THURSDAY EDITION - March 12, 2026
Eagle’s Landing • Stockbridge • McDonough • and Beyond
☕ Good Morning! Your bird’s-eye view of what’s happening, delivered straight to your inbox.
Weather
Morning Eye Opener News
Wing of the Community: One Stray Dog Changed Everything
An Eye On What’s Happening
Dad Joke of The Day
Weather
👁️ Morning Eye Opener 👁️
CURATED NEWS & UPDATES
Georgia House Approves $38.5 Billion Budget Plan for 2027
ATLANTA - The Georgia House has approved a proposed $38.5 billion state budget for fiscal year 2027, sending the spending plan to the Senate for consideration. The proposal includes increased funding for education, early literacy programs, and health services across the state. Lawmakers will now negotiate the final version of the budget with the Senate before it can be sent to the governor for approval. Read more in the Capital Beat
Literacy Coaches May Be Coming to Henry County Schools
HENRY COUNTY- Georgia lawmakers are pushing to expand literacy coaches in elementary schools to help students recover reading skills lost during the pandemic. If the plan moves forward, schools across the state, including those in Henry County Schools, could receive additional classroom support focused on early reading success. Read more at Atlanta News First
Henry County Librarian Named Media Specialist of the Year
HENRY COUNTY - Jessica Letze of Hampton Middle School has been named Henry County Schools’ Library Media Specialist of the Year, recognizing her work helping students build strong reading and research skills. District leaders say media specialists like Letze play a key role in promoting literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of learning among students. Read more in the Henry Herald
Wings Of The Community
One Stray Dog Changed Everything
LOCUST GROVE - For Kristi Butler, helping animals has never been just a hobby. It is a calling.
Butler founded Street Paws in 2012 after years of volunteering with the Henry County Humane Society. One night after leaving a meeting, she encountered a large frightened stray dog she later named Rio. Caring for him opened her eyes to something bigger. Entire groups of feral animals were living nearby with no one looking out for them.
That moment sparked what would eventually become Street Paws, a nonprofit rescue dedicated to helping feral and abandoned animals across Stockbridge and Locust Grove.
Today, the no-kill rescue operates from its shelter at 109 Bethlehem Road in Locust Grove, providing food, medical care, and safe shelter for animals that might otherwise be overlooked.
“These animals just need patience, trust, and someone willing to give them a chance,” Butler says.
Like many rescues, fundraising has become more difficult in recent years. To help continue their mission, Street Paws is inviting the community to come together for an evening fundraiser that supports the care of the animals they rescue every day.
Spayghetti & No Meatballs Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday, March 21, 2026
3 PM to 8 PM
McDonough Presbyterian Church
427 McGarity Road, McDonough
Tickets and details: streetpaws.org/events
📅 An Eye On What’s Happening 📅
CURATED EVENTS LIST
📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026
Thriller Book Club | McDonough Free Purchase your book from Story on the Square to join. Story on the Square, 19 Griffin St. 6:00pm ·
A public speaking skills workshop designed to help attendees communicate with confidence 9am - 10am
Ladies and Men’s Night Out St Patrick’s Edition | McDonough Square
Downtown merchants bring festive energy to the Square with specials, games, trivia, and photo ops inspired by St Patrick’s Day. 5:00pm-9:00pm
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
Fresh produce, local goods, and healthy options for the whole family. 162 Keys Ferry St. 9:00am–4:00pm
Fall Line Beer Tasting and Small Bites | McDonough
Enjoy a relaxed evening tasting curated beers paired with small bites in an intimate downtown setting. Ideal for date night or a laid-back night out with friends. $35 McDonough 6:30pmLive music nights. Catch a set while enjoying great slices. Davinci's NY Style Pizza, 1035 GA-155 S, 7:00pm
📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026
Critter Fun Day at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary | Locust Grove A three-hour guided sanctuary adventure for kids ages 4–12, led by animal care team members with hands-on wildlife interaction.Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary 9am- 12noon
Coffee with a Cop | Lovejoy A relaxed community event where residents can connect with law enforcement over coffee. Panera Bread 9:00am–11:00am
Luella High Hosts First Annual Community Food Fest | Locust Grove
Food trucks, pop-up vendors, live music, and family fun come together on the Luella High School campus for a community celebration that supports the school. 1:00 pm-10:00 pmAtlanta Spring Craft and Vendor Market | Locust Grove
Browse handmade goods, local vendors, and seasonal finds during this outdoor spring market at Tanger Outlets, featuring a wide variety of creative small businesses. 10:00am-4:00pmLeather & Lace Field Party at The Smith Family Ranch | Stockbridge
Get ready for a high-energy night dance party under the stars. Expect DJs, dancing, celebrating, and a bold leather and lace theme that promises a lively crowd. The Smith Family Ranch, 1950 E Atlanta Rd Starts at 5:00pm
📅 Sunday, March 15, 2026
Creator's Club: Flower Bookmarks | McDonough A hands-on maker workshop where you'll craft beautiful floral bookmarks to take home. Story on the Square $10 | 2:00pm-4pm
📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026
Smoke & Mirrors Truck & Car Show | McDonough
A free monthly gathering of classic cars, trucks, and modern rides at Sweet Auburn BBQ with food, drinks, and giveaways. 9:00am-1:00pmCelebrate the season at Henry County’s Spring Festival with family-friendly activities & community fun at historic Nash Farm Park. 5:00pm- 9:00 pm
📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
Easter Egg Hunt | Locust Grove
A family-friendly spring celebration with egg hunts, activities for children, & community fun. Claude Gray Park;99 Frances Ward Drive, 10:00am
WORTH THE TRIP
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Atlanta
One of Atlanta’s longest-running traditions featuring marching bands, festive floats, and Irish celebration in Midtown March 14th 12:00pmWing & Rock Fest | Canton
A food and music festival with wings, rock bands, family zone activities, and artisan vendors. Etowah River Park. All Day Saturday & SundayAtlanta Science Festival | Atlanta
The Atlanta Science Festival brings hands-on experiments, live demos, and interactive events to venues across the city. A fun and brain-boosting Worth the Trip outing for families, date nights, or anyone who loves discovering something new. All MarchGeorgia Food and Wine Festival | Atlanta
A multi-day celebration of Southern flavors, chef tastings, and curated wine pairings that spotlight the best of Georgia’s culinary scene. A delicious Worth the Trip experience for food lovers who enjoy sipping, sampling, and discovering something new. March 27-29Atlanta Blooms at the Atlanta Botanical Garden | Atlanta
Spring takes center stage as the Garden celebrates its 50th anniversary with more than 14,0000 tulips, daffodils, and seasonal blooms across the Great Lawn. This limited Super Blooms display is perfect for photos, peaceful strolls, and a colorful Worth the Trip escape during peak bloom season in March and April.Private Stranger Things Filming Locations Tour | Atlanta Area
Explore real-life Hawkins on a guided tour of Stranger Things filming locations across metro Atlanta. Fans can visit iconic spots from the series while learning behind-the-scenes stories and production secrets during this unique ongoing, Worth the Trip experience. On-going.
Spotlight Your Business or Non-Profit Here!
Are you a local business or nonprofit making a difference here in Henry County? We’d truly love to hear your story. The Eagle Eye Digest is all about celebrating the people, organizations, and purpose driven work that help our community grow and thrive.
A feature in The Eagle Eye Digest puts your mission in front of engaged neighbors who care about supporting local businesses, meaningful causes, and the leaders behind them. If you’d like to be considered for an upcoming spotlight, click the button below and share what you’re building.
😂 DAD JOKE OF THE DAY
Why do vampires seem sick?
They're always coffin..😄