🦅👁️ Henry County, Here's What You Need to Know Before the Long Weekend

Good morning, Henry County.

Welcome to a short but packed week.

Most people have Friday off since the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, making July 3rd the official federal holiday. That means this is a four-day week for a lot of us, and we're going to make it count.

Today we've got an important public safety update from Henry County Police, good news about your drinking water, new Georgia laws taking effect this Tuesday, a practical AI tip for the new week, and a Good to Know from Henry County that could be useful to someone you know.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

HENRY COUNTY — The Henry County Police Department's Special Services Division has expanded its efforts to catch online child predators using social media, messaging apps, and gaming networks to target minors. Two adult males have already been arrested after traveling to predetermined locations intending to engage in sexual activity with what they believed to be a minor, with warrants out for two more.

Why it matters: This is happening right here in Henry County. Talk to your children about who they're communicating with online. To report suspicious behavior involving a minor, contact HCPD or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. Read the full story at Henry Herald →

MCDONOUGH — The Henry County Water Authority has released its 2025 annual Water Quality Report, and the results are clear. No water quality violations were recorded for the entire calendar year. The HCWA's Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant was also named the Best Operated Water Plant of its kind in Georgia by the American Water Works Association earlier this year. For Henry County residents who've ever wondered whether their tap water is safe, this report says yes and it meets or exceeds every federal and state standard set by the EPA and Georgia EPD.

Why it matters: Clean, safe drinking water is one of the most basic services a community depends on. Henry County's water system is not only meeting the standard. It's winning awards for it. Read the full water quality report at Henry Herald →

GEORGIA — At least 120 new Georgia laws take effect July 1, and several directly affect Henry County residents. Penalties for pimping and pandering convictions are getting significantly harsher, a direct complement to Henry County Police's expanded vice and trafficking investigations. High school students diagnosed with terminal illnesses can now receive their diplomas early. HOPE Scholarship rules are also among the changes, affecting college-bound students across the county. A new Consumer Privacy Protection Act expands eligibility for rural hospital tax-credit contributions, which could benefit Piedmont Henry Hospital.

Why it matters: These laws take effect in two days. Henry County families, students, and businesses will feel their impact almost immediately. See all 19 new Georgia laws taking effect Tuesday →

HENRY COUNTY — The Henry County Animal Care and Control shelter has dogs, cats, and sometimes even reptiles, birds, rabbits, and farm animals available for adoption right now. Dogs and puppies are $125 and cats and kittens are $65. Both fees include sterilization, rabies vaccination, initial vaccines, dewormer, and a microchip. To adopt you must be at least 18 years old and sign a legally binding adoption agreement committing to lifelong care for your new pet.

Why it matters: Every animal adopted from Henry County's shelter opens up space for another animal in need. Summer is one of the busiest intake seasons of the year, so now is a great time to give a pet a permanent home.

📍 527 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA 30253
📞 (770) 288-7387
Find your new pet at 24PetConnect →

Free AI Tools: ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
Not sure which one to use? They all work. Just pick the one you already have and get started.

HENRY COUNTY- You know that stack of business cards sitting on your desk? Or tucked away in a drawer from networking events you've attended over the years?

Most of us collect them with the best intentions. Few of us ever do anything with them.

The problem isn't meeting people. It's finding the time to organize all those names, phone numbers, email addresses, and job titles. Before long, those valuable connections are forgotten.

I recently decided to tackle my own pile.

I took photos of all of the cards and uploaded them to Claude. Then I asked it to organize everything into a spreadsheet with five columns: Name, Company, Title, Phone Number, and Email Address.

Seconds later, it was done.

What could have taken an hour or more of typing was organized before I finished my coffee.

Here's where it gets even better.

Once your contacts are organized, ask the AI to convert the spreadsheet into a CSV file. That file can be imported into Google Contacts, Apple Contacts, Outlook, and most other contact apps and cell phones, letting you add dozens of contacts all at once instead of entering them one by one.

