🍇 Brace the Chill

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

In case you haven't stuck your head outside yet, it’s cold again! Mother Nature is definitely reminding us that winter isn't finished with Spalding County quite yet. But hey, I’m not going to let a little frost get me down, because Team USA had one heck of a day yesterday!

The 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up in Milan with a finish for the history books. We watched the U.S. Men’s Hockey team pull off a stunning 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, marking 46 years to the day since the legendary "Miracle on Ice." We’re also bursting with local pride for Georgia’s own Elana Meyers Taylor, who became the most decorated American woman in Winter Olympic history.

Let that winning energy warm you up as you dive into a busy week!

- Chad Robert

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Two lawsuits have been filed against Spalding County following the Board of Commissioners' January approval of a third data center, the $3.9 billion Wallace Jackson project. The legal challenges come after the Flint Riverkeeper warned that large-scale data centers could strain future water withdrawal permits from the Flint River, urging commissioners to weigh long-term water impacts alongside economic development. A first hearing for a proposed fourth data center has now been postponed until March 31. Residents can follow updates through upcoming county commission meetings and public hearings.

The Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority is pursuing federal funding to extend the new regional airport's runway from 5,000 to 5,500 feet. The authority needs an additional $4 million through Congressionally Directed Spending to widen the runway to 100 feet and add 500 feet of length, upgrades already designed and FAA-approved. Letters of support are being sent to Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and U.S. Rep. Brian Jack. The longer runway would accommodate the vast majority of business jets worldwide, giving Spalding County a significant economic development boost.

Winter has returned to Spalding County as a cold front brings freezing temperatures and a Wind Advisory. The National Weather Service predicts wind gusts up to 40 mph, with wind chills plummeting to 10-15 degrees by Monday morning. Consequently, Spalding County Emergency Management has activated a warming center at the City Park Community Center in Griffin, open Sunday and Monday nights from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to bring pets inside, drip faucets to prevent frozen pipes, and ensure school children are bundled up. Stay safe as Mother Nature reminds us that winter isn't quite finished yet.

It's a quieter week on the government calendar, with all the action on the City of Griffin side. On Tuesday, the City of Griffin Commission starts the day with a workshop meeting at 9:00 AM before reconvening for their regular session at 6:00 PM both at City Hall. No Spalding County board meetings are on the schedule this week; the Board of Commissioners will reconvene for their next regular session on Monday, March 2.

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, February 23, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST

What: A community gathering for players of all skill levels to practice, learn new strategies, and compete in a friendly environment. Open to both children and adults.

Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 807 Memorial Dr, Griffin, GA 30223

Women of Wellstar: Heart of the Home & Beyond

When: Tuesday, February 24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

What: Join Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital for an evening focused on women's health and wellness at the Historic Griffin Hotel. Connect with local healthcare professionals and fellow community members in a warm, informative setting. Advance registration was required.

Where: Historic Griffin Hotel, 132 West Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Soulful Celebration

When: Wednesday, February 25, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

What: Celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of culture, music, and community at the Spalding County Senior Center. This free event honors the contributions and legacy of African Americans in Spalding County. All ages and community members welcome.

Where: Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Family Storytime @ the Library

When: Thursday, February 26, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM EST

What: A weekly interactive program for children and their caregivers featuring stories, songs, and movement to build early literacy skills.

Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 807 Memorial Dr, 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.

50 🌡️ 27 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 NW 15 mph (13 knots)

56 🌡️ 35 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots)

60 🌡️ 48 | ☁️ | 5% | 💨 S 7 mph (6 knots)

64 🌡️ 53 | 🌧️ | 75% | 💨 SW 8 mph (7 knots)

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Stay warm out there and keep that Gold Medal spirit going! I hope you have a productive and inspired week ahead.