Georgians To Get Tax Refund

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Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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Photo: Office of the Governor

Gov. Brian Kemp signs two bills Tuesday accelerating tax cuts and giving Georgians a surplus tax refund as his wife Marty and lawmakers look on.

GEORGIANS TO GET STATE TAX REFUND

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgians will receive a one-time surplus tax refund soon after Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed legislation Tuesday that includes what the governor says is more than $1 billion in "significant tax relief to hardworking Georgians."

Kemp signed two bills: One that gives up to $500 to Georgia taxpayer households and another that accelerates the largest tax cut in state history.

"Here in Georgia, we safeguard every dollar of taxpayer money, because we know it belongs to the people, not the government," Kemp said. "While other states are running up budget deficits and raising taxes on their citizens, we're investing in the priorities of our state while further cutting taxes and returning more than a billion dollars to hardworking Georgians."

House Bill (HB) 112 gives Georgians, who filed income tax returns for the 2023 and 2024 taxable years, one-time income tax rebates. Single or married Georgians filing a separate return will receive a $250 rebate; heads of households will receive $375; and married couples filing jointly receive $500.

The tax refund out of the state's surplus is expected to arrive six-to-eight weeks after eligible Georgians file taxes by the May 1 deadline. The federal and state income tax filing deadline has been extended to May 1 this year because of the impact of Hurricane Helene.

HB 111 accelerates the timeline of a previously approved tax cut, lowering the state’s flat income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, retroactive to Jan. 1. Under the legislation, the rate will fall further by an annual 0.10% during the next two years, resulting in a 4.99% rate in 2027.

The total income tax rate down to 5.19% is a decrease of 56 basis points from an original rate of 5.75% before previous tax cuts. This expedited cut will save Georgians another $880 million on their tax returns next year, the governor's office said.

“The Georgia House was proud to champion HB 111 and HB 112 that further reduce the tax burden on hardworking Georgians and put over $1 billion back in the pockets of our state’s taxpayers,” said House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington.

“These historic measures reiterate our commitment to providing much-needed financial relief to families across the state and delivering on the policies that matter most to our citizens,” Burns said.

DRUGS SEIZED IN IRWIN COUNTY TRAFFIC STOP

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A traffic stop Tuesday in Irwin County led to multiple drugs seized, authorities say.

Agents with the South Central Drug Task Force, in coordination with the Irwin County Sheriff's Office, conducted a "proactive narcotics patrol" Tuesday in the area of U.S. Highway 319 and Pleasure Lake in Irwin County.

During the patrol, a black Mitsubishi SUV was observed driving erratically. Drug Task Force agents conducted a traffic stop, and a probable-cause search was initiated, agents said.

The search led to the discovery of 5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 44 grams of suspected marijuana, and 9 oxycodone pills – a Schedule II controlled substance.

"These poisons have no place in our communities," the South Central Drug Task Force said. "We are doing whatever it takes to rid Irwin County of dangerous drugs. This is another example of law enforcement working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. If you see suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to report it. Together, we’re taking back our streets."

Authorities have not released the identity of any suspect arrested in connection with the drug seizure.

'EGGSTRAVAGANZA' RETURNS THURSDAY

TO DOWNTOWN TIFTON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Downtown Tifton hosts its second annual Easter Eggstravaganza from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, a free community event that allows children and their families to walk the sidewalks of Downtown Tifton and receive free candy and Easter eggs from participating merchants.

The Eggstravaganza is a sister event to Downtown Tifton’s Trick-or-Treat, as participating merchants and local organizations will be set up along the route to distribute Easter candy.

The route begins at First and Main streets and ends at the Tifton-Tift County Public Library on Love Avenue. Third Street (Main Street to Commerce Way) will also be part of the route.

First responders will be located at each intersection assisting with traffic and pedestrians.

Drivers should expect road closures on Third Street West (Main Street to Commerce Way) and First Street Extension.

