🌱 Gas Tax End? + Young's ATL Memories + Atlanta-Savannah Train?

Atlanta GA

11 March, 2022

6:01 PM

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Get on up, Atlanta! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Atlanta. First, today's weather: Windy and much colder. High: 38 Low: 20. 🏡 Are you a local real estate agent? Let us help you generate leads, build your brand in Atlanta and stand apart from the competition. Click here to learn more. Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta: Friday, the Georgia House unanimously approved legislation to suspend the state's gas tax, after which Gov. Brian Kemp said he will sign HB 304 into law once it passes in the Senate. Kemp tweeted Friday that the bill will bring temporary relief to Georgia families now that gas prices have reached record highs because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Gas prices are up 53 cents from last week, after having not gone over $4 since 2008, according to GasBuddy. Georgia collects a state excise tax of 28.7 cents per gallon on gasoline sales, according to a January 2022 report from American Petroleum Institute. In all, Georgians pay 55.95 cents per gallon, accounting for all state and federal taxes and fees. (Atlanta Patch)Andrew Young, who turns 90 today, reflected on his life in Atlanta in the March issue of Atlanta Magazine. "I came to Atlanta before it started growing, so I grew with Atlanta. I made a contribution to Atlanta, but Atlanta made one hell of a contribution to me. Everything except money. I still live in the same house that I paid $32,000 for in 1966," he said. "I was fortunate enough to marry two schoolteachers, so their health insurance from Atlanta Public Schools has kept me safe. There isn't a lot I'd want to change. I was 30 when I came here. So, that's 60 years, and I don't believe I've had a bad day." (Atlanta Magazine) The idea of a high-speed train between Atlanta and Savannah is gaining steam, thanks to money in the new federal spending bill passed Thursday. The Georgia Department of Transportation will take a closer look at a rail connection between two of the state's biggest economic centers, with the help of $8 million in the federal spending bill to study the proposal. Supporters say the rail line would provide a huge boost for tourism, as most visitors to Savannah come from Atlanta. "The paths to our shared futures have always been paved with connectivity. Atlanta, the state of Georgia and its cities can only benefit from forward-thinking policies like high-speed rail expansion," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in a statement. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson called the high-speed train "game-changing," saying, "This effort will drive economic activity and opportunity for hardworking Savannahians." (WABE 90.1 FM) Bad news for overly optimistic gardeners who were tricked by recent record-breaking high temperatures into putting out their warm-weather plants: Freezing temperatures are returning to Atlanta this weekend. But all's not lost, yet. Sami Peltonen, who works at GardenHood in Atlanta, told 11Alive he'd recommend covering veggies like tomatoes and peppers with frost blankets. "Plants that are not native to the state and started flowering need to be covered as well," he said. However, for the most part, Peltonen said, any plant from Georgia or that has lived in the state for the past few winters should stand up to the cold. (11Alive.com WXIA)Two years after the pandemic began, what do Georgians think? The state's first cases of coronavirus were confirmed two years ago last week, during which time Georgia has recorded more than 1.9 million cases, seen more than 108,000 hospitalizations and 30,104 confirmed deaths, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. Last month, a non-scientific survey of 107 Patch readers was conducted, revealing varying opinions on the global pandemic's impact in the state. (Atlanta Patch) Today in Atlanta: Covert Hops Society homebrew beer judging/award ceremony (in café) at Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community. (9:00 AM)Sound Therapy for Beginners: An Exploration of Instruments is an interactive class that's great for music lovers, massage therapists, yoga instructors or anyone who wants to learn more about vibrational sound energy. At Trinity Center for Spiritual Living. (10:00 AM)The Atlanta Science Festival is a two-week celebration of local science and technology taking place March 12-26 throughout metro Atlanta. Explore the world of STEM with approximately 100 engaging events for kids and adults. Learn more: atlantasciencefestival.org. (10:30 AM)Take a Creekwater Alpaca Farm barn tour in Snellville. Our unique farm has been the home of over 50 alpacas since 1993. We offer a safe, close up, hands-on experience unlike any other. Bring the family and enjoy petting the alpacas in their pen, bunnies, goats, miniature horses, and pigs too! Toulouse Geese also call Creekwater home, and you can enjoy it all with our public tours! (11:00 AM)Join Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters for one of their biggest fundraising events of the year — a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day Picnic at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. (1:00 PM) From my notebook: City of South Fulton Department of Communications & External Affairs: "Make plans to attend the Faith & Blue Peacemakers at the Round Table event on March 16 at 10 a.m. This immersive experience will allow you to have dynamic conversations while dining with your local police officers and faith leaders. Join us for food, faith and fellowship. To register: https://tinyurl.com/2p998vkz" (Nextdoor) Public Education Specialist Donna Mann, DeKalb County Police Department: "Please join Major C.D. Medlin and our guest speakers Sgt. KR White, Gang Unit - DKPD, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelsie Mattox, Crime Strategies & Community Partnership Unit, for our Community Engagement Zoom meeting on Tuesday March 15 at 6 p.m." (Nextdoor) Nextdoor Neighbor, River Shoals: "In recognition of Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Clayton County District Attorney's Office & Clayton County P.D. will host self-defense training on Saturday, April 23, in-person at the Clayton County Police Headquarters, 7911 N. McDonough Street Jonesboro and virtual. Register here: https://clayco-da-and-clayco-pd-defense-training.eventbrite.com/ #Claytonconnected." (Nextdoor) Nextdoor Neighbor, Shenandoah/Henderson Hills: "Hi, neighbors! Is there a high school or college baseball player who has a little free time and wants to make a few dollars working on fielding with my 6th grader? Just looking for a couple hours per week." (Nextdoor) Nextdoor Neighbor, Montclair Estates: "Join me, Demi Dixon, today at #Southwestartscenter for a FREE workshop for Women's History Month! Learn about careers in the Georgia Film Production in hair and makeup and more! Reserve your space! FREE!! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/277522004787" (Nextdoor) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Arm of Casso and The Art of Sharpism: Artist reception (March 12) Inner Peace Begins Through Reconnecting Inside (March 15) JOIN PICKLEBALL FLEX LEAGUES - Spring Registration Deadline (March 16) Black Wounds: A Dialogue, Reading and Book Signing (March 17) "Carol on Cumberland: A Natural History" (March 19) Estate Planning Webinar 3/21 & 3/21 (March 21) Barranco Enterprises - 1st Annual Career Fair (March 21) PRIDE Kickball Atlanta Spring Leagues (March 21) Independent Distilling 8 year Anniversary & Crawfish Boil with Mothers Best!! (March 26) Add your event Announcements: No Down Payment Home Loans - No Housing Counseling Required! (Details) Become a PARTNER With Us To Help Eradicate Food Insecurities!!!! (Details) Add your announcement Other classifieds: Are you a parent or guardian in the Greater Atlanta area? (Details) Add your classified Loving the Atlanta Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business showcased in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update! — Kathy Cioffi