🦅 New Hands at the Helm, Polls Open Today, and a Hidden Lotus Garden 30 Minutes Away

Good morning, Henry County! ☀️

A lot kicks off today.

Henry County has a new face at the top of county government, and it didn't take long.

Early voting for the May 19 General Primary opens this morning, which means the next three weeks belong to you.

And we're introducing a brand-new feature today: Hidden Gems, a regular peek at spots in and around Henry County that are worth a short drive. First up, a lotus garden in Rex that you probably haven’t heard of.

Let's get into it. 🦅

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lane Closures This Week
Heads up if you're driving around Henry County this week. Expect lane closures on State Route 20 near McGarity Rd Tuesday and Wednesday, including some overnight work, and on Patrick Henry Parkway Thursday and Friday, during daytime hours. Build in extra time or take an alternate route.

MCDONOUGH — Just days after announcing the immediate departure of County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, the Henry County Board of Commissioners has tapped Deputy County Manager Kevin Johnson to step in as interim leader. Johnson takes the reins as the county navigates one of its most active growth periods in recent memory, with major projects, infrastructure investments, and a transitioning leadership team all moving at once.

Chair Carlotta Harrell said the change reflects long-term strategic priorities and the need to align leadership with increasing service demands. For Henry County residents, the immediate signal is continuity — county services continue without interruption — while the longer story of who eventually takes the role permanently is just beginning. Read more at Henry Herald

HENRY COUNTY — Today is the first day of early in-person voting for Georgia's May 19 General Primary and Nonpartisan Election, and Henry County voters can cast their ballot starting this morning. Early voting runs through Friday, May 15, giving residents nearly three weeks to vote on their own schedule before Election Day.

This primary decides which candidates move forward to November's general election, with key statewide and local races on the ballot. One race worth paying attention to: eight candidates are running to be Georgia's next State School Superintendent. None are from Henry County, but the role shapes statewide policy on curriculum, funding, and how districts support students and teachers — meaning whoever wins will have direct influence on Henry County classrooms for years.

A reminder for residents in the 13th Congressional District: the late Rep. David Scott's name remains on the ballot, but votes for him will not count. A separate special election will be called to fill that seat. Find your early voting location · Read more on the schools superintendent race in the AJC

HENRY COUNTY — A small, hard-to-spot ant is becoming a real concern across Georgia, and its sting can be serious — even life-threatening — for people with allergies. Researchers say the Asian needle ant is more active this time of year and tends to hide in wooded areas, leaf piles, and backyard debris.

For Henry County residents, especially those getting back into spring yard work, gardening, or hikes at Panola Mountain, it's a reminder to be cautious while clearing brush or yard debris and to take stings seriously if symptoms escalate. If you've been stung and you start to feel dizzy, swollen, or short of breath — that's an emergency, not a wait-and-see. Read more at WSB-TV

REX — Tucked into a quiet residential area in Rex, this unexpected lotus garden feels like a hidden escape just a short drive from Henry County. What started as a simple fishing pond has transformed into a peaceful space filled with blooming lotus flowers during peak season.

It’s just $8 to enter, but visitors are asked to be respectful since it’s located in a residential area. If you’re looking for something different this summer, this might be one of those spots you almost want to keep to yourself. Read more at Secret Atlanta

Welcome to EyeQ, a weekly Monday feature in The Eagle Eye Digest.

A few weeks ago, we asked what you wanted to learn more about, and you told us. That's exactly why EyeQ exists. Did you know that more than half of American adults are already using AI, and nearly 1 in 5 use it every single day? (Menlo Ventures State of Consumer AI Report, 2025)

EyeQ was built for people who don't need AI for work, but don't want to be left behind either. Whether you're retired, at home, or just curious, these tips are designed to make your everyday life a little easier. The people learning this now are getting ahead, and that's exactly what EyeQ is here to help you do.

If you haven't downloaded a free AI assistant yet, start there. ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini all work in similar ways. Not sure which one? Just pick one. That's the whole trick.

We're five weeks into EyeQ, and look how far you've come. You've used AI to troubleshoot a repair, write a message, prepare for a tough conversation, and even write or update your resume. Today we're taking it up a notch.

This week, we're going to make your AI tool your personal assistant. Not just a tool you check in with — but a helper that thinks ahead, plans with you, and handles the tasks that eat up your time and mental energy.

Try one of these this week:

This is what a personal assistant does: thinks, plans, and prepares so you don't have to do it all alone. The only difference is that this one is free, available 24 hours a day, and never has a bad day.

MONDAY, APRIL 27

Early Voting Begins — May 19 General Primary 📍 Henry County Elections Office and additional advance voting sites · 🕐 Mon–Fri, hours vary by location · Free First day of early in-person voting in Henry County. Bring a valid photo ID. Check the county elections page for the full list of locations and hours.

Building Economic Bridges: Small Business 📍 Henry County · 🕐 See Chamber listing · Chamber event A Chamber-sponsored small business event focused on resources and connections for local entrepreneurs. Full details on the Chamber events calendar.

Spring Georgia State Fair 📍 EchoPark Speedway · 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🕐 Daily through May 3 · Tickets at georgiastatefair.com Ten days of rides, food, and family fun continues all week in Hampton. Weekday evenings tend to be the calmer crowd if Saturday's chaos isn't your thing.

Poke-Monday at Fortson Public Library 📍 Fortson Public Library · Hampton · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Pokemon fans of all ages welcome for card trading and crafts. No registration required.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Henry Business Builders 📍 Henry County Chamber of Commerce · McDonough · 🕐 See Chamber calendar for time · Chamber members The Chamber's regular networking program for local business owners and managers. Check the Chamber events page for the exact time, location, and registration.

ServiceMaster Ribbon Cutting 📍 McDonough · 🕐 See Chamber listing for time · Henry County Chamber of Commerce A new local business officially joins the Henry County Chamber. A great low-effort way to meet other small business owners in the county.

Spring Georgia State Fair continues — EchoPark Speedway, Hampton

Early Voting Day 2 — Henry County polling locations

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

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

Henry County Game Night 📍 Via 14 Restaurant · 14 E Main St, Hampton · 🕐 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Free A casual community game night in downtown Hampton. Food, drinks, and a relaxed social vibe.

Spring Georgia State Fair continues — EchoPark Speedway, Hampton

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

McDonough Farmers Market 📍 Heritage Park · Jason T. Harper Event Center, McDonough · 🕐 Thursday afternoon (check Facebook for current hours) · Free admission Fresh produce, plants, and goods grown and made in Henry County. A long-running weekly market and a great low-key way to spend an hour.

Looking Ahead: First Thursday of May = Bike Night at Sweet Auburn BBQ in McDonough — Mark your calendar for next week (May 7).

Spring Georgia State Fair continues — EchoPark Speedway, Hampton

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Spring Georgia State Fair 📍 EchoPark Speedway · 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🕐 Friday evening · Tickets at georgiastatefair.com Two days left after today before the fair packs up Sunday. If you've been putting it off, now's the time.

Plus: This Friday's WEEKEND EYE drops with the full May 1–3 weekend lineup, including the State Fair's closing weekend, Saturday markets, and what's worth the trip.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call a man with a rubber toe?……Roberto! 🤣

That's your Monday briefing, Henry County.

A new manager has the keys, your vote opens today, a Henry County student is one regional contest away from a state title, and we're kicking off our first Hidden Gem feature with a lotus garden you can drive to in 30 minutes. If you do one thing this week, make it your early vote — it takes ten minutes and shapes the next two years.

We'll be back tomorrow. Got a tip or a story we should know about? Send us a note at [email protected]. We read everyone.

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