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Good morning, Henry County.
If you're new here, you picked quite a Friday to join us! Today is September 11, 25 years since the morning the world stopped. McDonough is gathering at noon on the Square to pray together in remembrance. It’s free, and all are welcome.
Henry County had quite a week, and we've got you covered on all of it.
O'Charley's in Stockbridge closed with no warning….The Stockbridge mayor investigation finally gets its day tomorrow.
Restaurant Week starts Sunday in Locust Grove…”Do Good Day” needs 700 volunteers…,and tonight Henry County eats for a cause.
Of course, The Weekend Eye is also out today with a look at what’s happening in and around Henry County this weekend.
And Monday we launch the Henry County Mayoral Profile Series. You're going to want to be following us for that one!
Welcome to the Eagle Eye Digest!
Now, let's get into it. 🦅👁️
One Night. 50+ Food Vendors. Taste of Henry Is Back
MCDONOUGH — What started with 10 vendors in 2001 has grown into one of Henry County's tastiest traditions. Taste of Henry returns Friday with 50+ food vendors and thousands of neighbors expected at Southern Belle Farm. Best of all, every bite supports A Friend's House and local foster children.
Come hungry. Leave full. Feel good about it.
Tonight · 5 to 8 p.m.
📍 Southern Belle Farm, McDonough
🎟️ $50 adults · $25 kids ages 3 to 9 Get Taste of Henry details and tickets →
DEVELOPING
Tomorrow Stockbridge Finally Gets Answers
STOCKBRIDGE — The public hearing on the investigation into Mayor Jayden Williams is tomorrow, Saturday, September 12 at 8 a.m. at Stockbridge City Hall. The council is expected to hear the findings of the independent investigation before considering what comes next. Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt will not participate after a judge ruled she could not fairly take part in the proceedings.
Why it matters: This has been one of Henry County’s biggest stories all summer. Tomorrow, Stockbridge residents are expected to hear what the investigation found.. Latest coverage at Atlanta News First →
EAT LOCAL
Downtown Locust Grove Restaurant Week Starts This Sunday
LOCUST GROVE — This Sunday, September 13, downtown Locust Grove kicks off a weeklong celebration of its locally owned restaurants — eight stops, seven delicious days, and a chance to win. Visit three of the eight participating restaurants, scan the QR code at each one, and you're entered to win one of four prize packages worth $75 each — a $50 downtown gift card plus a Downtown Locust Grove swag bag. Every additional qualifying visit earns another entry up to six total. Winners announced September 23.
"Food naturally brings people together," said Michele Renee Holmes, Locust Grove Main Street Manager. "Restaurant Week gives families, friends, and neighbors a reason to meet downtown, share a meal and explore businesses they may not have visited before."
Sunday, September 13 through Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Downtown Locust Grove · 8 stops · 7 days
Participating restaurants: Black Rose Cafe and Bar · Crumbles by Nicole · It's Alright BBQ · LINKS · Lovin Oven Pizzeria · Sabrosos · Shorty BBQ · T and T Meats Follow Downtown Locust Grove for details →
CLOSED
STOCKBRIDGE — O'Charley's on Highway 138 in Stockbridge is closed for good. The Nashville-based chain abruptly shut down all its corporate-owned locations nationwide on Wednesday, September 9, with no official announcement. All three Georgia locations, Stockbridge, Canton, and Fort Oglethorpe, went dark the same day.
Why it matters: Those warm rolls. Those family dinners. The employees who showed up Wednesday with no warning. This one stings a little. Full story at WSB-TV →
COMMUNITY
“Do Good Day” Is Coming to McDonough
One historic neighborhood. One coat of paint at a time. Do Good Day hits McDonough September 19
MCDONOUGH — Sometimes a community just needs a good day. On Saturday, September 19 the City of McDonough is hosting “Do Good Day,” a morning of hands-on service in the historic Blacksville neighborhood where volunteer teams will help homeowners with exterior house painting and neighborhood beautification. About 700 people have already registered. There's still room for more.
"One Day. One Community. Countless Acts of Kindness" That's the theme, and it means exactly what it says. No construction experience required. Just show up, get your assignment, and paint.
Why it matters: Blacksville is one of McDonough's most historic communities. This is Henry County showing up for its neighbors in the most tangible way possible.
Saturday, September 19 · 8 a.m. to noon
📍 Stage at Henry County Middle and High Schools · 155 Postmaster Drive, McDonough
🚌 Shuttles to project sites provided
📝 Registration required Register at mcdonoughga.org/DoGoodDay →
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THINGS TO DO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
NASCAR Driving Experience · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, Hampton
Comic Book Bookmarks · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · 🕐 4:30–5:30pm · FREE
Taste of Henry 2026 · 📍 Southern Belle Farm, McDonough · 🕐 5–8pm
Signature fundraiser for A Friend's House, a local nonprofit serving foster children. 55+ food vendors, zero vendor fees.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk — McDonough · 📍 McDonough Police Department, 50 Lawrenceville Street, McDonough · 🕐 9am
NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, Hampton · 📅 Sept 12–13
Locust Grove Farmer's Market · 📍 Locust Grove Train Viewing Platform · 🕐 9am–1pm
Introduction to Archery · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park · 🕐 11am–12pm · $20/person (ages 8+)
Don’t worry, there are a lot more things to do this weekend. Check out The Weekend Eye
That’s your Friday, Henry County.
There’s a lot happening this weekend, but today, we remember.
If you’re heading to the Square at noon, we’ll see you there. And when you’re ready to make your weekend plans, check out The Weekend Eye for our picks of what’s happening in and around Henry County.
Come Monday, we’re kicking off something new: The Henry County Mayoral Profile Series. We’re sitting down with the people leading our cities to get to know the person behind the title.
Follow @eagleeyedigest on Instagram and Facebook. Until then, have a good weekend, Henry County. Take care of each other.
Stay sharp. Stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest. 🦅👁️