Vidalia Onions | Alcohol Permit Rules | Banana Ball Expands | Semi-Truck Traffic Issues | Watchdog Group to Monitor Georgia Power | Medical Center Announces Expansion | Celery Recall
Spring marks the return of Georgia’s famous Vidalia onions, which will be available from April 15 through early September.
Georgia News
Georgia's Sweet Vidalia Onions Are Back for the Season
Spring marks the return of Georgia’s famous Vidalia onions, which will be available from April 15 through early September. Known for their sweet flavor, these onions are grown only in 20 counties in southeast Georgia and are protected by both state laws and a federal marketing order established in 1989.
This year’s crop covers 10,000 acres and, despite setbacks from Hurricane Helene and winter snowfall, has seen only minor damage. The official "pack date," set by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, ensures the onions reach consumers at peak freshness, having been hand-planted and harvested with care.
Thanks to their unique soil and growing conditions, only onions from this region can legally carry the Vidalia name — Georgia’s own answer to Champagne.
Georgia-grown Vidalia onions are coming to stores near you - Axios Atlanta
Tifton Considers Tightening Alcohol Permit Rules for Events
The City of Tifton is looking to tighten its alcohol ordinance, specifically targeting how temporary permits are used for catering and special events. At the April 7 city council meeting, Deputy City Manager Jessica White proposed clearer guidelines and a cap of six permits per organization per year to prevent misuse. The goal is to ensure these permits, intended for one-time events, aren't used to bypass obtaining a full alcohol license. City Attorney Rob Wilmot also suggested limiting each permit to events lasting no more than three days. The council is expected to vote on the proposed changes later this month.
City council discusses adjustment to temporary alcohol permit policies | Tifton Gazette
Banana Ball Expands with Two New Teams: The Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters
The wildly popular Banana Ball League is growing with the addition of two new teams: The Firefighters and the Texas Tailgaters.
The Firefighters made their debut on May 30, 2024, and have already played 14 games. Catcher Joe Lytle, who has personal ties to the firefighting community, says representing the team is a meaningful experience that’s “so much bigger than ourselves.”
Joining them are the Texas Tailgaters, based in Frisco, Texas, where they’ll play home games at Rider Stadium. Tailgaters catcher Taylor Justus promises the team will bring “energy and gratitude” to the field, with a roster excited to embrace the Banana Ball spirit.
With the addition of these teams, the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals now face fresh competition in the expanding league known for its fun, fan-first approach to baseball.
Banana Ball continues to grow with the addition of 2 new teams | WSAV-TV
Tift County Residents Urge Action on Semi-Truck Traffic Near Homes
Residents along Jordan Road in Tift County voiced frustration at the April 10 county commission meeting over increased semi-truck traffic near their homes, particularly in the new Stone Haven subdivision. They cited noise, vibrations, soot, and safety concerns—especially with trucks making U-turns dangerously close to school bus routes and children playing outside.
Barbara Harben, a resident, said the issue has worsened despite previous complaints, and presented a map showing problem areas. Another resident, Sharon Wagner, called for signage to redirect truck traffic to nearby highways like U.S. 319 and I-75.
Commissioner Donnie Hester suggested a wall to block noise, but County Manager Jim Carter noted jurisdictional uncertainty, possibly involving the Georgia DOT. Commissioner Paul Webb acknowledged the challenge of restricting truck access on roads they're legally allowed to use. The county agreed to investigate what, if anything, can be done.
Residents plead with county to remedy semi-truck traffic issue | Tifton Gazette
Former PSC Candidate Launches Watchdog Group to Challenge Georgia Power and State Regulators
Patty Durand, a former Democratic candidate for Georgia’s Public Service Commission, has launched Georgia Utility Watch, a new watchdog organization aimed at holding Georgia Power and state regulators accountable. The group seeks to revive consumer advocacy similar to the defunct Consumers Utility Counsel, which was eliminated during the 2008 financial crisis.
Georgia Utility Watch’s goals include banning PSC-Georgia Power agreements before public hearings conclude and ensuring energy costs from data centers aren’t passed on to residents and small businesses. The group plans to closely monitor two major PSC cases this year: Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan and a new three-year rate case.
Durand has been critical of the PSC's approval of fossil fuel expansion and six rate hikes since 2020, which have increased average monthly household bills by $43. She also called out PSC members for benefiting from Electric Membership Corporation services while regulating Georgia Power's 2.8 million customers.
Durand believes her advocacy through Georgia Utility Watch will have more impact than another PSC campaign. She argues the current monopoly model unfairly favors Georgia Power due to its financial influence over regulators. The PSC is expected to vote on Georgia Power’s long-term energy strategy in June, amid concerns over the utility's plan to build new gas units to support AI-driven data centers despite renewable energy goals.
