School-Zone Speed Camera

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Good morning, Spalding County!

With school back in session, it is probably a good time to talk about Georgia’s school-zone speed camera laws because a few important rules changed this summer.

The biggest thing to understand is that a camera may issue a citation even when the school-zone lights are not flashing. When the lights are flashing, the reduced school-zone speed limit applies. During the rest of the authorized school day, the camera may enforce the regular posted speed limit. In either case, a citation can be issued only when a driver is traveling more than 10 mph over the applicable limit. The cameras may now operate only on school days, beginning one hour before classes and ending one hour after dismissal.

Another round of changes arrives July 1, 2027. Camera warning signs will need to display approaching vehicles’ speeds and flash whenever the camera is authorized to issue citations. Local governments will also need voter approval before entering into or renewing a camera contract.

So, when passing through a school zone, do not use the flashing lights as your only guide. Check the regular speed-limit sign too. Georgia’s new law is meant to make the system clearer and more accountable, but drivers still need to know which speed limit applies.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Spalding County Wants Residents to Help Shape Nearly $300,000 in Community Funding

Spalding County residents are being asked to weigh in on how nearly $300,000 in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding should be used next year. The county’s new CSBG Advisory Board has launched a community needs assessment to identify the services and challenges residents believe deserve the most attention. Georgia requires local CSBG programs to use community needs assessments when developing plans for grant spending, with the results helping establish priorities and direct resources. Spalding County currently uses CSBG funding to assist low-to-moderate-income individuals and households. Residents can complete the local survey at this link and help the advisory board determine where future funding can have the greatest impact.

Spin & Go Laundry Celebrates Grand Opening

Spin & Go Laundry celebrated its grand opening Friday, Aug. 7, with a ribbon cutting at its newly renovated location on West Taylor Street in Griffin. The laundromat at 504 West Taylor Street has been completely updated with new washers and dryers, free Wi-Fi and more comfortable seating for customers. The renovations are designed to make laundry day a little easier and provide a cleaner, more welcoming experience for local residents. Members of the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce joined the celebration, welcomed Spin & Go Laundry as a Chamber member and toured the renovated facility. The grand opening marks a fresh chapter for the business and gives Griffin residents an updated option for their laundry needs.

GSCS Reports Improvement on 2026 Georgia Milestones

Griffin-Spalding County Schools reported gains in several areas on the Spring 2026 Georgia Milestones assessments, with the strongest improvement coming in mathematics. Third-grade math proficiency increased eight percentage points from 2025, while fourth-grade students also improved. The district reported additional math gains in middle school, including a notable increase among seventh graders. At the high school level, scores improved on End-of-Course assessments in Algebra, Biology, and U.S. History. The results released so far cover math, science, and social studies. English language arts results are not included because Georgia is setting new performance standards following changes to the state’s ELA curriculum. Those scores are expected to be released in November.

CIVIL NEWS

Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority Meeting
When: Monday, August 10, 5:00 PM
What: The Airport Authority will meet as work continues on the replacement Griffin-Spalding County Regional Airport, including site preparation, property work, utility relocation and planning for the major construction phases still ahead.
Where: One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Downtown Development Authority Meeting
When: Tuesday, August 11, 8:15 AM
What: The Downtown Development Authority oversees economic development projects within Griffin’s downtown district, including property redevelopment, business assistance and projects connected to continued investment in the city center.
Where: City of Griffin Municipal Courtroom, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

City of Griffin Board of Commissioners Meeting
When: Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 PM
What: Griffin commissioners will hold their regular meeting to consider city business, contracts, departmental matters and other items requiring commission action. The city posts the full agenda through its agenda archive.
Where: City of Griffin Municipal Courtroom, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Parks & Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting
When: Thursday, August 13, 6:00 PM
What: The advisory committee is scheduled to meet on matters involving Spalding County parks, recreation facilities and Leisure Services programs. The county lists the meeting on its official Granicus meeting portal, although the agenda had not yet been posted when checked.
Where: Spalding County, Griffin, GA

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.

