge 🕐 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Free · All ages Hosted by Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt. Instruction by JP with YK Line Dancers. No sandals. BYOF.

Impact Recovery Partners Networking Event 📍 140 John Frank Ward Blvd, Building 140 · McDonough 🕐 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Free Nonprofits, community leaders, government partners supporting recovery community. All welcome.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Story Time on the Patio — Chick-fil-A Jodeco 📍 Chick-fil-A · Jodeco Rd, McDonough 🕐 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Free · All ages Partnered with Henry County Library System. Stories, crafts, and fun activities.

Networking for Introverts — Panel Discussion 📍 Henry County · Location TBD 🕐 Time TBD · Free · Chamber event

Book to Screen Book Club 📍 Story on the Square · 19 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 6:00 PM · Free Book clubs are free — purchase the book from Story on the Square to support the store.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Rumble in the Grove — TCW Live Wrestling 📍 City Hall Front Lawn · Locust Grove 🕐 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Free · All ages Family wrestling, food trucks, outdoor fun. Warm-up event the night before Locust Grove Day.

School of Rock — The Henry Players 📍 The Henry Players Theater | 136 Hood Street, McDonough. Runs thru April 26, 2026. A struggling musician poses as a substitute teacher and transforms his prep school class into a rock band. Fun, music, and heart — brought to life by Henry County's own community theater. The Henry Players have been serving the community since 1991. Tickets at simpletix.com

Spring Wine Tasting with The Sorting Table 📍 19 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253 🕕 Friday, April 17 · 6:30 p.m. Story on the Square is hosting an intimate guided wine tasting featuring five exceptional varietals from The Sorting Table, a respected wine importer. Seats are limited to 50 guests, and early bird tickets are $50. A great date night or evening out in downtown McDonough.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Spring Plant Extravaganza 📍 Heritage Park · Jason Harper Arena · 99 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Shop early for best selection! Stock up for spring at the Henry County Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale! Browse indoor plants, perennial and annual flowers, vegetable seedlings, and gently used pots, garden décor, and tools.

Locust Grove Day 2026 📍 Downtown Locust Grove & Claude Gray Park · Free · All ages · Starting at 10:00 AM, Henry County's beloved annual celebration takes over downtown. The festival takes place on the front lawn of City Hall with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, kids' rides, and live music. Dancing at Claude Gray Park starts a 6:00 PM with live music by BMuzick Band, followed by a fireworks show at 8:45 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and the whole family for one of Henry County's favorite days of the year!

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call cheese that isn't yours?

Nacho cheese🤣

That’s it for today, Henry County.

From new leadership to food arriving by drone, a lot is happening around us. Some of it is exciting, some of it raises a few eyebrows, but all of it is worth paying attention to.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more of what’s happening right here at home.

Got a tip or a story we should know about? Send us a note at [email protected]. We read every one of them!

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

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