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| ISSUE# 065 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
Good morning, Henry County. This is the view from the perch.
The votes are in.
Henry County voters headed to the polls Tuesday as Georgia wrapped up its primary elections. We’ve got a quick look at the local E SPLOST result this morning as the numbers continue to settle statewide.
Plus, a metro Atlanta measles alert has health officials on edge, Hampton residents are preparing for a major water debate tomorrow night, and in case you missed it yesterday, meet the man helping Henry County kids find confidence through music.
Let’s get into it.🦅👁️
Henry County Approves E SPLOST as Georgia Primary Results Settle
MCDONOUGH - Henry County voters headed to the polls Tuesday for Georgia’s General Primary Election, with local attention focused on the proposed continuation of the school system’s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, better known as E SPLOST.
According to unofficial overnight results posted by the Georgia Secretary of State election results page, Henry County voters approved the measure. E SPLOST helps fund school construction, technology, safety upgrades, and other capital projects for Henry County Schools.
In statewide races, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic primary for governor, while the Republican race is headed to a runoff between Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson.
Readers can track complete unofficial results through the Georgia Secretary of State election results page.
All results remain unofficial until certified.
Measles Is in Metro Atlanta. Here's What to Watch For
ATLANTA - Georgia health officials confirmed three cases of measles in a metro Atlanta family, all unvaccinated, all returning from international travel. The county hasn't been named, but metro Atlanta means Henry County is in the radius.
The virus spreads through the air and can live on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Symptoms start like a cold, fever, runny nose, cough, watery eyes — then a rash shows up three to five days later.
If you think you've been exposed, do not walk into your doctor's office without calling first. Georgia DPH wants to know immediately.
Georgia DPH hotline: 404-657-2588 (business hours) / 1-866-782-4584 (after hours/weekends) Find out exactly what symptoms to watch for and when to call
Hampton’s Water Is on the Agenda Tomorrow Night
HAMPTON- A data center is coming to Hampton, and so is a question about what it does to Clear Creek.
Equinix's AT10x facility plans to discharge up to 350,000 gallons of cooling water per day into Clear Creek. Georgia EPD is holding a public hearing before approving the permit, and residents have the right to show up and be heard.
This Thursday. 7 PM. Hampton High School, 795 Hampton Locust Grove Rd. Here's what's at stake, and how to make your voice count before the deadline
The Music Man of Henry County
Students in Henry County Schools’ BASE after school program create and record original music with Omorro and Wendy Hogan of Independent Playground.
STOCKBRIDGE - “I loved learning,” Omorro Hogan said. “I just didn’t love school.”
Today, Hogan and his wife Wendy work with students through Henry County Schools’ BASE after school program, helping children write and record original songs through their mobile music program, Independent Playground. Hogan says his goal is to create the kind of creative environment he rarely experienced growing up.
“The kids cheer when we show up,” Hogan said laughing. “I’ve never been cheered in my life.”
“My job is to light fires,” he said.
Inside cafeterias and after school classrooms, students brainstorm hooks, clap out rhythms, and take turns recording verses while classmates crowd around to listen. Some children arrive shy and guarded. Others come in loud and overflowing with energy. Hogan says both belong.
At some schools, students and staff affectionately call Hogan “The Music Man.”
“We’re not trying to make perfect songs,” he said. “We’re trying to help kids feel free enough to create.”
For Hogan, the biggest victories often happen after the school day ends.
One student, a 10-year-old boy dealing with behavioral struggles, began making beats at home after joining the program. One day, he proudly showed Hogan more than 150 tracks he had created on his own laptop.
“That one hit my heart,” Hogan said softly.
School staff have noticed it too. Flippen Elementary School Site Director Linda Milner says students constantly ask when “Mr. Omorro” is coming back.
“All I can say is that Independent Playground is what kids need,” she said. “It is such a positive vibe in their young lives.”
To find out whether Independent Playground participates at your child’s school or to learn more, contact:
Instagram: @independentplaygroundstudios
Phone: 1-907-312-8257
When it all clicks.
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Killer Mike Just Made Renting in Atlanta a Path to Owning
ATLANTA - Atlanta rapper Killer Mike ( real name Michael Render) just co-launched a build-to-ownership joint venture with Bridge Tower and Blackmon Real Estate. The program is designed to give metro Atlanta families a real pathway from leasing to owning, not just a promise.
Development sites are being scouted across greater Atlanta right now. The first acquisition site could be announced in the coming months, which means Henry County could be in play.
This is worth watching closely. Rent-to-own done right is one of the few tools that actually moves working families into generational wealth. And Killer Mike building it here, in our backyard, matters. Find out how this program works and why it could land in Henry County
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Basic Computer Class for Seniors · Cochran Public Library, Dr. Marilyn L. Flynn Ed.D Community Meeting Room · 3PM–4PM · FREE · Typing, internet navigation, and basic computer skills in a no-pressure environment built specifically for seniors.
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Georgia History Through BBQ · McDonough Public Library · 6PM · FREE · Associate Professor James Welborn from Georgia College & State University presents Georgia's history through the lens of BBQ culture — free and open to all.
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.
⭐ 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 🤣
What did one wall say to the other wall?
I’ll meet you at the corner.🤣
That’s your Bird’s Eye View for this Wednesday. 🦅👁️
Meanwhile, Hampton residents will have a chance tomorrow to weigh in on a decision that could impact Clear Creek for years to come.
And somewhere in Henry County today, a kid is probably making their first beat because someone believed they had something worth saying.
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️