Threat of Winter Weather, Data Center Moves Forward, and the First Swim Meet.
Griffin Grapevine
January 22, 2026
TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Spalding County! It’s been a great week so far, but we need to pivot our focus to the weekend. A significant winter storm is heading our way, and the National Weather Service is predicting a messy mix of freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday night (100% chance of precipitation).
By Sunday, we’ll see a transition to rain and more freezing rain, followed by a Sunday night "flash freeze" as temperatures tank into the low 20s. While snow is pretty to look at, the amount of ice forecast for our area could be catastrophic for power lines and tree limbs. If you don't have a game plan yet, please stock up on essentials today and plan to stay off the roads this weekend.
- Chad
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While the City of Griffin hits pause, Spalding County moves forward. By a 4-1 vote on January 12, the county's Planning and Appeals Commission recommended approval of a variance, zoning change, and special exception for a proposed data center campus on Jackson Road at Wallace Road. Commissioner B. Frank Harris Jr. cast the lone dissenting vote. The final decision now goes to the County Commission. If approved, this would be the third data center campus in unincorporated Spalding County.
The proposed Wallace Jackson Data Center Campus would span 189 acres and include 10 buildings totaling nearly 5 million square feet, a $3.7 billion project with full build-out expected by 2035. The developer needed a variance because a stream runs through the property, which falls under the county's watershed protection rules. Combined with two data center campuses already approved last year, Spalding County could soon host more than 11 million square feet of data center space.
Spalding County commissioners unanimously approved advertising for a new deputy director of Public Works after Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor made an urgent case for the position. With nearly $16 million in TSPLOST projects, Heritage Park development, and INODIC grants in the pipeline, Flowers-Taylor argued the county can't wait until the next budget cycle. The previous deputy director position was eliminated years ago, and the department's engineer recently left for another county. County Manager Steve Ledbetter reported on January 15 that a candidate has already been identified.
The first swim meet of the season took place last Thursday at the Spalding County Aquatic Center, hosted by Strong Rock Christian School. Griffin High, Spalding High, Strong Rock, Community Christian, First Presbyterian Academy, and Mount De Sales Academy all competed in the event. The meet marks the first of several scheduled at the aquatic center, with additional competitions taking place this week and next Tuesday. The facility itself recently earned the 2025 First Place Build Georgia Award from the Associated General Contractors of Georgia.
Jean - Female - 1 year old
Spalding County Animal Care & Control
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.
Advo-Kids CASA Winter Training
When: Thursday, January 22, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What: Learn how to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster care system. This free training session prepares volunteers to make a difference in a child's life. No experience necessary — just a caring heart.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA
Fitness Party at City Park Community Center
When: Friday, January 23, 6:00 PM
What: Get your weekend started with this free weekly fitness class open to ages 13 and up. Registration required. Great way to stay active and meet neighbors who share your wellness goals.
Where: City Park Community Center, 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA
Griffin Farmers Market
When: Saturday, January 24, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
What: Browse fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local honey from Spalding County vendors at this beloved weekly gathering. Bring your reusable bags and support local farmers and artisans. Free admission and parking.
Where: Downtown Griffin Square, 100 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA
"Winter Wonders" Dance Showcase
When: Saturday, January 24, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
What: Cheer on local dancers at this annual mid-year showcase featuring ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, and majorette performances. A family-friendly celebration of young talent warming up the stage. All ages welcome; tickets $12.51. Attendees 3 and older need a ticket.
Where: The Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, Griffin, GA
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.
56 🌡️ 44 | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨 N 5 mph (4 knots)
55 🌡️ 39 | 🌧️ | 60% | 💨 NNW 7 mph (6 knots)
44 🌡️ 32 | 🌨️ | 70% | 💨 ENE 12 mph (10 kts)
37 🌡️ 21 | 🌧️ | 90% | 💨 ENE 9 mph (8 kts)
Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine! As we head into the weekend, please don’t take this storm lightly. Take a moment today to ensure you’re prepared for potential multi-day power outages. Flashlights, batteries, and non-perishables are key. Looking to grow your reach in Spalding County? If you’re a local business owner looking for more exposure, we have a few advertisement slots opening up in future issues. To learn more, simply reply to this email or visit .
Stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and stay connected.
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