Colquitt Regional Medical Center Announces $150M Expansion, Bringing Hundreds of Jobs to South Georgia
Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie is planning a major $150 million expansion that will create over 300 jobs and add 100+ hospital beds over the next five years. The project includes hiring 35 new specialty doctors and constructing a four-story medical tower to meet growing demand, as the hospital now serves around 30% of the regional market.
The new tower will feature expanded operating rooms, maternity care, telemetry, and critical care units, along with 72 medical-surgical beds. Construction is set to begin in January 2026 and finish by summer 2028. The hospital aims to raise $10 million through donations and finance the remaining $140 million through revenue bonds.
Officials say the expansion is essential to meet the healthcare needs of South Georgia, where access to critical care remains limited.
Hundreds of jobs to come to South Ga. with hospital’s expansion
Georgia Explores Passenger Rail Line Between Atlanta and Savannah
The Georgia Department of Transportation has launched a public input process to explore a long-discussed passenger rail service between Atlanta and Savannah. The project aims to reduce highway traffic, spur economic growth, and enhance tourism, particularly in Savannah.
The study, which will cost $10 million in federal and state funds, is evaluating potential routes, costs, and benefits. Cities like Athens, Macon, Milledgeville, and Statesboro are being considered as possible stops. A final plan is expected by 2028, though funding for the service itself remains uncertain. Advocates say the rail line could be a transformative addition to Georgia’s transportation network.
Georgia officials studying Atlanta-Savannah rail service | 11alive.com
The More You Know
Celery Sold at Walmart Recalled in Nearly 30 States Over Listeria Risk
Duda Farm Fresh Foods has voluntarily recalled its Marketside Celery Sticks, sold at Walmart in 29 states and D.C., after a sample tested positive for listeria in Georgia. The affected product has UPC code 6 81131 16151 0, lot code P047650, and a sell-by date of March 23. Though no illnesses have been reported, the FDA warns listeria can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Consumers are advised to discard the product, even if frozen. Other Duda or Marketside items are not affected.
Celery sold at Walmart recalled in nearly 30 states | Fox Business
High Mortgage Rates and Home Shortage Challenge the American Dream, Study Finds
A new study by Bankrate reveals that while 82% of Americans still see homeownership as central to the American Dream, affordability challenges are making it harder than ever to achieve. Rising mortgage rates, high home prices, and steep down payment and closing costs are major obstacles—especially for younger generations.
About 83% of non-homeowners say they’re held back by affordability, with 40% of current homeowners saying costs exceeded their expectations. Generationally, baby boomers cite income as the main barrier, while Gen X and millennials point to home prices. For Gen Z, both income and life readiness are top concerns.
Despite these hurdles, belief in the importance of homeownership remains strong. Yet, 22% of Americans don’t believe they’ll ever be able to afford their dream home—especially among Gen X and millennials. In Atlanta, the income needed to afford a home now exceeds $141,000 a year.
Tifton Talks Tech and Science
Sophisticated Email Phishing Scam Hides Malware in PDF Attachment
A new phishing scam posing as a message from HSBC Banking Services is tricking recipients into opening a PDF attachment by claiming an $80,000 client settlement has been deposited into their account. While the email looks legitimate, cybersecurity experts warn it’s a trap.
The attached PDF contains TrickBot, a Trojan virus that can steal financial information, banking credentials, and even allow hackers to transfer funds from your accounts.
HSBC has issued a public warning about the scam, and cybersecurity site MalwareTips has confirmed its malicious intent. Experts urge users not to open the attachment, and to delete the email immediately. Always verify suspicious emails by hovering over sender addresses and checking for scam reports online.
Resources like the BBB Scam Tracker and AARP Fraud Watch Map can help stay ahead of emerging threats.
Email phishing scam hides the link in a PDF to infect your computer
Honorable Mention
10 Most Popular Exterior Paint Colors for 2025 | Family Handyman
KSAT viewers share sightings of ‘mysterious ring’ illuminating sky during the pink moon
Georgia Renaissance Festival opens for 2025 season this Saturday | 11alive.com
ESPN and Disney+ to air 10 Banana Ball games this summer | WSAV-TV
Georgia opioid-related deaths decline | Reeling in Serenity addiction recovery | 11alive.com
Dodge Charger Hellcat worth $70,000 stolen from Augusta car lot
Advertisement
50% of profits donated!
We invest a lot (like 50% a lot) in helping to make a difference while making the most eco-friendly products we can. Yeah, we’re proud (and our mums are too).
We love toilet paper
Sure, we love puppies and sunny days and walks on the beach, but our real love is toilet paper.