Summer Starts Now in Henry County

Happy June, Henry County!

Summer is officially here, and this first Monday of the month is bringing a little bit of everything.

Hurricane season opened this morning. The county’s long-awaited aquatic center could open any day now. Gas prices are about to jump again.

And today, we’re launching something new called Eagle Eye Perks, exclusive local deals just for readers of this newsletter.

Now let’s get into it. 🦅👁️

One Year Later, Henry County Still Remembers the Tornado

LOCUST GROVE - One year ago, an EF-2 tornado destroyed "The Wire" actor Tray Chaney's home in Locust Grove. His son Malachi was thrown 300 feet from his bedroom and spent months recovering. The damage didn't meet Georgia's threshold for a disaster declaration, so no state or federal aid came. His insurance company is still withholding money because the family chose not to rebuild on the same lot. Today, as the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, their story is a reminder that storm damage in Georgia can happen fast, and the system doesn't always catch you. Know your policy before you need it. Read Tray Chaney's story

The Aquatic Center Is Almost Here

MCDONOUGH - Henry County's $55 million aquatic center at 1177 Henry Parkway Connector in McDonough is targeting an early June opening and we're officially in that window. The facility includes a 30-foot slide tower, lazy river, wave rider, 50-meter competition pool, and a zero-depth kiddie pool. Admission is $25 for Henry County residents and $35 for non-residents. Call 770-288-POOL for the latest updates on the opening date. Get the full details

GEORGIA - NOAA forecasts a below-average 2026 Atlantic season with 8 to 14 named storms and 1 to 3 major hurricanes, thanks to developing El Nino conditions. But forecasters are clear that even one storm can bring devastating inland flooding, fallen trees, and roof damage hundreds of miles from the coast. Georgia knows this. Pull out your homeowner's policy this week. Know what's covered and what conditions could affect your payout. See NOAA's full forecast

GEORGIA - Georgia's gas tax suspension expires June 3. That's two days away. The 33-cent-per-gallon break goes away Wednesday morning. Fill your tank today or tomorrow.

HENRY COUNTY - By now, you've been putting AI to work for a few weeks, and you know what it can do. But with so many tools out there, a common question is which one to reach for and when. This week, we're breaking it all down. Here are the five most popular free AI tools, what each one is best at, and how to match the right tool to the right job.

You don't have to pick just one. A lot of people use two or three, depending on what they need. Think of this as your reference guide.

ChatGPT (chat.openai.com or the app)

This is the one most people have heard of and the best place to start. ChatGPT handles almost anything: writing emails, answering questions, helping you plan a trip, summarizing a long document, or just talking something through. Think of it as a very patient, very knowledgeable friend who's always available. Best for: everyday tasks, writing, brainstorming, and quick answers.

Claude (claude.ai)

Claude is known for being thoughtful and careful with its answers. It's especially good when you hand it something long to read, like a contract, a report, or a policy document, and ask it to explain what it means in plain English. Best for: reading and explaining long documents, careful writing, and nuanced questions.

Gemini (gemini.google.com)

Google's AI tool. If you live in Gmail, Google Docs, or Google Drive, Gemini fits right into what you're already doing. It can also search the web in real time, which means its answers stay current. Best for: Google users, real-time information, and tasks inside Google's apps.

Microsoft Copilot (copilot.microsoft.com)

If you use Word, Excel, or Outlook, Copilot is built to work right alongside those tools. It can help you draft documents, summarize emails, or pull together data without leaving Microsoft's world. Best for: Microsoft Office users who want AI built into their workflow.

Perplexity (perplexity.ai)

This one works like a search engine powered by AI and shows you its sources for every answer. If you want to look something up and actually verify where the information came from, Perplexity is your tool. Best for: research, fact-checking, and getting sourced answers on current topics.

All five are free. All five take less than two minutes to sign up for. Start with ChatGPT if you want the easiest entry point. Add Perplexity when you want answers you can verify. Add Claude when you've got something long to read.

This summer, make AI your tool. Pick one up and start.

MONDAY, JUNE 1

Summer Music Camp · 📍 JP Moseley Recreation Center, 1041 Millers Mill Rd, Stockbridge · 🕐 9AM–2PM weekdays through June 17 · $125/week · Register at hcprd.org or call 770-288-7300.

Summer Art Camp · 📍 North Mt. Carmel Recreation Center, 307 N. Mt. Carmel Rd, Hampton · 🕐 9AM–Noon through June 5 · Ages 6–9 · $155/child · Register at hcprd.org.

Dr. Nalhlie Daly Book Launch · 📍 Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 1709 Hwy 20 W, McDonough · 🗓 Monday, June 1 · 🕐 6PM · Henry County author and life coach Dr. Nalhlie Daly celebrates her new book — a community milestone happening right at the Chamber tonight.

Monday Night Cruise: Old School Hot Rods · 📍 Summit Racing Equipment, 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6PM–8PM · FREE · A weekly themed cruise-in where all vehicles are welcome. The spotlight is on old school hot rods, with trophies, door prizes, and some of the most eye-catching rides in the county rolling through.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

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.

Thursday Thunder – Legends & Bandolero Racing · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🗓 Every Thursday starting June 4 through late July · 🕐 Gates 6PM | Features ~7:45PM · Grandstand $5 | Pit Pass $30 (or $25 via Pit Pay app) | Under 5 FREE.

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.

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

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call a snowman in June?

A puddle.🤣

June is here, Henry County.

Hurricane season opened this morning, summer is knocking, the aquatic center is almost ready, and the Eagle Eye just got a little more rewarding for you.

We're grateful for every reader who opens this newsletter, shares it with a neighbor, and makes this community worth writing about……..Enjoy the month.

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