🦅👁️ New Rules, New Grants & a Hidden Gem

Good morning, Henry County.

It's Thursday, the weekend is almost here, and plenty is happening across the county.

Henry County has updated an important rule for pet owners, secured new grant funding for housing and transportation planning, and we're highlighting a hidden gem in Stockbridge that most residents still haven't discovered.

Plus, the farmers market season kicks off today, and a new report raises questions about mental health care access across Georgia.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

HENRY COUNTY - If you have a dog, this one's worth knowing. The Henry County Board of Commissioners recently amended its animal tethering ordinance. Tethering is now generally prohibited with very limited exceptions. The Henry Herald has the full story. Read the full story at the Henry Herald

HENRY COUNTY - The Henry County Board of Commissioners accepted two significant grant awards at Monday's regular meeting. The first is a $200,000 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission Community Development Assistance Program to fund a Comprehensive Countywide Housing Plan focused on affordability, emergency rental assistance, and temporary housing solutions. The county will provide a $40,000 local match. The second is a $300,000 ARC grant to develop a Henry County Freight Cluster Plan addressing freight mobility, traffic congestion, and safety, with a $75,000 local match from the Transportation Department. The county also submitted two additional grant applications: a $3.1 million road maintenance grant from GDOT with no local match required, and a $200,000 federal Railroad Crossing Safety Study grant. A strong week for county investment. View the full meeting details

GEORGIA – Georgia is often celebrated as one of the best states in the country for business growth, but a new report highlights a very different ranking.

Mental health advocates say Georgia continues to struggle with access to care, provider shortages, and treatment affordability. Recent analyses have ranked the state among the worst in the nation for mental health care access, with many adults reporting they cannot afford treatment and thousands of young people going without needed services.

The findings come as state leaders continue investing in new mental health facilities and workforce initiatives, while advocates argue much more is needed to meet growing demand. See why Georgia ranks near the bottom for mental health care access.

STOCKBRIDGE - If you're an ice cream lover, here's one you may not know about yet.

Milkshake Martini quietly opened on North Henry Boulevard in Stockbridge about seven weeks ago, and many Henry County residents still haven't discovered it. The shop specializes in gourmet milkshakes with flavors like red velvet and strawberry shortcake, along with dairy-free options for those looking for something lighter.

Owner Zsanine Batemon says the concept came to her through faith and inspiration. Inside, you'll find bright décor, board games, and a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages customers to slow down and stay awhile.

Follow them on Facebook 📍 5222 N Henry Blvd, Suite I-101, Stockbridge
📞 (470) 278-1211

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Local Farmers Market – Season Opens · 📍 97 Lake Dow Road, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE · Every Thursday through August 27 · Henry County Master Gardeners kick off the season with perennials, vegetables, and native plants — proceeds support local 4-H scholarships and community grants.

Bike Night at Sweet Auburn BBQ · 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ, 1828 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough · 🕐 5PM–9PM · FREE · Chrome shining, engines humming, BBQ smoking — Henry County's community bike night rolls in every first Thursday with live music, local vendors, and a parking lot full of impressive rides.

Arabia Reads ONLINE – Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area · 🖥 Virtual via Zoom · 🕐 6PM–7:30PM · FREE · Co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones present the first-ever book on Arabia Mountain and Lithonia .

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

The Mostly 80s Band · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM–11PM · Doors 6PM · $13–$97 · 21+ after 8PM · A full night of 80s hits live on stage at Southern Roots — the decade that refused to be subtle.

Family Movie Night – Zootopia 2 · 📍 Stockbridge Main Street · 🗓 Friday, June 5 · FREE · Stockbridge Main Street brings back outdoor movie night under the stars — grab your lawn chairs and blankets for Zootopia 2.

McDonough Storytellers Film Festival · 📍 McDonough Square · Friday & Saturday, June 6 · Two days of film screenings, panels, workshops, and live performances across Story on the Square, Queen Bee Coffee, Macon Street Tacos, and Southern Roots.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough Square · 🕐 Every Friday at 7PM · The weekend starts early on the Square. DJ Jada Byrd brings the energy every Friday night with food, flowing drinks, and a vibe. No cover mentioned so call ahead at 678-586-5590 to confirm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Neighborhood Garage Sale — Parkside of Eagles Landing · 📍 Corner of Eagles Landing Blvd & Hwy 42, Stockbridge · 🕐 9AM–5PM · Multiple homes, multiple finds — furniture, tools, home décor, clothing, and more. Come early for the best picks.

Fur Marshal Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic · 📍 Claude Gray Park, 99 Frances Ward Dr, Locust Grove · 🕐 10AM–Noon · $20 for first 100 Henry County pets · Full package includes exam, rabies, microchip, and more — food trucks, free pet food, and spay/neuter vouchers while supplies last. Register at helpspayneuter.org.

Arabia Reads – Walk & Talk at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve · 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Lithonia, GA · 🕐 10AM–11:30AM · FREE · Co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones lead a guided walk through the preserve while discussing their new book Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area — register at arabiaalliance.org

Stereo Superstar – Hits from the 70s to 2000 · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9PM–11PM · Doors 6PM · $18–$129 · 21+ after 8PM · Three decades of radio hits in one night — disco to grunge to early 2000s jams. The kind of show where every song triggers a memory.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

Why did the barber win the race?
Because he took a shortcut. ✂️🤣

That’s your Bird’s Eye View this Thursday.

Whether you're planning a stop at the farmers market, checking out a new hidden gem in Stockbridge, or catching up on changes that affect pet owners, plenty is happening across Henry County right now.

Got a tip, a story, or an event to share? Email [email protected].

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