In partnership with
| ISSUE# 034 | THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
Good morning, Henry County ☀️
Today is one of those days where a lot is happening all at once.
County leaders are preparing for the State of the County address, while lawmakers under the Gold Dome are wrapping up the final day of the legislative session, making decisions that could impact communities like ours.
At the same time, there’s growth happening, new places opening, and a few local wins worth celebrating.
Here’s your bird’s eye view of what’s going on!
State of the County Address Set for Today
STOCKBRIDGE - Henry County leaders and residents will gather for the State of the County address today, where Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell is expected to outline key priorities, major projects, and what’s ahead for the community. The annual event offers a closer look at how growth, development, and county services are evolving. For residents, it’s a chance to hear directly what direction Henry County is heading next. Read more at Atlanta Daily World
Final Day of Georgia Legislative Session Could Shape What Comes Next
GEORGIA - Today marks the final day of Georgia’s legislative session, known as Sine Die, when lawmakers race to pass or finalize bills before the deadline. Decisions made in these final hours can directly impact issues like education, housing, taxes, and local development across counties like Henry. It’s often a fast paced finish, with last minute negotiations determining what becomes law and what doesn’t. Read more at Rough Draft Atlanta
Georgia Cut the Gas Tax. So Why Is It Still $3.66 at the Pump?
GEORGIA - Governor Brian Kemp signed a 60-day gas tax suspension on March 20, cutting 33.3 cents per gallon on regular fuel and 37.3 cents on diesel — but many Georgia drivers still aren't seeing that savings at the pump. Prices have jumped from around $2.80 to $3.66 in recent weeks, and Attorney General Chris Carr is now warning gas stations that failing to lower prices could violate Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act. If something looks off at your local station, you can report it to the Georgia Consumer Protection Division at consumer.georgia.gov
New Splash Pad Set to Open in Henry County This Summer
MCDONOUGH - A new water attraction known as Splash Palace is racing toward an early June opening, giving families a fresh way to cool off this summer. The facility is located in McDonough, adding another family-friendly destination right here in Henry County. Once open, it’s expected to become a go to spot for kids and parents looking for a fun, local escape. Read more at Hoodline
Henry County Student Named Georgia Scholar
MCDONOUGH - A student from Impact Academy High School has been named a Georgia Scholar, one of the state’s highest academic honors. The recognition highlights not just strong grades, but leadership, community involvement, and overall achievement. It’s a big moment for the student and a proud one for Henry County schools. Read more at Henry Herald
New Student Free Speech Bill Could Impact Classrooms Across Henry County
GEORGIA - A new bill expanding student free speech rights has cleared the Georgia General Assembly, and it could soon impact classrooms right here in Henry County. The legislation allows students to express political views, form clubs, and wear messages as long as it doesn’t disrupt learning. It passed over Democratic objections, with some lawmakers raising concerns during debate. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for a final decision. Read more at Henry Herald
Inside Ruth’s Jamaican Diner: A Story of Legacy, Faith, and Flavor
Ruth's Jamaican Diner
STOCKBRIDGE - There’s a stretch of North Henry Boulevard where traffic moves steady and fast. But right along that drive, a white brick building stands out. Bold black, gold, and green stretch across the front, the colors of the Jamaican flag, impossible to miss.
That building is home to Ruth’s Jamaican Diner, and the woman behind it is Karen Able.
The day I met her, she wasn’t inside. She was out front, hands in the soil, planting flowers and getting the patio ready for spring. Moving between pots, straightening tables, adjusting chairs. She wanted the space to feel like an escape. “I want it to feel tropical,” she said. “Like you’re in Jamaica.”
Karen’s story doesn’t start here. It starts in Jamaica, in kitchens filled with food, family, and tradition. “I grew up in food all my life,” she told me. “If it’s not farming, it’s cooking.” Her mother, Ruth, built a life through that same tradition, from airline catering in Jamaica to running a restaurant in New York for more than 30 years.
This diner carries her name and her legacy.
“When I look at my mom… she’s still working, still lifting,” Karen said. “I was like, Mommy, you got to give it up.” But Ruth wasn’t ready to stop. So Karen made a decision. She would build something new, not just a business, but a way for her mother to keep doing what she loves without doing it alone.
