Hurricane Isaias

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Good morning, Spalding County!

October weekends are too good to give up without a little grumbling, but this one may call for a change of plans. Isaias has strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Its center is forecast to pass west of Griffin, so a direct hit is not currently expected here. We will still feel its reach, with rain and gusty winds expected Friday night through early Sunday.

Take a few minutes to bring in loose porch furniture, check the flashlights and charge your devices. Heavy rain and strong winds could bring down trees and interrupt power, and isolated tornadoes are possible across the region. Keep weather alerts turned on as the forecast develops.

Keep that forecast in mind as you browse the events below, too. Outdoor gatherings may be postponed or canceled, so check with organizers before heading out. Hopefully, your preparations amount to a flashlight you never need and a porch chair you put right back.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

NewCold Breaks Ground on Landmark Spalding County Project

NewCold has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a cold storage warehouse in Spalding County, advancing a project the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority expects to become the county’s largest single development. Community leaders attended the ceremony last week. The facility will expand NewCold’s Georgia operations and is expected to rank among the company’s largest developments worldwide. Plans presented earlier this year placed the warehouse in High Falls Industrial Park and called for an investment exceeding $375 million, with up to 175 jobs. Those plans included advanced robotics for automated storage and cold chain logistics, bringing technology designed to support food storage and distribution to the county.

Griffin Christian Turns Homecoming Comeback Into an Unbeaten Run

Griffin Christian Academy gave its homecoming crowd a comeback to celebrate, defeating CrossPointe Christian Academy 28-21 on September 25 for its fifth consecutive victory. CrossPointe took control early, building a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Griffin Christian scored 14 points before halftime but still entered the break trailing 21-14. The home team reversed the game in the third quarter, adding another 14 points while keeping CrossPointe scoreless throughout the second half. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter. Griffin Christian followed that narrow victory with a commanding 62-8 win over Peachtree Academy on October 2, improving to 6-0. The team’s next scheduled test is an October 9 road matchup against Praise Academy.

Local Educator and Spalding Graduate Make Their Mark as Authors

Two members of the Griffin-Spalding school community are adding published author to their accomplishments. Ashley Driggers, a pre-K paraprofessional at Jordan Hill Elementary, has published A Kingdom in Ruin, the first installment in her Kingdoms of the Fae series. The fantasy follows Princess Terran Everheart as a birthday celebration turns into a struggle to protect her family and kingdom. A ruler from the fae world forces her to confront a dangerous choice. My’kael Phillips, a 2026 Spalding High School graduate, wrote The Weight I Carry. The picture book follows a boy processing emotions and memories, exploring grief, love and hope through a story intended to encourage conversations between children and trusted adults.

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.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

FRIDAY

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Friday, October 9, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Take a fall stroll through the UGA Research and Education Garden to see scarecrows created by local businesses, schools, families, and community groups. The annual display is free and open to the public during weekday garden hours and continues through October 30.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Farmer’s Market
When: Friday, October 9, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County hosts its weekly market at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Browse produce, honey, boiled peanuts, and other local offerings. A convenient morning stop to pick up something fresh and support local vendors.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Maker’s Market
When: Friday, October 9, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Shop handmade goods from local senior artisans at this semiannual fine arts fair. Expect artwork, baked goods, ceramics, jewelry, knitwork, quilts, woodwork, and more. Open to the public. Bring cash, since most vendors cannot accept credit cards.
Where: Fifty Forward Center for Senior Services, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Faith & Blue Prayer Event
When: Friday, October 9, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
What: The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to Park at Sixth for prayer, fellowship, and community connection during National Faith & Blue Weekend. The gathering focuses on strengthening relationships and building unity. Refreshments will be provided.
Where: Park at Sixth, South 6th Street, Downtown Griffin, GA

Chris Odom Music at Myrtle’s Plot Twist
When: Friday, October 9, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Plot Twist welcomes Chris Odom for an evening of live music. Stop by the downtown bookstore and gathering space to enjoy Friday night entertainment with friends.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Faux Stained Glass Resin Workshop
When: Friday, October 9, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Create a resin sun catcher with a stained glass effect while learning the basics from Stache Studio’s instructors. Choose a pumpkin, sunflower, or hummingbird design. Materials are included, and finished pieces are ready for pickup the next day. Ages 13 and older are welcome. Tickets cost $42 to $48, depending on the project.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

SATURDAY

Fight Against Breast Cancer at Caldwell Cottage with Daddy Kirt’s Bigfoot BBQ
When: Saturday, October 10, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: Daddy Kirt’s Bigfoot BBQ will be at Caldwell Cottage Antiques for an event supporting the fight against breast cancer. Pick up a barbecue sandwich with chips for $10 and take part in a downtown afternoon for a cause.
Where: Caldwell Cottage Antiques, 119 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

2nd Saturday ARTober Fest
When: Saturday, October 10, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Downtown Griffin combines an art festival with Oktoberfest fun, local shopping, and live music. Explore the Art Walk around Hill and Solomon streets from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, then catch Off Ramp at Park at Sixth from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the season’s final 2nd Saturday concert. Participating shops begin their specials at 10:00 AM. Free and held rain or shine.
Where: Downtown Griffin, Hill and Solomon streets; concert at Park at Sixth, South 6th Street, Griffin, GA

SKYNFOLKS: The Authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience
When: Saturday, October 10, 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM
What: SKYNFOLKS brings its Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute to the Griffin Opera House, recreating music from the band’s first five studio albums. An evening for Southern rock fans who enjoy the sound of the original recordings performed live. Tickets are available through the linked event page.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

SUNDAY

Scarecrow Sunday: Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Sunday, October 11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: The UGA Research and Education Garden opens for a special Sunday celebration with activities for children, seasonal displays, and educational demonstrations. Bring the family to explore the community’s creative scarecrows and enjoy an afternoon in the garden.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

Rifle Sight-In Day at Griffin Gun Club
When: Rescheduled to Monday, October 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Griffin Gun Club is hosting a free Rifle Sight-In Day to help local hunters prepare for the upcoming rifle season. Whether you’re checking a new setup, making a final adjustment, or looking for extra confidence before heading to the woods, the club offers a safe and welcoming place to get ready. Free and open to the public. Register through the linked form. This event was initially scheduled for Saturday, but rescheduled due to Hurricane Isaias.
Where: Griffin Gun Club, 550 Amelia Road, Griffin, GA 30223

On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute (Friday Show)
When: Friday, October 23, 8:00 PM
What: On the Border brings its Eagles tribute show to the Griffin Opera House, performing favorites such as “Desperado,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “Heartache Tonight.” The band recreates the group’s sound with multiple lead vocalists, detailed guitar work, and six-part harmonies. Hosted by the Griffin Opera House and Classic Kingdom Entertainment LLC. Tickets are available through the event page.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

WEATHER

FRIDAY

75°🌡 60° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 5 to 10 mph NE

SATURDAY

71°🌡 64° | ⛈ | 95% | 💨 15 to 20 mph E

SUNDAY

77°🌡 61° | ⛈ | 60% | 💨 10 to 15 mph S

THANKS!

Thanks for spending part of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine.

I hope you found something useful in today’s issue, whether it was a local story worth sharing or a reason to get out and enjoy our community once the weather cooperates.

This weekend, keep an eye on the forecast and check on a neighbor who might appreciate it. Hopefully, we’ll all be back outside soon, putting the porch furniture where it belongs.

If you know someone who would enjoy the Grapevine, send this their way. Every reader who passes it along helps this little publication grow.

Stay safe, Spalding County. I’ll see you Monday.