Smoke, Sauce & School Votes

Good morning, Henry County. Coffee’s hot. The stories are local.

Today’s issue feels especially local.

From election results, to BBQ history, to a park 22 years in the making, this one is really about the people and places shaping Henry County in quieter ways.

Let’s get into it.🦅👁️

MCDONOUGH - This morning at 10 AM, Henry County cuts the ribbon on something residents have been waiting two decades for.

Butler's Bridge Park at 1585 Butler's Bridge Road in McDonough sits on 43 acres that the county has owned since 2004. It's been deed-restricted for passive recreation and conservation the entire time — and it's finally open.

What's there: 2.4 miles of walking trails, including a boardwalk and a pedestrian bridge, stream restoration along the South River, and a natural setting that's been quietly waiting for the community to arrive.

Limited parking is available on site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. This one is worth the trip. Here's the story of how it finally became a real park

HENRY COUNTY - Henry County voters made their voices heard Tuesday, and one of the biggest local decisions centered on schools.

Voters approved E-SPLOST VII, the one-cent sales tax renewal that funds school construction, safety upgrades, classroom technology, and transportation projects for Henry County Schools. Early unofficial returns showed strong support for the measure.

School board races were also on the ballot. In Georgia, those races are nonpartisan, meaning candidates run without party labels.

Jessica Rowland Williams won the District 4 seat, defeating Anne Fields. In District 2, incumbent Annette Edwards defeated Danny Richardson and Derrick L. Thomas.

On the commission side, Keisha Buchanan won the Democratic primary for District 3 and will face Republican incumbent Derrell Anglyn in November.

District 4 is headed to a runoff. Incumbent Michael Price and challenger Phedra Thomas will face off June 16 after neither candidate cleared the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff. See the full unofficial Henry County results

MCDONOUGH - Barbecue is taking center stage at the McDonough Public Library this week, but this is not a cooking class.

“Red, White and Cue: Georgia History Through BBQ” explores how barbecue became deeply tied to Georgia’s history, culture, politics, and community traditions over generations. Associate Professor James Welborn of Georgia College & State University will lead the discussion, tracing how BBQ evolved from regional gatherings and family traditions into one of the South’s most recognizable cultural staples.

The free event happens Tonight at 6 PM and feels tailor-made for Georgia. Food, storytelling, local identity, and Southern history all in one room. Find out why Georgia politicians have always known to show up where the smoke is.

LOCUST GROVE — A few years ago, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary was fighting for survival.

The 121-acre sanctuary faced declining donations, legal battles, aging enclosures, and a devastating bird flu outbreak in 2023 that threatened its future. Today, new leadership says the focus is on rebuilding.

Executive Director Lisette George, who previously worked within the Bronx Zoo system, has overseen major upgrades since joining the sanctuary, including expanded habitats and the arrival of new animals for the first time in years.

The lawsuits have since been resolved, the sanctuary remains open, and supporters hope a new chapter is beginning for one of Henry County’s most recognizable animal destinations. See what’s changed, and meet some of the sanctuary’s newest residents

STOCKBRIDGE - Omorro Hogan says he spent much of his childhood loving learning but struggling inside traditional classrooms. Today, he and his wife Wendy are helping Henry County students discover confidence through music with their mobile recording program, Independent Playground.

Inside Henry County Schools’ BASE after-school program, students write songs, make beats, and record original music while Hogan encourages creativity over perfection. At some schools, students affectionately call him “The Music Man.”

One student dealing with behavioral struggles went on to create more than 150 beats at home after joining the program. “That one hit my heart,” Hogan said.

Read the full story about how Independent Playground is helping local students find their voice

THURSDAY, MAY 21

Butler’s Bridge Park Ribbon Cutting · TODAY 10 AM · McDonough · FREE · After a 22-year wait, Henry County officially opens Butler’s Bridge Park featuring walking trails, a boardwalk, and South River views. Limited parking

Georgia History Through BBQ · McDonough Public Library · TONIGHT 6 PM · FREE · Associate Professor James Welborn from Georgia College & State University presents Georgia's history through the lens of BBQ culture.

Hampton’s Water Is on the Agenda · TONIGHT AT 7 PM · Hampton High School, 795 Hampton Locust Grove Rd · FREE · Georgia EPD is holding a public hearing on Equinix’s plan to discharge up to 350,000 gallons of cooling water per day into Clear Creek.

FRIDAY, MAY 22

Last Day of School – Henry County Schools · All HCS Campuses · All Day · Nearly 44,000 Henry County students officially close out the 2025–2026 school year — summer starts today.

Highway 54 Band · Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 8PM–11PM · $8–$72 · 21+ after 8PM · A live band closes out the last school night of the year at Southern Roots — doors open at 6PM.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

FUN DAY – Arts and Spades in the Park · Rufus L. Stewart Park, McDonough · 10AM · FREE · A free outdoor community day featuring arts and Spades — open to kids and adults.

Saturday, May 23

Arabia Reads: Open to the Spirit · 📍 Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA · 🗓 Saturday, May 23 · 🕐 1PM–3PM · FREE · ~20 min from McDonough · Rare archival photos and a live discussion with the Monastery's own archivist make this a one-of-a-kind afternoon just over the county line.

⭐ Editor’s Pick
Stephanie Mills, After 7 & Karyn White · VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · Gates 6PM | Show 8PM · Three R&B icons on one stage. Stephanie Mills, After 7, and Karyn White bring an evening of classic hits right here in Henry County.

The Venus Kings – Blues, Soul & Funk · Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 9PM–11PM · $10–$85 · 21+ after 8PM · Blues, soul, and funk close out the week at Southern Roots — doors open at 6PM.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

"Why did the tomato turn red?

Because it saw the salad dressing."🤣

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

Today feels like one of those reminders that Henry County is still growing into itself.

A long-awaited park finally opened. A local sanctuary is rebuilding. Students are finding confidence through music. And tonight, residents will weigh in on the future of Hampton’s waterways.

Sometimes the biggest local stories are not the loudest ones. Got a tip, a story, or an event you'd like to share? Email [email protected].

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