Rabies Case Reported in Spalding County, Leaders Move SPLOST Referendum Toward November Ballot, and Fun Summer Events.
Griffin Grapevine
June 15, 2026
Good morning, Spalding County!
Yesterday, June 14, was Flag Day, a time to pause and honor one of the most recognizable symbols of our nation: the American flag. Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.
The idea of celebrating the flag grew over time, especially through the efforts of teachers, civic leaders, and patriotic organizations who wanted Americans to reflect on what the flag represents. One of the earliest champions of Flag Day was Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher who encouraged his students to observe the flag’s birthday in the late 1800s. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, Congress made it a permanent national observance.
Flag Day is a reminder not only of our country’s history, but also of the values the flag continues to represent: freedom, unity, sacrifice, and hope. As we look back on yesterday’s observance, we are reminded that the flag is more than fabric and color. It is a symbol of the generations who have worked, served, and sacrificed to help shape the United States we know today.
- Chad
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Spalding County health officials are urging residents to use caution after a fox in the Springer Drive area tested positive for rabies. The fox was reportedly seen in a yard on June 7 and later charged at a woman and dog before being sent for testing by City of Griffin Animal Control. Results from the Georgia Department of Public Health Laboratory confirmed the case on June 11.
This is the second confirmed rabies case in Spalding County in three weeks, following a positive case involving a dog near the Fayette County line in late May. Residents are encouraged to avoid unfamiliar wild or domestic animals and make sure pets are current on rabies vaccinations. Officials say animals showing unusual aggression, disorientation, sluggish movement, excessive vocalization, or other abnormal behavior should be reported to Animal Control or state wildlife officials.
Spalding County, Griffin, and Orchard Hill have approved an agreement to place a new SPLOST referendum on the November General Election ballot. If approved by voters, the one-cent sales tax would begin in April 2027, after the current transportation SPLOST ends, keeping Spalding County’s total sales tax rate at 7%. Under the agreement, Orchard Hill would receive the first $1.5 million collected, with the remaining revenue split between Spalding County and Griffin. The county would receive 62%, while the city would receive 38%. Spalding County’s proposed projects include roads, bridges, sidewalks, county building maintenance, E911 upgrades, fire equipment, sewer work, and stormwater needs. Griffin’s list includes new fire stations, public safety equipment, nuisance abatement, and transportation improvements.
Elise - Female - 2 years old
Spalding County Animal Care & Control
This is a moderate week on the government calendar in Griffin and Spalding County. Monday’s schedule starts in the evening with the City of Griffin Planning and Zoning Board, which meets at 6:00 PM in the City Courtroom at 100 South Hill Street. The board reviews zoning ordinance changes and makes recommendations on rezonings, annexations, and special use permits, so this is the one to watch for land-use, development, and neighborhood-impact questions. A separate June 15 agenda was not visible in the city agenda archive during this check, so treat the agenda itself as something to verify before publication.
The Spalding County Board of Commissioners have a at 3:00 PM. Work sessions are usually where commissioners talk through county business in more detail before formal action, so they can be useful for residents who want to hear how issues are being shaped before votes happen. Later that evening, the Board of Commissioners meets again for an at 6:00 PM. That is the formal county meeting to watch this week if you are following county operations, spending, services, or other decisions that affect residents outside Griffin and across Spalding County.
Tuesday brings the at 6:00 PM at 216 South 6th Street. That meeting is the main public forum for school-system governance, from policy and district operations to any agenda-specific business the board takes up.
Thursday closes the window with a 10:00 AM special called meeting of the Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration at 825 Memorial Drive. This one is tied directly to the June 16 General Primary Runoff: the posted agenda says board members will review election records. It is more procedural than policy-heavy, but it is still worth noting for anyone following election administration.
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, June 15, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The library’s chess club gives kids, adults, beginners, and regular players a place to sit down for a few games without needing a big commitment. It’s a simple weeknight option for families, students, or anyone looking for something low-cost and screen-free.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Knit/Crochet Club
When: Tuesday, June 16, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: A relaxed afternoon gathering for knitters and crocheters at the library. Bring a project, get a little work done, and spend time with other local crafters. It’s especially useful for folks who like having a regular creative outlet during the week.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Teen/Adult Craft
When: Tuesday, June 16, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: A hands-on craft session for teens and adults at the library. This is a good mid-afternoon option for older students on summer break, adults looking for a creative activity, or anyone who wants something more interactive than just dropping by to browse shelves.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Sensory Play Day
When: Tuesday, June 16, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: A family-friendly library program built around sensory play. This is a useful option for younger children who learn best by touching, moving, exploring, and making a little mess in a setting designed for it.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
When: Tuesday, June 16, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Griffin+Spalding Chamber’s June Business After Hours is a casual networking event for local professionals. Expect light refreshments, door prizes, and a chance to meet other business owners and community members without the formality of a luncheon or conference room meeting.
Where: Uncle Bobby’s, 1618 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
When: Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Plot Twist hosts its Between The Covers Book Club with a discussion of “A Storm in Every Heart” by Kate King. It’s a good fit for readers looking for a local book-club night in a more social, downtown setting.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 S. 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Science Heroes: “Digging It” Summer Reading Program
When: Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
What: A Summer Reading Program event at the library built around science, stories, and discovery. This is one of the better weekday picks for families with kids who need a structured summer outing that is educational without feeling like school.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Family Storytime @ the Library
When: Wednesday, June 17, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
What: A mid-afternoon storytime at the library for families with young children. It’s a simple way to add some reading, routine, and community time to a summer weekday.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Small Business Task Force
When: Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: A Griffin+Spalding Chamber committee meeting focused on small business. This one is most useful for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and people who like staying plugged into what the small-business community is working on.
Where: Griffin+Spalding Chamber of Commerce, 143 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223
When: Wednesday, June 17, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Book Club meets to discuss “Beach Read” by Emily Henry. This is a good midweek stop for readers looking for a lighter summer book discussion and a chance to connect with other locals downtown.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 S. 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
When: Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Main Street Players continues its production of “The 39 Steps,” a fast-paced stage adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock classic. The show uses just four actors to play more than 100 roles, turning the spy-thriller setup into a quick-moving comedy. A strong pick for anyone looking for local theater during the week.
Where: Main Street Players Theatre, 115 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Family Storytime @ the Library
When: Thursday, June 18, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
What: The library offers another Family Storytime on Thursday morning, giving parents and caregivers a short, easy outing for younger children before the day gets too hot.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
When: Thursday, June 18, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: New Salem Baptist Church hosts Active FAITH, a walking and exercise group open to all fitness levels. Children are welcome with parent supervision, and the group combines movement, fellowship, and Bible study for people looking for a low-pressure way to be active with others.
Where: New Salem Baptist Church, 57 Bicycle Road, 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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That’s it for today’s Griffin Grapevine. Griffin has a funny way of changing in plain sight. One week a building looks empty, the next week somebody is painting the trim. A road crew shows up before anyone knows what the project is. A restaurant gets a new banner, a church sign starts advertising something interesting, or somebody at the grocery store mentions a thing you somehow missed completely.
That’s usually where the good local stuff starts. So when you notice something around Griffin or Spalding County that makes you wonder what’s going on, send it my way. It does not need to be fancy. A quick photo, a question, or a “you should look into this” is more than enough. And if you know someone who always wants to know what’s happening before everybody else does, forward them this issue.
I’ll be back in your inbox Thursday. Until then, follow Griffin Grapevine on Facebook and Instagram for the things that pop up between emails.
Have a great week!
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