🍇 Good People

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

Let's be honest. Half of you are refreshing your bank app every 20 minutes waiting on that tax refund to hit, and the other half are pretending April 15th doesn't exist yet. No judgment either way.

But if you're one of the lucky ones who already got that deposit, before it disappears into Amazon, maybe throw a little love at some of the local spots around town. Grab dinner somewhere downtown, hit up a local shop, or finally book that thing you've been putting off. Griffin's got plenty of good people running good businesses who'd love to see you walk through the door.

- Chad Robert

PlayInDirtJobs honors America’s agricultural heritage by bridging the gap between passionate workers and the farms, gardens, and ranches that need them. As the premier platform for the sustainable agricultural community, they specialize in connecting dedicated individuals with meaningful careers that strengthen our local food systems.

From seasonal farm hand positions and livestock management to specialized roles in organic gardening and regenerative agriculture, PlayInDirtJobs makes it easy to find work that truly matters. They help job seekers discover unique opportunities. Many including housing and hands-on learning, all while providing farm owners with an affordable, streamlined way to reach a committed workforce.

Their mission is rooted in the belief that working the land is more than just a job. It’s a vital contribution to our future. By simplifying the hiring process, they allow farmers to spend less time behind a screen and more time in the field, ensuring that good farms and passionate people grow together.

Ready to get your hands dirty or grow your farm team? PlayInDirtJobs is the bridge to your next agricultural adventure. Browse open positions or post a job directly on their website at PlayInDirtJobs.com

Spalding County voters will head to the polls on May 19 for the General Primary/Nonpartisan Election, with 33 local, state, and federal races on the ballot. Voters will need to choose either the Democrat or Republican ballot for partisan races.

Qualifying for local and state races runs March 2–6. Locally, two county commission seats, three board of education posts, and the state court solicitor position are up for election. Three Superior Court judgeships in the Griffin Judicial Circuit, covering Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties, are also on the ballot. At the state level, all legislative seats are in play along with top offices including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, among others. Three Supreme Court and five Court of Appeals judgeships round out the statewide races. Federally, all 14 of Georgia's U.S. House seats and one U.S. Senate seat will be contested.

Most races will be settled in November, but several nonpartisan contests, including the board of education, solicitor general, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals races, will be decided in the May primary.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of Education approved Melinda Pruitt as the district's next deputy superintendent at its February 24 meeting. She was appointed by newly approved superintendent Donald Warren, who took the role in January.

Pruitt is a former GSCS student who has spent her entire career with the district. She has served in a variety of roles including teacher, principal, and most recently executive officer of secondary education. Her work has been credited with helping boost the district's graduation rate, post-secondary readiness, and leadership development, along with improving school culture and community engagement. Board chairman Syntel Brown praised Pruitt's long track record with the district, noting her service at every level dating back to her time as a science teacher at AZ Kelsey Middle School.

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved another data center development at their February 24 meeting, continuing a push for large-scale economic investment. The approval follows January's $3.9 billion Wallace Jackson data center project, which has drawn lawsuits and community concerns over potential impacts to the county's water supply from the Flint River. A hearing for a proposed fourth data center has been postponed until March 31. Residents can follow the ongoing discussion through upcoming commission meetings and public hearings.

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.

Roots and Reflections: Oral Histories

When: Saturday, February 28, 2:00–4:00 PM

What: Celebrate Black History Month with a free afternoon of oral histories at the Fifty Forward Senior Center. Hear firsthand stories from Spalding County residents about the people, places, and traditions that have shaped our community. Open to all ages.

Where: Fifty Forward Senior Center, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Kids Convention 2026

When: Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1 (All Day)

What: Bring the family to Griffin First for a multi-day event packed with activities, worship, and fun designed for children and families. This annual convention draws families from across the area for a weekend of connection and celebration.

Where: Griffin First, 2000 W McIntosh Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

Play it Again – Tribute to Luke Bryan

When: Saturday, February 28, 8:00–10:00 PM (Doors open 6:30 PM)

What: Enjoy a high-energy live tribute to country star Luke Bryan at Barnstormer's Grill. Great food, drinks, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere. Free parking, all ages welcome. Arrive early for the best seats.

Where: Barnstormer's Grill, 349 Jonathan's Roost Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

Superintendent's Revenge Golf Tournament

When: Sunday, March 1

What: Hit the links for a good cause at the annual Superintendent's Revenge Golf Tournament. Teams of four compete at Griffin Golf Course in a fun, competitive round supporting Griffin-Spalding County schools. Registration is $380 per team.

Where: Griffin Golf Course, 625 Camp Northen Rd, Griffin, GA

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.

65 🌡️ 53 | ☁️ | 25% | 💨 NNE 3 mph (3 knots)

67 🌡️ 49 | ⛅ | 25% | 💨 NE 4 mph (3 knots)

75 🌡️ 44 | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 NNW 3 mph (3 knots)

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