| TOGETHER WITH | | Good morning, Spalding County!
Eight kids walked into the Griffin High gym last Tuesday and signed their names on the dotted line. Just like that, futures decided, bags practically packed, the next chapter waiting. I think about the coaches who showed up for those early morning practices. The parents in the bleachers on cold Friday nights. The teachers who made sure the grades were there so the scholarships could follow. Signing Day isn't just about the athletes. It's about the whole village that got them to that table.
And speaking of building things that last, this was a week of the community asking big questions. Commissioners are pushing hard for a backup water source after the fuel spill scare. A new play opens downtown Wednesday. There's a sense of forward motion here that I find hard to ignore.
Winter break is right around the corner for school families, and we've got a warm stretch in the forecast this week that almost feels like spring decided to stop by early.
Enjoy it while it's here
- Chad | | |
| Cards Over Clicks helps children disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the real world. Founded by local Navy veteran Dennis Loewer, this 501(c)(3) non-profit uses the excitement of card collecting to develop critical social and learning skills.
From Pokémon and Sports to Disney and Star Wars, every free card packet comes with a grade-specific educational worksheet tailored to Georgia standards. Whether for Pre-K or High School, these packs encourage students to achieve classroom goals and engage with their peers face-to-face.
They help educators and parents turn "social media timeouts" into fun, educational wins. Their mission is simple: inspire kids to put the phone down and learn through family-friendly collecting.
Ready to inspire your students or support the community? They are actively seeking teachers to challenge their classes, educators to help design worksheets, and local business sponsors to keep the packs free.
Take the next step now: learn more at www.CardsOverClicks.org. | | THE DIGEST | Georgia Lawmakers Advance Data Center Legislation | With four data center projects proposed for Spalding County in just seven months, state-level action is catching local attention. Georgia legislators are moving forward on a data center bill that could reshape how the industry is regulated, including provisions around electricity costs and community impact. The legislation comes as national conversations grow about data centers' effects on local utilities and power grids. For Spalding County, where billions in data center investment is already in the pipeline, the outcome could directly shape the county's growth for years. | County Approves $3.9 Billion Data Center Complex | Spalding County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to approve one of the largest development projects in the county's history—a $3.9 billion data center complex along Interstate 75. The Wallace Jackson LLC development will span 190 acres and include 10 buildings totaling 5 million square feet. County officials say the project will lower tax burdens for residents, but dozens of community members attended the meeting to voice concerns about the loss of farmland and potential environmental impacts. No construction timeline has been announced. | Commissioners Push for Backup Water Source After Fuel Spill Scare | The January 30 airport fuel spill that triggered a Do Not Consume advisory is driving a bigger conversation at the county level. At the February 2 Board of Commissioners meeting, District 1 Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor and District 2 Commissioner James Dutton called for Spalding County to develop an alternate water supply. Currently, the City of Griffin is the sole drinking water provider for the county. Dutton pointed to potential connections with Henry County or Butts County water systems as emergency alternatives. "Spalding County needs to be able to stand on its own," he said. | | |  | Big Lots - Male - 3 years old
Spalding County Animal Care & Control |
| | CIVIL NEWS | It's a lighter week on the government calendar, with a few meetings worth noting. Tuesday is the busiest day, starting with the Griffin Downtown Development Authority at 8:15 AM before the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners convenes for their regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Thursday evening, the Spalding County Parks Committee meets at 6:00 PM (agenda pending), a good one to watch if you're interested in local parks and recreation planning.
Meeting schedules current as of publication. Visit the linked agendas for the latest updates. | | DUMP SCHEDULE | 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. | | WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ | TUESDAY | Ribbon Cutting: Sticks and Stogies
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
What: Celebrate the grand opening of Sticks and Stogies with the Griffin+Spalding Chamber of Commerce. Join local officials and community members to welcome this new business to downtown Griffin. Free to attend.
Where: 143 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223 | WEDNESDAY | Business Networking Lunch
When: Wednesday, February 11, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
What: Connect with fellow Spalding County business owners and professionals over a casual lunch at J Henry's. Network, make new contacts, and learn what's happening in the local business community. Hosted by the Griffin+Spalding Chamber. Lunch is dutch treat.
Where: J Henry's, 110 West College Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Plant Bingo at Piedmont Brewery
When: Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
What: Play bingo with plant prizes from Garden Party at this early Galentine's event. Tickets include two bingo cards, Caesar salad, two drink tickets (beer, wine, or cocktails), and baskets of fries. Additional cards available for purchase. Hosted in the brewery's private dining area. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Where: Piedmont Brewery Griffin, 129 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
"Bonnie & Claire" Opening Night at Main Street Players
When: Wednesday, February 11, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
What: Catch opening night of this heartfelt dramedy about estranged sisters who reunite for a road trip filled with grudges, secrets, and unexpected laughter. Written by Bo Wilson, the show runs through February 22. Tickets available at ticketstothecity.com or call (770) 229-9916.
Where: Main Street Players Theatre, 115 North Hill St, Griffin, GA 30224 | THURSDAY | Advo-Kids CASA Winter Training
When: Thursday, February 12, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What: Learn how to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care navigating the court system. This training introduces the CASA volunteer program and how you can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Free to attend. Register at advo-kidscasa.org or call (770) 820-9195.
Where: Advo-Kids CASA, 141 W. Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
"Bonnie & Claire" at Main Street Players
When: Thursday, February 12, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
What: Enjoy the second performance of this touching new dramedy about family, forgiveness, and finding common ground. Two sisters, one road trip, plenty of laughs and heart. Tickets at ticketstothecity.com or call (770) 229-9916.
Where: Main Street Players Theatre, 115 North Hill St, Griffin, GA 30224 | |
| WEATHER | MONDAY
63°F 🌡️ 50°F | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 S 5 mph (4 knots) | TUESDAY
72°F 🌡️ 57°F | ⛅ | 20% | 💨 SW 8 mph (7 knots) | WEDNESDAY
68°F 🌡️ 46°F | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 W 6 mph (5 knots) | THURSDAY
65°F 🌡️ 49°F | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 W 4 mph (3 knots) | | THANKS! | Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine! I want to say thank you to everyone who's been hitting reply and sharing kind words about the newsletter. Hearing that the Grapevine is making it easier to stay connected to what's happening in Griffin means the world to me. It's exactly why I started this, and your feedback keeps me going.
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Have a great week!
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