🦅👁️ Opportunities, Investments, and New Beginnings

Good morning, Henry County!

You bring the coffee. We'll bring the stories.

Today, we're looking at a little-known program that could help eligible Henry County residents become homeowners, celebrating local graduates who earned scholarship support for college, welcoming a new girls’ basketball coach to Locust Grove, and exploring a massive Georgia Power infrastructure plan that could shape growth across the state for years to come.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

HENRY COUNTY — MLC Charities and Israel Temple CME Church recently awarded scholarships to 15 graduating seniors from Henry and Butts counties, with recipients heading to schools across the country this fall including the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Mercer University, Grambling State, Jackson State, SCAD, Xavier University, and Southern Crescent Technical College, pursuing fields from nursing and biology to art, education, and public service.

Why it matters: Every scholarship represents a local student taking the next step toward their future. It's also a reminder of the churches, nonprofits, and community members investing in the next generation right here in Henry County. See the full list of scholarship recipients and where they're headed this fall →

GEORGIA — Georgia Power has announced a plan to build more than 1,000 miles of new electrical transmission lines across the state over the next decade, driven by the explosion of data centers and rapid population growth pushing energy demand to record levels. Fayette and Coweta counties — both bordering Henry County — are already named in the reporting as areas under consideration, and some homeowners could face eminent domain actions if lines run through their property.

Why it matters: Henry County continues to attract new residents, employers, and development. The power lines and energy infrastructure being planned today could influence how and where future growth happens here for years to come. Why does Georgia Power say it needs more than 1,000 miles of new transmission lines? →

LOCUST GROVE — Bradley Dewberry has been named the new head girls basketball coach at Locust Grove High School, promoted from within after serving as an assistant on the boys varsity and head coach of the boys junior varsity squad. Dewberry, who earned his degree from Eastern Illinois where he played Division I football, previously worked at county rival Eagle's Landing before joining Locust Grove. Athletic Director Michael Willis says the culture of the program is already shifting after the Wildcats knocked off county rival McDonough in a summer league game.

Why it matters: High school athletics remain an important part of community life in Henry County. School leaders believe Dewberry can help build a stronger culture and return the program to competitiveness. Read more about the Wildcats' new coach and his vision for the program →

HENRY COUNTY — One of the biggest barriers to buying a home isn't finding one. It's saving enough money for the down payment. That's where Georgia Dream comes in. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, provides eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-interest deferred second mortgage. Qualified buyers may receive up to $10,000 in assistance. Certain groups, including educators, nurses, law enforcement officers, active military members, veterans, and households with a family member living with a disability, may qualify for up to $12,500 through specialized Georgia Dream programs.

The assistance requires no monthly payments. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer serves as the owner's primary residence.

To qualify, buyers generally must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past three years, meet household income limits, purchase a home within program price limits, have a minimum credit score of 640, contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds, and complete a homebuyer education course. The program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans through participating lenders across Georgia.

With Henry County's housing market continuing to grow and home prices rising across McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove, this program could be the difference between buying a home this year and waiting several more.Think you might qualify? Find a participating Georgia Dream lender →

If you know of more locations, send them along. 📧[email protected]

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Business After Hours — Henry County Veterans Support Group · 📍 32 Jonesboro St, McDonough · 🕐 5:30–7PM · FREE · The Chamber's monthly mixer lands at an organization that serves Henry County veterans — connect with local business owners while supporting a good cause.

Adopt a Moo Moo · 📍 Chick-fil-A, 1321 GA-20, McDonough · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE · Chick-fil-A McDonough invites the community to meet the animals and learn how to help support local farm life — come dressed as a cow and you might just eat free.

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 — Thursday nights on the Square always deliver.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Food Truck Frenzy Fundraiser · 📍 Village Park, 750 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood · 🕐 4–9PM · A portion of proceeds benefits IMPACT Alliance — food trucks, music, putting green, splash pad, and games for the whole family.

7 Summers — The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $34–$224 · 21+ after 8PM · Every Morgan Wallen hit performed live — for the fans who know every word.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · Good music, good food, and good vibes on the Square all night.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Housing Hope Walk-a-Thon · 📍 Alexander Park West, 110 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough · 🕐 Sign-in 7AM | Walk 8AM–Noon · FREE · Pisteuo Development Inc. hosts Henry County's first affordable housing awareness walk — music, drinks, and snacks along the way.

Get-to-Stepping Fitness Walk · 📍 130 MLK Sr. Trail, Stockbridge · 🕐 9AM · FREE · The City of Stockbridge's community wellness walk heads toward Reeves Creek Trail — all are welcome.

Sunflower Weekend at Southern Belle Farm · 📍 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · 🕐 See site for hours · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Runs June 27–28 · U-pick sunflowers, 30+ outdoor activities, and a free souvenir cup — one of Henry County's most photogenic weekends of summer.

Charlie Wilson · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 8PM · From $129 via Ticketmaster · Uncle Charlie returns to Stockbridge with saxophonist Mike Phillips added to the lineup — box office open Thursday–Saturday, noon to 6PM.

Def Van Jovi Crue — 80s Rock · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $21–$148 · 21+ after 8PM · Def Leppard, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe — three of the biggest 80s rock bands honored in one wild Saturday night at Southern Roots.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Sourdough Desserts Workshop — Rose Creek Sourdough Co. · 📍 Bottled Treasures, McDonough · 🕐 2PM · Tickets required · Hands-on baking with Rose Creek Sourdough Company — participants learn, bake, and take home their own summer fruit dessert creation.

Sunflower Weekend — Day 2 · 📍 Southern Belle Farm, 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Last day of the weekend — u-pick sunflowers, farm activities, and summer fun before the week begins.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Bippidi Bobbidi BINGO — Disney Music Night · 📍 McDonough Public Library · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · Family-friendly Disney music bingo — test who knows the most lyrics from the classics. No tickets, just show up.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No eye deer.🤣

That's your Thursday edition of the Eagle Eye Digest.

Today's stories all have something in common — they're about investing in the future. Whether it's helping families buy their first home, supporting students as they head to college, building stronger athletic programs, or expanding infrastructure to meet Georgia's growing needs, the decisions being made today will help shape tomorrow.

As always, thanks for reading. Got a tip, story idea, or community event we should know about? Email us here [email protected]

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