🍇 End of January

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County! Good morning, Spalding County! Yes, it's still ridiculously cold. One thing I do appreciate though is that we've actually been getting some sunshine with it. Much better for the spirit versus cold, dark, and wet. You know who doesn't get to wait out the cold? Our firefighters. Let's give a shout out to the firefighters of Spalding County. Often overlooked, we have seven fire stations spread across our county, staffed around the clock with crews working 24-hour shifts.

Here's something you might not know: our department is led by two Fire Chiefs. Chief Glenn Polk handles administration and also serves as director of Spalding County Homeland Security, while Chief Mike Byrd oversees daily fire operations. And these aren't just any chiefs. Chief Byrd was named the 2022 Georgia Fire Chief of the Year, and Chief Polk was named Emergency Management Director of the Year. The department is entirely funded through its own fire tax millage, separate from the county's general fund. That means every dollar from the fire district goes directly to personnel, equipment, fire engines, and maintaining those seven stations.

Right now, the department operates with two firefighters per station per shift, but they're working toward adding a third. Why does that matter? With only two per truck, if someone calls in sick, that station has to shut down until backup arrives. More staffing means faster response times and safer conditions for both firefighters and residents.

If you see a Spalding County fire truck roll by, give them a wave. They're out there 24/7, ready to answer the call.

- Chad

Cards Over Clicks helps children disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the real world. Founded by local Navy veteran Dennis Loewer, this 501(c)(3) non-profit uses the excitement of card collecting to develop critical social and learning skills.

From Pokémon and Sports to Disney and Star Wars, every free card packet comes with a grade-specific educational worksheet tailored to Georgia standards. Whether for Pre-K or High School, these packs encourage students to achieve classroom goals and engage with their peers face-to-face.

They help educators and parents turn "social media timeouts" into fun, educational wins. Their mission is simple: inspire kids to put the phone down and learn through family-friendly collecting.

Ready to inspire your students or support the community? They are actively seeking teachers to challenge their classes, educators to help design worksheets, and local business sponsors to keep the packs free.

Take the next step now: learn more at www.CardsOverClicks.org.

The Spalding County Planning and Appeals Commission approved a height variance at their January 12 meeting, clearing the way for a 150-foot automated cold storage warehouse in the High Falls Industrial Park off of Highway 16. That's more than double the standard 65-foot limit for the district. NewCold Darien, LLC, a Netherlands-founded company specializing in automated warehousing, plans to invest over $375 million in the facility, dubbed "Project Siberian Tiger."

The high-tech warehouse will use advanced robotics for storage and cold chain logistics, partnering with major food companies worldwide. NewCold says the project will create up to 175 jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the county. The company touts its energy-efficient design, noting the fully sealed facilities can operate for days without active refrigeration and consume far less electricity than traditional warehouses. This marks NewCold's second Georgia project. Their first was a $333 million facility in McDonough announced by Governor Kemp in 2022. One neighboring property owner spoke against the variance, expressing concern about the building's visibility from her family's land and arguing that developers should follow the same height requirements as homeowners. The commission ultimately approved the request.

Looking for a new career in education? Griffin-Spalding County Schools is hosting a job fair on Saturday, February 7, from 9-11 AM at 277 E. Poplar Street. The district, which serves 9,400 students across 21 schools and programs, is seeking teachers, support staff, and administrators. With a 90.9% graduation rate and 1:1 student technology ratio, GSCS offers opportunities to make a difference in local students' lives. Visit gscs.org for more information or to pre-register.

Patrick M. Shepherd, a lifelong Spalding County resident, has been appointed as the second State Court Judge of Spalding County by Governor Brian Kemp. Shepherd, who graduated from Griffin High School in 2001, currently serves as the county's Solicitor General. The appointment adds judicial capacity to handle the county's growing caseload. Shepherd's deep local roots and experience in the county's legal system position him well to serve the community he's called home his entire life.

Shoppers will soon have new options at North Griffin Square. Discount retailer Five Below has signed a lease at 1649 North Expressway, taking over the space previously occupied by Christian Women's Center Thrift Store. Beauty retailer Ulta Beauty is also joining the shopping center. Both stores are expected to open sometime in 2026, bringing jobs and shopping variety to north Griffin.

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

Tri-County Manufacturing Workforce Collaborative

The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute: Slippery When Wet

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.

48 🌡️ 28 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 NW 5 mph (4 knots)

47 🌡️ 25 | 🌧️ | 20% | 💨 S 5 mph (4 knots)

29 🌡️ 14 | ❄️ | 20% | 💨 Light

33 🌡️ 20 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 Calm

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine! We're on a mission to be the go-to source for news and events in Spalding County, and we can't do it without you. If you've got family or friends in the area who aren't subscribed yet, forward this their way. Good local news is better when it's shared. The more neighbors reading, the stronger our community connection becomes. Have a great weekend!