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Good morning, Henry County
Congratulations, you made it through the first week back to school.
As students settle into new classrooms and routines, there's another major development unfolding across the county. After months of community opposition, a proposed 15-building data center campus in Hampton has been withdrawn.
We're also following the latest developments in the Stockbridge mayor investigation, taking you to a vineyard that's been quietly growing on the Henry County border for 75 years, and looking at what Atlanta's luxury housing boom means right here at home.
And don't forget to check out the Weekend Eye for the best in local live events and hidden gems to help you make the most of your weekend.
Let's get into it! 🦅👁️
Data Center Community Forum This Saturday in Hampton
HAMPTON — If you've been following the data center debate all summer, this is your chance to show up in person. Commissioner Tashé Allen is hosting a community forum Saturday, August 8, to discuss the proposed Data Centers and what it means for residents on both sides of the Clayton and Henry County line.
Learn about the proposal, ask questions, and hear from community partners. This is exactly the kind of civic moment that shapes what comes next.
Saturday, August 8 · 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 South Clayton Recreation Center · 1837 McDonough Rd, Hampton, GA 30228. Free and open to all residents
Henry County Wins One. But the Fight Isn't Over
HENRY COUNTY — In a significant development, Rockhaven Homes has withdrawn its application for a proposed 15-building data center campus on Panhandle Road in Lovejoy. Community advocates, including Conserve Henry County, are calling it a step in the right direction, but they're not celebrating yet. Organizers say the cities of Lovejoy and Hampton must still enact an immediate moratorium on data centers, adopt a data center ordinance developed with public and expert input, and update local zoning codes to prevent future proposals from moving forward without community oversight.
Why it matters: This withdrawal shows that organized community pressure works. But without permanent zoning protections in place, another developer could file a new application tomorrow. The work isn't done, and tomorrow's community forum is more important than ever.
Community Forum: Tomorrow, Saturday, August 8
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. · South Clayton Recreation Center · 1837 McDonough Rd, Hampton · Free and open to all. Follow Conserve Henry County for updates →
Clayton County Water System Hacked
NEIGHBORING CLAYTON COUNTY — Clayton County water system recently suffered a cyberattack. The attack, which happened last week, caused a temporary service disruption that knocked out water to parts of the county. Authorities reassured residents that the service was unaffected and that the water supply remained completely safe.
Federal investigators are now looking into small programmable logic controller devices, industrial mini-computers used by water utilities to control valves and dispense chlorine as a possible point of entry. Thousands of these devices control critical infrastructure across the country, and experts say many lack adequate cybersecurity protection.
Why it matters: Clayton County Water Authority serves communities right next door to Henry County. The Henry County Water Authority has not reported any compromise but has not commented publicly. Read the full story at WSB-TV →
The Stockbridge Mayor Story Just Got More Complicated
STOCKBRIDGE — The City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to hold a public hearing on the investigation into Mayor Jayden Williams, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, August 15 at Stockbridge City Hall. The independent investigator was also granted subpoena power, meaning Williams could be compelled to cooperate.
Also, in a significant development, high-profile attorney Gerald A. Griggs Sr. and PR firm Carter Media Group both withdrew as Williams' counsel Wednesday with no public explanation. Williams' original attorney Robert Kenner Jr. remains on the case. A court hearing on Williams' lawsuit against the city is scheduled for August 17.
Why it matters: Two major dates are now on the calendar. August 15 and August 17. The quiet exit of Griggs and the PR firm raises serious questions about where this case is headed. Full story at Atlanta News First →
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Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.
A 75-Year-Old Family Vineyard Is Right on the Henry County Border. And Most People Have No Idea
NEIGHBORING JONESBORO — Some families inherit land. The Norwoods never left it. Sitting right on the Clayton-Henry County border, less than 20 minutes from McDonough, Norwood Vineyard and Gardens is a five-acre property of muscadine vines, peach trees, and pear trees that has belonged to the same family since 1950. For 75 years, this Black-owned farm was simply home. Then the grandchildren did what dreamers do: they opened the gate and invited the community in.
They offer wine tastings, Farm Girl Markets, Sunday Table gatherings with a master gardener on site to answer your plant questions, and events set against 75 years of family history. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you discovered something because you kinda did! 😉
Why it matters: Most Southside residents have never experienced a vineyard without driving to North Georgia. This one is practically in our backyard, and it was built specifically to fill that void. Check the website for scheduled events.
📍 2441 Lake Spivey Pkwy · Jonesboro, GA 30236
📞 (404) 500-9708
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Visit Norwood Vineyard →
📸 Follow on Instagram →
📘 Follow on Facebook →
Atlanta Is Now a Top 10 Luxury Market. Here's What That Looks Like in Henry County
HENRY COUNTY - Atlanta just ranked 9th in the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com's national luxury housing market ranking — the first time the city has broken into the top 10. Analysts say Atlanta offers more space for the money than almost any other luxury market in the country. Here's what that means right here on the Southside. Read the full story at What Now Atlanta →
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Chic & Shabby — Downtown Location Opening · 📍 206 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough · 10AM–6PM · FREE · Giveaways and surprises all weekend.
Connecting Henry Farmers Market · 📍 Wesley Chapel UMC, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–3PM · FREE, SNAP/EBT gets 50% off
Caribbean Roots Eats & Beats · 📍 Downtown Main Street, Hampton · 🕐 6–10PM
Sonic Pizza Jam · 📍 Starlite McDonough · 🕐 6PM. A meet-and-greet with Sonic the Hedgehog plus unlimited cheese pizza, drinks, and skating at Starlite's roller rink.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Locust Grove Farmers Market · 📍 Train Viewing Platform, Locust Grove · 🕐 9AM–1PM
Back to School Craft & Vendor Market · 📍 Tanger Outlets, Locust Grove · 🕐 Aug 8–9
Data Center Community Forum · 📍 South Clayton Recreation Center · 1837 McDonough Rd, Hampton, GA 30228 · 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. · FREE
Night of Hope · 📍 West Alexander Park, McDonough · 🕐 6–8:30PM · FREE
Motown on the Square (4th Annual) · 📍 Downtown McDonough · 🕐 5–8PM · FREE
Bad Medicine — Iconic Bon Jovi Tribute Band · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, McDonough · 🕐 Doors 6PM, show 9–11PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
The Perrys in McDonough · 📍 The Ole' Country Church, McDonough · 🕐 6PM
Scott Antique Markets, final day · 📍 Atlanta Expo Center · 🕐 10AM–4PM · Worth the Trip
10-Mile Nature Trek · 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Stonecrest · 🕐 8AM–1:30PM · FREE, registration required · A more challenging step up from the weekly hikes, 10-12 miles at a 2.5 mph pace, led by DeKalb County park rangers. Designed for adults, no dogs allowed.
Check out the Weekend Eye for more local weekend happenings!
Good Newsletters Are Everywhere Now. Here Are Our Favorites
We put together a bundle of free newsletters worth your time. The kind that make you think, plan, or just breathe easier on a Sunday. No fluff. Check them out here
That's your Friday, Henry County.
Whether you're celebrating surviving the first week of school, planning a Saturday outing, or curious about everything from community forums to vineyards and live music, we've got your weekend covered.
Also, the Weekend Eye lands in your inbox today with a handpicked list of the best things happening across Henry County and nearby, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your weekend.
Between issues, follow The Eagle Eye Digest on Facebook and Instagram for breaking news, local stories, and community updates throughout the week.
Have a story idea, event, or tip? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].
Have a great weekend, and we'll see you next Tuesday.
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest