Good morning, Henry County!
We're closing out the week with a lot to keep your eye on.
Henry County Schools is taking steps toward creating its own police department. The county is spending more than $373,000 to study freight traffic and illegal truck parking.
We've also found a few new businesses popping up around town, plus a little piece of Stockbridge history that's been hiding in plain sight.
And then there's the weekend!
Dancing horses, pro wrestling on the lawn, a 5K for a good cause, mahjong, and more. See it all in the Weekend Eye.
Let's get into it. 🦅👁️
Caballos Y Trokas..This Saturday at EchoPark Speedway
EchoPark Speedway is about to look like nothing you've ever seen there before. Caballos Y Trokas brings a colorful mix of Mexican and Mexican American culture to Henry County this Saturday, blending dancing horses and equestrian tradition with custom trucks, live regional Mexican music, a burnout show, food and vendors.
The one day festival runs from noon to 10 p.m., with Panter Bélico headlining a full lineup of regional Mexican artists.
📅 Saturday, September 19 · 12 to 10 p.m.
📍 EchoPark Speedway · Hampton, GA
Get tickets at caballosytrokasatl.com →
SCHOOLS
Henry County Schools Is Building Its Own Police Department
HENRY COUNTY — Henry County Schools is taking the next steps toward establishing its own police department. The Board of Education approved a resolution to create the department giving the school system its own law enforcement operation rather than relying solely on its longstanding partnership with the Henry County Police Department for school resource officers. The district has also created a chief of police position and identified development of the department as part of its new five-year strategic plan.
Why it matters: This could reshape how law enforcement operates across all Henry County schools including who employs and supervises officers assigned to campuses. Big questions remain — how large the department will be, what it will cost, when the transition happens, and what it means for the county police officers currently serving as SROs. Full story at Henry Herald →
TRAFFIC
Henry County Is Studying Its Freight Traffic and Truck Parking Problem
HENRY COUNTY — If you've ever been stuck behind an 18-wheeler on a residential street or spotted trucks parked illegally near an I-75 warehouse — Henry County heard you. Commissioners unanimously voted to award Gresham Smith a $373,364 contract to study freight traffic and unauthorized truck parking between McDonough and Locust Grove. "We've had multiple accidents because of trucks parked where they should not be parked," said Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell.
Why it matters: Amazon, Sabert, and Highline Warren all operate here now. More warehouses mean more trucks. This study is the first step toward real solutions.
FALL IS HERE
Georgia Just Launched a Map of the Best Fall Farm Experiences. Henry County Is On It
HENRY COUNTY — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper just launched the Georgia Grown Fall Agritourism Map — a statewide guide connecting families with nearly 70 farms offering corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and U-Pick experiences this fall. Henry County's own Southern Belle Farm is among the featured destinations — 330 acres of fall fun including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, pig races, hayrides, barnyard animals, and a Country Market stocked with homemade baked goods, local honey, and seasonal treats.
Why it matters: You don't have to drive to North Georgia for a great fall farm experience. Henry County has one of Georgia's best right in your backyard.
Find farms near you on the Georgia Grown Fall Agritourism Map →
Plan your visit to Southern Belle Farm →
DEADLINE ALERT
Last Call for Locust Grove Chili Cook Off Applications …Today at 5 p.m
LOCUST GROVE - Want to compete or set up a vendor booth at the Locust Grove Chili Cook Off and Beer Festival on October 10? Today is your last chance. Applications close at 5 p.m.
Chili entry is FREE with $500 in cash prizes up for grabs. Vendor spaces are $50. Apply now before spots are gone →
COMMUNITY
Henry County Is Looking for People to Adopt a Senior This Holiday Season
HENRY COUNTY — Every year Henry County Senior Services brings holiday cheer to homebound senior citizens through their Adopt-A-Senior program and they're looking for Henry County residents, families, businesses, and organizations to participate this year. Sign up and you'll be matched with a local senior and provide them with gifts during the holiday season. Programs like this fill up fast so reach out now.
Why it matters: Many of Henry County's homebound seniors have limited income and limited connection to the outside world. A wrapped gift and a moment of recognition can mean everything to someone who might otherwise spend the holidays alone.
📞 Contact Tammy Smith to sign up
(770) 288-6988 · [email protected]
Follow Henry County Senior Services →
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
There's a Statue of Liberty in Stockbridge. And Nobody Knows How It Got There
STOCKBRIDGE — Tucked across from Stockbridge's former City Hall, now the Stockbridge Police Department, Municipal Park is a small green space with a few surprising stories to tell. It's not a destination for sports or playgrounds. It's something better. The park's most intriguing feature is a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty that has been standing there quietly for decades. Nobody knows exactly when or why it was installed. City records briefly mention the statue in a council meeting from the late 1990s and that's about all anyone has to go on. Nearby a flower bed built around a fountain showcases marble imported from Europe — another unexpected detail hiding in plain sight in a corner of Stockbridge most residents have never stopped to explore.
Why it matters: You've probably driven past it a hundred times. Now you have a reason to stop.
📍 Municipal Park · Stockbridge, GA · Across from the former City Hall
🆓 Free · Open daily during daylight hours
New businesses are popping up across Henry County. Here are a few to put on your radar.
Donatos Pizza | McDonough 🍕
A new pizza spot serving Donatos' signature thin crust pizzas with edge to edge toppings, plus wings, subs and salads. The McDonough location is operated by local father and daughter franchisees Gabe and Nicole Banks.
The Pantry at The Bridges | Stockbridge 🛒
Henry County's first autonomous convenience store. Shoppers enter, grab what they need and leave without going through a traditional checkout.
Levytation Music Village | Stockbridge 🎵
A new music-centered space in Stockbridge for musicians, artists and creatives.
The Dutch Oven Caribbean Kitchen | Stockbridge 🇯🇲
A chef driven Caribbean restaurant led by Jamaican born Chef Latoya, serving oxtails, jerk chicken, seafood and other Caribbean favorites.
ExperCARE | McDonough 🩺
A new walk in clinic offering urgent care, primary care and occupational health services near Union Grove.
THINGS TO DO
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Fine Motor Friday · 📍 McDonough Public Library · 🕐 10:30 a.m. · FREE · Fun fine motor activities for young children.
Rumble in the Grove · 📍 Locust Grove City Hall Front Lawn · 3644 Highway 42, Locust Grove · 🕐 7 to 9 p.m. · FREE · Live professional wrestling on the City Hall lawn. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and frozen treats available for purchase.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Community Do Good Day · 📍 Projects throughout McDonough · 🕐 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. · FREE · City-wide volunteer day in the historic Blacksville neighborhood. Park at Henry County Middle and High Schools · 155 to 175 Postmaster Drive · Shuttles provided. No experience required. Just show up.
Daisy Days: Guided Panola Mountain Hike · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park · 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge · 🕐 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. · Ages 10 and up · Registration required · Three-mile guided hike to see Panola Mountain's blooming yellow daisies. Part of the annual Daisy Days Hike Challenge.
Smoke and Mirrors Truck and Car Show · 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ · 1828 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough · 🕐 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. · FREE · Monthly community car and truck show. Food, drinks, giveaways, and raffles.
Coast and Cove Mahjong Social at Oasis Nutrition · 📍 Oasis Nutrition · 20 Old Jackson Road, McDonough · 🕐 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. · 🎫 Guided play $20 · Open play $15 · All experience levels welcome · Presented by Oasis Nutrition and Coast and Cove Mahjong Social. Remember Amber Villegas from our Tales from the Perch? This is her. Come pull up a chair.
Paws for a Purpose 5K · 📍 City Park · 186 Cleveland St, Locust Grove · 🕐 Registration 7 a.m. · Race 8 a.m. · $35 · First annual 5K benefiting Street Paws and local rescue animals. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome. ⚠️ Price increases September 17 — register now to save.
Caballos Y Trokas · 📍 EchoPark Speedway · Hampton · 🕐 12 to 10 p.m. · 🎫 General admission $100 · Children 10 and under free with ticketed adult · Live regional Mexican music, custom trucks, dancing horses, burnout show, food, and vendors.
Jollof Festival ATL 2026 · 📍 Westside Motor Lounge · 725 Echo St NW, Atlanta · 🕐 3 to 8 p.m. · West African jollof rice competition featuring regional interpretations of the dish, tastings, and family-friendly activities. Worth the trip.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Monday Night Cruise · 📍 Summit Racing Equipment · 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6 to 8 p.m. · Weekly themed cruise in for local auto enthusiasts.
That's a wrap for this week, Henry County!
Looking for something to do? Check out the Weekend Eye for even more events and things happening around Henry County.
And if you're not already following us, come hang out with us on Instagram @eagleeyedigest and on Facebook. We're sharing more local finds, faces and stories throughout the week.
And one last thing. If you enjoy the Eagle Eye Digest, tell a friend about us. Forward this issue, send them the link or tell your neighbor. That's how this community grows.
Until Monday, stay sharp, stay local. Have a great weekend! 🦅👁️