Graduation Week Is Here, Recognizing Correctional Officers, and Primary Elections Are Here.
Griffin Grapevine
May 18, 2026
Good morning, Spalding County!
It’s graduation week around here, which means a lot of families are watching their seniors take that long walk across the stage and into whatever comes next. If you know one of them, be sure to congratulate them. They’ve earned it.
But even more than that, keep showing up for them after the pictures are taken and the caps are tossed. The first year after high school can be exciting, but it can also be a pretty humbling introduction to real life. Plans change. Jobs are harder than expected. College is different than they imagined. Some may feel like they are already supposed to have everything figured out, even though most adults still don’t.
So celebrate them this week, but remember to encourage them in the months ahead too. A little patience, a little guidance, and a reminder that they are not alone can go a long way. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are all rooting for you.
- Chad Robert
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Graduation week is almost here for Griffin-Spalding County Schools, with ceremonies and senior events planned across the district. Spalding High School will hold its graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, while Griffin High School will celebrate its graduates on Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m., also at Memorial Stadium. A.Z. Kelsey Academy will hold its graduation ceremony earlier Thursday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Griffin Auditorium. The district is also recognizing its top graduates, including Griffin High valedictorian Skyler Carroll and salutatorian Zaiden Selby, along with Spalding High valedictorian Anna Foster and salutatorian Rhoda Osemwenkhae. The week also includes senior honors events, GRCCA honors nights, and the annual Senior Walks through former elementary and middle schools.
Spalding County leaders recently recognized the officers and staff of the Spalding County Correctional Institution in observance of National Correctional Officers Week. The proclamation was presented during the Board of Commissioners’ with Warden Eric Sellers joining commissioners in acknowledging the work done by correctional employees. The recognition highlighted the demanding and often dangerous responsibilities carried out by correctional officers, including security, supervision, treatment services, and reentry support for hundreds of individuals each year. County officials also noted the role these employees play in the daily operations of the Georgia Department of Corrections and the broader justice system. The proclamation encouraged residents to recognize the service correctional employees provide for the safety and welfare of the community.
Spalding County voters will see a smaller precinct map for this Tuesday’s Primary and Nonpartisan Election after the Board of Elections approved a consolidation plan earlier this year. The change reduces the county’s total number of precincts from 17 to eight, combining six city precincts into two and 11 county precincts into seven. Elections Director Kimberly Slaughter proposed the plan, which was approved by the board in January in a 3-2 vote. County officials said the consolidation is expected to save about $8,170 per election by reducing costs tied to security and truck rentals. The county also says the smaller precinct structure should help improve staffing and make election days more efficient. To view information about May 19th’s elections including sample ballots, please visit .
Saturn - Female - 3 years old
Spalding County Animal Care & Control
This week is front‑loaded with important government meetings in Spalding County and the City of Griffin. The hold a 3 PM work session to discuss grant funding, tax disbursements and naming a county facility. The evening sees two simultaneous 6 PM meetings – the ’s regular session and the with a public hearing on the FY 2027 budget. Wednesday features the joint meeting at 1:30 PM, where officials from the city, county, GDOT and the regional commission will brief each ther on road, bridge and airport projects.
Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm
Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm
Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)
Sunday & Wednesday: Closed
Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.
All centers closed on county holidays.
Chess Club for Kids and Adults
When: Monday, May 18, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Weekly chess club at the Griffin‑Spalding County Library. Players of all ages can learn or practice chess. No registration is required.
Where: Griffin‑Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223
Community Food Pantry
When: Tuesday, May 19, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: Weekly food‑pantry distribution. The church provides groceries to individuals and families in need. Please see for requirements.
Where: Carver Road Baptist Church, 334 Carver Rd., Griffin, GA 30224
Prayer Luncheon hosted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office
When: Tuesday, May 19, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: Monthly prayer luncheon at the Kiwanis Club. Attendees must RSVP by noon on May 18. A taco‑salad or chef‑salad meal is available for $5; contact Julie Shorb at the Sheriff’s Office to reserve a plate.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill St., Griffin, GA 30224
Knit/Crochet Club
When: Tuesday, May 19, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Informal club where knitters and crocheters gather to work on projects and share techniques
Where: Griffin‑Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223
Business After Hours
When: Tuesday, May 19, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Networking event hosted by the Griffin+Spalding Chamber of Commerce. Local professionals meet in a casual setting to exchange business cards, enjoy light refreshments and door prizes, and build relationships.
Where: United Bank, 1340 West Taylor St., Griffin, GA 30223
Baby Rhyme Time
When: Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
What: Early‑literacy program with rhymes, songs and movement for infants and caregivers.
Where: Griffin‑Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223
Panda Express Grand Opening in Griffin
When: Wednesday, May 20, 9:30 AM
What: Panda Express is celebrating the grand opening of its newest Griffin location with a ribbon-cutting event. Guests can stop by for the celebration, and the first “Lucky 88” attendees will have a chance to receive an exclusive Panda Express T-shirt.
Where: Panda Express, 1443 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
Women of Wellstar – Girl Talk
When: Thursday, May 21, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Evening program for women hosted by Wellstar Spalding Medical Center. The “Girl Talk” event invites women to mix and mingle with healthcare experts to discuss wellness topics.
Where: Historic Griffin Hotel, 132 West Solomon St., Griffin, GA 30223
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
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