Teniola Ogungbamila, a student at Hampton Middle School, was honored during the January HCWA Board Meeting as the local winner of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s annual Essay Contest.

Her essay focused on the importance of clean water for health and livelihoods worldwide.

She was one of 15 winners recognized at the Georgia State Capitol and her essay was titled “Water Matters!”.

The contest aims to educate and challenge middle school students to think about water conservation and protection in their communities.

The Henry County Library System in Georgia consists of five branches serving the community.

It offers various resources and services, including access to books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, computers, and online databases.

The system also provides educational programs, events, and meeting spaces for patrons of all ages.

The libraries aim to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment within the county.

The system works to meet the evolving needs of its patrons by offering innovative services and technologies to enhance the community's access to information and resources.

Secret Little Hack

Explore the hidden gem of Hampton, Georgia by visiting the serene J.W.

Smith Reservoir for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Fall Festival at Ellenwood Academy in McDonough, Georgia, will feature activities such as pumpkin painting, bake sale, bounce houses, and more.

The event will take place on October 7th and all are welcome to attend.

Tickets are $12 per child and $5 per adult.

This family-friendly festival aims to bring the community together for a day of fun and celebration.

Nightmares at Nash is a Halloween event at Nash Farm in Hampton, Georgia.

The event will feature haunted attractions, including a haunted house, a corn maze, and a haunted trail.

There will also be food vendors, live music, and a bonfire.

Nightmares at Nash promises a fun and spooky experience for attendees of all ages.

The event will take place on select dates in October, with tickets available for purchase online.

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 24, 2025, as the City of Locust Grove brings back the spookiest and most festive event of the season —Trunk or Treat & Haunted Hayride!

 Location: Locust Grove City Hall

 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

 What to Expect:

Get ready for a frighteningly fun evening the whole family will enjoy!

 Here’s what’s in store:

• Trunk or Treating: Visit a lineup of creatively decorated car trunks and collect sweet treats in a safe and festive environment.

   

• Haunted Hayride: Hop aboard for a thrilling ride through the Locust Grove Cemetery — if you dare!

   

• Food Trucks & Vendors: Grab a bite from some of the best local food trucks and shop unique offerings from fun, family-friendly vendors.

   

• Costume Fun: Come dressed in your Halloween best and show off your spooky, silly, or stylish costume!

   

 Admission:

Free for all ages! Join us for an evening of safe, exciting, and memory-making fun with the entire community.

Joke Of The Day

What did the sign in downtown Hampton say to the lost tourist?

"You're way off Hampton, buddy!"

🧁 Ingredients:

• 1 box (3.9 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
  
  

• 2 cups cold milk
  
  

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  
  

• 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
  
  

• Gummy worms or candy bones
  
  

• Milano cookies or vanilla wafers (for tombstones)
  
  

• Optional: edible candy eyes, candy pumpkins
  
  

🍫 Instructions:

1. Crush the cookies:
   
   Place Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they resemble “dirt.” Set aside.
   
   

2. Make the pudding:
   
   In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
   
   

3. Fold in whipped topping:
   
   Gently mix in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
   
   

4. Layer the dirt cups:
   
   Spoon a layer of pudding mixture into clear cups, then add a layer of crushed cookies. Repeat layers until cups are full.
   
   

5. Decorate:
   
   Stick a Milano cookie “tombstone” in the top, sprinkle more cookie “dirt,” and add gummy worms crawling out.
   
   Optional: Add candy eyes or pumpkins for extra fun!
   
   

🕸️ Tips:

• For adults, you can flavor the pudding with a bit of coffee liqueur or espresso.
  
  

• Serve chilled — they taste best after at least 1 hour in the fridge.

This event is free. Bike registration is optional with 100% of registration proceeds donated to first responders.

We’re firing up the smoker and the engines for an evening dedicated to those who serve our community. Join us for Bike Night, a high-energy outdoor event supporting our local first responders, 15% of all sales will be donated to the Henry County Police Department.

Expect:

 Motorcycle Showcase – Got a ride you’re proud of? Register to show it off!

 Raffles & Prizes – Score big while giving back

 Live Music – Enjoy the sounds of the South while you hang