That's not just a time saver. It's the difference between keeping valuable connections and losing them in a drawer.

Try This

Grab five business cards.

Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and type the information from each card. Then ask:

"Organize these into a spreadsheet with columns for Name, Company, Title, Phone Number, and Email Address."

When you're ready, ask:

"Convert this into a CSV file I can import into Google Contacts or Apple Contacts."

CSV File: A CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is simply a spreadsheet format that contact apps understand. Instead of entering contacts one at a time, you can import a CSV file and add dozens or even hundreds of contacts in just a few clicks.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Monday Night Cruise · 📍 Summit Racing, 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE · Weekly themed cruise-in — check Summit Racing's social for this week's vehicle category.

Bippidi Bobbidi BINGO — Disney Music Night · 📍 McDonough Public Library · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · Family Disney music bingo — test who in your house knows the most lyrics.

Confidently Speaking with Toastmasters · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library, Meeting Room · 🕐 6–7:30PM · FREE · Part one of a four-part public speaking workshop for adults — whether it's a boardroom or a community meeting, this series builds real confidence. Call ahead to confirm if all four sessions require upfront registration.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Pancakes with a Cop · 📍 McDonough First United Methodist Church, McDonough · 🕐 11AM–1PM · FREE · The McDonough Police Department hosts a brunch-style community event — a low-key opportunity to connect with local officers over a good meal.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Walk It Out Wednesday · 📍 Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Lithonia · 🕐 4–6PM · FREE · ~25 min from McDonough · A relaxed midweek hike with Ranger Doffice — no registration needed. (Close to Home)

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Local Farmers Market · 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE · Every Thursday through August 27 — Henry County Master Gardeners with perennials, vegetables, and native plants.

Henry County Hot Summer Fest — America's 250th 🎆 · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🕐 6PM–10PM · FREE — admission and parking · Free fireworks, a Full Throttle flyover, pickleball, a splash bash, a kids fun zone, and more — the night closes with a fireworks show you won't want to miss. Clear bags required. No coolers or drones. This is the kickoff to Henry County's Fourth of July weekend. Henry Herald

Tuned Up Thursday — Karaoke Night · 📍 1942 On The Square, 30 B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM · Every Thursday · Grab the mic or just grab a drink.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Stars, Guitars and Fireworks · 📍 Locust Grove City Hall Lawn, 3644 GA Hwy 42 · 🕐 7–9:30PM · FREE · Freebird-ATL brings the ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd experience to the City Hall lawn — bring lawn chairs for a free outdoor concert and fireworks before the Fourth.

2 Broke Kings · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM · Tickets via BigTickets · 21+ after 8PM · A live show at Southern Roots to close out the pre-Fourth night.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · Good music and good vibes on the Square to kick off the long weekend.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 — INDEPENDENCE DAY 🇺🇸

Henry County Aquatic Center & Waterpark · 📍 1177 Henry Pkwy Connector, McDonough · Check swimhenry.com for July 4th holiday hours — the perfect daytime cool-down before the evening celebrations.

Hampton Main Street July 4th Parade · 📍 Downtown Hampton · 🕐 9AM · FREE · Walk the historic streets of Hampton while enjoying live music, art demonstrations, and delicious food from local vendors.

Panola Mountain Fireworks Hike · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge · $25/person · Hikers enjoy sweeping views of Stone Mountain and Atlanta's fireworks from atop the mountain, along with sunset views and s'mores by the campfire. Ideal for nature lovers ages 8 and older. Register: 770-389-7801

City of Stockbridge 4th of July Extravaganza 🎆 · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 Gates 5PM | Show 7PM–11PM | Fireworks to follow · FREE · Boosie and Pastor Troy headline Henry County's biggest free Fourth of July celebration — arrive early for good spots.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

I used to be a banker,

but I lost interest🤣

That's your Monday, Henry County.

It's a short week but a full one. Stay safe with fireworks this weekend, hug your family, and enjoy the holiday. The Eagle Eye Digest will be back tomorrow with more.

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

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