The Official Griffin Grapevine Hometown T-Shirt

Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together and now you can wear that spirit. This soft Comfort Colors tee features a richly illustrated tribute to Griffin, Georgia on the back, with irises, railroad tracks, peach, sweet tea, and classic Doc Holliday hat. Wear it around town, to community events, or anywhere you want to represent the people and stories that keep Griffin connected.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

TUESDAY

Netwalking: August 2026
When: Tuesday, August 11, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber is taking its monthly networking walk indoors at Club Fitness. Participants will walk on the treadmills while meeting other local professionals and making business connections in a relaxed setting. Comfortable walking shoes and business cards are recommended.
Where: Club Fitness, 549 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Library Book Club
When: Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Griffin Library Book Club will meet at Myrtle’s Plot Twist to discuss Sandwich by Catherine Newman. The bestselling novel follows a woman navigating family, aging and change during an annual summer trip to Cape Cod.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South Sixth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

WEDNESDAY

Business Networking Lunch
When: Wednesday, August 12, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: Local professionals can meet for a casual networking lunch hosted through the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce. The gathering offers an informal setting to meet other business owners and community members while enjoying lunch.
Where: LongHorn Steakhouse, 1653 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30224

Lunch and Learn: Honey Tasting
When: Wednesday, August 12, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: Spalding County Extension will explain how honeybees produce honey, how honey should be stored and why different varieties can have noticeably different flavors. Participants will also sample several kinds of honey. Admission is $10, and registration is required by the day before the class.
Where: Spalding County Extension, 403 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

THURSDAY

Three Rivers Transit Bus Operator Job Fair
When: Thursday, August 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Three Rivers Regional Commission is recruiting non-CDL transit bus operators during an in-person job fair at its Griffin office. Full-time and part-time positions are available, with paid training and employee benefits offered.
Where: Three Rivers Regional Commission, 120 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Griffin Choral Arts Season 20 Open House
When: Thursday, August 13, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Griffin Choral Arts is opening the doors to its rehearsal home as the organization prepares for its 20th-anniversary season. Prospective singers and anyone curious about the chorus can stop by, meet current members and learn what the group has planned for the coming year.
Where: St. George’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 132 North 10th Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Flint River Astronomy Club Meeting
When: Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The Flint River Astronomy Club will gather for its monthly meeting at the UGA Research and Education Garden. Experienced stargazers and curious beginners are invited to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts, discuss upcoming celestial events and learn more about exploring the night sky. The evening will include club updates, an open question-and-answer session and planning for the group’s next stargazing event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and curiosity about astronomy.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
When: Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM
What: Bobby Miller brings a full Michael Jackson tribute show to the Griffin Opera House with a performance built around the music, dancing and stage presence of the King of Pop. The production recreates the feel of Michael Jackson’s live concerts and features familiar hits from throughout his career. It is designed for longtime fans as well as anyone who never had the chance to see Michael Jackson perform in person. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

12th Annual Doc Holliday Festival
When: Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: The Doc Holliday Festival returns to Griffin City Park for a free day of barbecue, history and family entertainment. The festival will feature more than 30 professional teams competing in a Georgia Barbecue Association competition, along with a People’s Choice tasting where visitors can sample barbecue and vote for their favorite. Spurred West will perform three reenactments of the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral while sharing the story of Griffin native John Henry “Doc” Holliday. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the Spalding Collaborative for Families and Children.
Where: Griffin City Park, 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224

WEATHER

MONDAY

90° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 40% | W 5 mph

TUESDAY

91° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 40% | W 5 mph

WEDNESDAY

91° 🌡️ 74° | ⛈️ | 30% | W 5 mph

THURSDAY

92° 🌡️ 75° | 🌤️ | 0% | W 5 mph

THANKS!

That is all for today, Spalding County.

As everyone settles back into the rhythm of a new school year, a little extra patience on the road can go a long way. Watch the signs, slow down around schools and keep an eye out for children and buses. No one wants to begin the week with a camera citation, and more importantly, we all want local students to arrive safely.

Thanks for spending part of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine. If today’s issue helped you learn something new or feel a little more connected to what is happening around Spalding County, please send it to a friend or neighbor. That is still the best way the Grapevine grows.

Have an event, news tip or local story I should know about? Reply to this email. I personally read every message. Local businesses interested in reaching Spalding County readers are welcome to reply as well or email griffin@welldiem.com.

Have a great week, and take care of each other!