It hasn’t been easy. Karen still works full time as a nurse, balancing long hospital shifts with long days at the diner. “When I’m off from the hospital, I’m here… cooking, serving, cleaning, going to the market,” she said. And still, she kept going. “I don’t think anybody thought I could pull this off… it was just me and God.”
Inside, the food tells its own story. Rich, layered, and deeply authentic, from oxtails that fall apart to jerk turkey wings you won’t find anywhere else. Every dish is rooted in generations of knowledge and care.
But what stays with you isn’t just what’s on the plate. It’s the feeling. “What I want people to feel when they walk through the doors? Comfortable. Peaceful.” And somehow, she’s created exactly that, a place where culture, community, and care all meet at the table.
📍 5046 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge, GA 30281 📞 (678) 272-7195 🌐 ruthsjamaicandiner.net
Feeling off lately? It could be your hormones.
3pm crashes every day. Unexpected weight gain. Unpredictable cycles. When symptoms start piling up, your hormones and metabolic health are often part of the story.
Allara helps women understand what's really going on with comprehensive hormone and metabolic testing. Their advanced testing goes beyond the basics to measure key markers like insulin, thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and metabolic health. Whether you already have a diagnosis or are still searching for answers, Allara's care team uses your results to create a personalized treatment plan with expert medical and nutrition guidance.
They treat a wide range of women’s health conditions, including PCOS, fertility challenges, weight management, perimenopause, thyroid conditions, and more.
With Allara, you get clarity, expert support, and a personalized care plan all for as little as $0 with insurance. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your body and addressing the root causes.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Easter Photos with the Easter Bunny 📍 Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 218, Locust Grove 🕐 1:00pm–7:00pm · Free
Harmony at Eagles Landing Easter Egg Hunt 📍 Harmony at Eagles Landing, Stockbridge 🕐 2:00pm–4:00pm · Free Fun, games, and Easter treats for kids.
Tech Talk: Gmail — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · Meeting Room 🕐 3:00pm–4:00pm · Free Learn basic computer skills. April topic is Gmail.
Diamond Art Coasters — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library 🕐 6:00pm–7:00pm · Free Make a cute cat or dog diamond art coaster to take home.
Bike Night at Sweet Auburn BBQ 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ, McDonough 🕐 5:00pm–9:00pm · Free Monthly community bike night. Motorcycle showcase, raffles, music, food and drinks. 10% of proceeds benefit Henry County First Responders.
Henry County 4-H: Pastabilities Dinner 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough 🕐 6:00pm–8:00pm · $5 per chair · $25 per table ⚠️ Registration deadline was March 20 — confirm if still open Dinner, live music, and silent auction benefiting Henry County 4-H youth programs.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Easter Photos with the Easter Bunny 📍 Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 218, Locust Grove 🕐 1:00pm–7:00pm · Free Last day before Easter weekend.
Cherry Blossom Windsocks — Locust Grove Library 📍 Locust Grove Public Library 🕐 All day drop-in · Free · While supplies last Stop by to make a cherry blossom windsock. No registration required.
Get Sideways — Southern Roots Tavern 📍 Southern Roots Tavern & Eatery, 15 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 8:00pm–11:00pm
*For the full list of weekend happenings, check out the Weekend Eye, which drops every Friday morning.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4.
McDonough Walking Club: Weekend Wellness Walk 📍 Sandra Vincent Children's Memorial Park, 355 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough 🕐 8:30am · Free
Sourdough Workshop — Crumbles by Nicole 📍 3988 Highway 42, Locust Grove 🕐 9:30am–11:30am · Tickets required Hands-on baking class with a full sourdough kit included.
SUNDAY APRIL 5
Egg-Citing Scavenger Hunt — Panola Mountain State Park 📍 Panola Mountain State Park, 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge 🕐 Pick up from Nature Center Front Desk anytime after 9am · Free with park entry Peter Cottontail hid eggs with nature facts throughout the park. Find them all before 4pm and win a prize!
Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣
Why are libraries so tall?
Because they have many stories!🤣
That’s your Eagle Eye view for today.
From big decisions shaping the future to the everyday stories that make this community what it is, there’s always more happening here than meets the eye.
If you see something happening or have a story to share, send it my way.
See you tomorrow. 👁️🦅