If you wandered Southlake Mall in the early 1980s, you know there was a restaurant called Subs, Salads, and Soups. Owned and operated by Empson Fogle and his son, the restaurant eventually left the mall and became Fogle’s. When they moved to Rock Quarry Rd. in 2006, the name changed to Empson’s Deli as a tribute to the founder. The popular deli is on the move this spring to The Bridges at Jodeco plaza, located at Chen Parkway in McDonough. Empson’s Deli will now have more space – 3,000 square feet – and will be able to offer more of...
Beyond Business
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Creekside Christian Academy may be young, but its vision is anything but small. In just its second year, the chapter is redefining what it means to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Under the direction of Anne Dammel, Creekside’s Director of Marketing and lead FBLA advisor, the focus extends far beyond competitions and business fundamentals. “Our goal isn’t just to prepare students for their future careers,” Dammel explains. “It’s to help them discover who they are, identify their God-given gifts, and step confidently into leadership. If I can help...
McDonough’s Mini Soccer Pitch
Local and state community organizations, businesses and leaders came together to make soccer more accessible to Henry County residents of all ages. “Growing up in Henry County there was nowhere to just play soccer — we had to hop fences and find random fields,” admits Sam Morrison, now director of operations for Georgia Revolution FC, a professionally managed soccer club in McDonough. He and his brother Alec grew up playing soccer since they were toddlers. They played on teams and at their schools, but if they wanted to go out on a Saturday afternoon to play a quick fun soccer...
Energy Drink and Teen Heart Health
Energy drinks may seem like a quick fix for tired kids and teens, but the health risks can outweigh the benefits. According to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Electrophysiologist Dr. Robert Whitehill, the high levels of caffeine and other stimulants commonly found in these beverages can cause significant stress on a child’s heart. Energy drinks are designed to stimulate the nervous system, and that stimulation can lead to cardiovascular effects, especially in teens who may already be sensitive to caffeine or have underlying heart conditions. Dr. Whitehill would like parents to understand the potential risks, which may include: Many energy drinks...
Piedmont Henry’s New Tower Set to Open Before Summer
Construction began on Piedmont Henry Hospital’s new patient tower in April of 2024. Since the day CEO David Kent rode into the groundbreaking event on a front loader, over 400 men and women have worked on the massive expansion and renovation project, keeping it on budget and ahead of schedule. The first patient in the new tower was originally scheduled for August 2026, but it is now expected in June. Crews will spend the next few months equipping the rooms and getting the tower ready for occupancy. The $212 million project increases Piedmont Henry’s bed capacity by 112 beds. The...
Nurturing Bright Futures
Access to the education, training, and experiences that prepare students for the workforce is typically associated with college classrooms rather than high school campuses. However, in Henry County Schools, students develop these competencies long before they receive a diploma. HCS’ mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society, and its Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program does just that through rigorous programming rooted in real-world applications. As early as sixth grade, students explore careers, including automotive technology, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship, information technology, and robotics. An innovative curriculum, 50...
Mexican Fusion at Cafe del Cielo
A Houston native is bringing a Mexican-American breakfast fusion to Henry County. “It’s becoming the Mexican IHOP,” admits Locust Grove resident Marina del Cielo Fisher, owner of Cafe del Cielo. “We don’t really have in this area a breakfast spot that serves that.” The cafe opened in October 2025 on Racetrack Road, serving breakfast all day, along with brunch and lunch favorites. On the menu, customers can find favorite dishes like Migas, Huevos Racheros, Menudo, and street tacos with authentic tortillas handmade each week by Fisher’s mom, Carolyn Ortiz. “My love for food and the industry comes from my mom...
A Legacy In STEAM
For more than three decades he has stood at the front of classrooms, the sidelines of football fields, and behind the quiet decisions that shape education. He discovered his passion for education in college and began teaching and coaching at the age of 22, “I felt I could have a positive impact on students’ lives.” Dr. Watson forged an inspiring path through his education career that included years of teaching and coaching to working as an assistant principal, principal and onto administration. He recognized a need for STEAM programs in Henry County schools and embarked on creating the first program...
Zade Our Hero
Zade was a charismatic three-year-old who was all boy, wanted to be outside with his brothers, was the family’s comedian, and loved his toys. His life was suddenly and tragically cut short when he drowned on a spring day in 2024 at a friend’s house. His parents, Michelle and Tyler Rachels, felt they needed to do something to help prevent such a tragedy from happening to someone else. They wanted to spread awareness about teaching children to swim and water safety. They planned and had their first event not long after his death, “A Day for Zade,” to raise awareness...
A Passion for Space Takes Flight
Growing up in Florida, Sara McCracken saw a lot of rocket launches. She knew from an early age she loved space, and she loved to read. “I didn’t know a lot of kids who went to the space section of Barnes & Noble before they went to the fun section,” she said with a laugh. By her teen years, McCracken and her family had moved to Georgia, where she attended Strong Rock Christian School in Locust Grove. Along with a few classmates who shared her interest in space, she often spent lunch periods in her science teacher’s classroom, asking to...