TIFTON TO CELEBRATE

GEORGIA CITIES WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton is observing “Georgia Cities Week” on April 21-25 with a variety of events open to the public, including touch-a-truck, children’s storytime with the mayor, headstone cleaning at Oakridge Cemetery, the opening of a Collaborative Vision Board, a free movie at the Tift Theatre, and more.

The theme of this year’s Georgia Cities Week is “Imagine the Possible.”

“We’re very proud of our city and the services we provide that make it attractive to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Julie B. Smith. “Cities provide the services and infrastructure to help businesses grow and set the stage for events where families and individuals can gather as a community.”

Among events planned for the week are:

All week long – April 21-25 – Secure Free Shredding Drop-Off Locations

City Hall; 103 First St. E., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Leroy Rogers Senior Center, 315 W. 2nd St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday, April 21 – What’s Your Vision? Kickoff – 5:30 p.m.

City Council meeting, signing of proclamation, and vision board opening, City Hall

*Virtual Vision Board contributions may be uploaded to Tifton.net

Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day in Tifton Celebration

9:30 a.m. – Headstone cleaning at Oakridge Cemetery, Magnolia Drive

*Pre-register by visiting Tifton.net

Wednesday, April 23 – Touch-a-Truck & Reading with the Mayor – 4-6:30 p.m.

Fulwood Park, 817 Prince Ave, Tifton

Thursday, April 24 – Tifton Attends Business Expo – 5-7 p.m.

Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center

Friday, April 25 – Free Movie Friday at the Tift Theatre – 6 p.m.

Featuring "IF" (2024 film), Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

Cities across Georgia will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to showcase and celebrate cities and the services they provide. GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and consulting services to its 537-member cities.

TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS NAMES CHEER COACH

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County Schools has appointed Erica Gann as the new head competition cheer coach at Tift County High School.

Gann currently serves as the CTAE career exploration teacher at Northeast Middle School. Most recently, she was the assistant coach for Tift County junior varsity football cheerleading (2024-2025) and a volunteer coach for Tift County Middle School sideline cheerleading (2023).

Before returning to Tift County, she served as the head coach for Irwin County varsity cheerleading (2021-2023), leading both sideline and competition squads, and as an assistant coach during the 2020-2021 season.

Her additional coaching experience includes serving as head coach for Tift County varsity gymnastics (2019) and assistant coach (2017-2018). She has worked with youth for more than a decade through pageant and confidence training since 2014 and as a tumbling coach with Dream It Gymnastics (2013-2014).

A 2012 graduate of Tift County High, Gann cheered competitively all four years and also participated in basketball cheer her freshman year. She holds an associate of science degree from ABAC, a bachelor’s degree in education from Valdosta State University, and both a master’s and specialist degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.

“Coach Gann is not only an accomplished coach but also a proud Blue Devil alum who understands the tradition, expectations, and heart of our community. Her experience, leadership, and dedication to student growth, both on and off the mat, make her the perfect fit for this role," said Tift County High School Principal Jennifer Johnson.

BERRIEN ELEMENTARY, HIGH SCHOOL

RECEIVE MILITARY FLAGSHIP AWARD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Department of Education has selected two Berrien County schools among 25 across the state as 2024-2025 Military Flagship School Award winners.

The Military Flagship School Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide a supportive environment for military students and families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and identify and accommodate their unique needs.

Both Berrien Elementary School and Berrien High School are among the award recipients announced Monday.

Berrien Elementary has an assigned military and family life counselor who provides short-term, non-medical, solution-focused counseling, support, education, and resources that address the unique day-to-day stressors that military children and their families face. The school also offers Hearts Apart, which allows students to communicate virtually with deployed guardians during school hours, and deployed parents can conference with teachers, counselors, and school administration.

Berrien High School ensures military-connected students do not lose credits when transferring and allows electronic enrollment with military orders for 90 days. Military students are granted excused absences for deployment-related events. The school prioritizes mental health support through counseling and works to create a supportive school environment for military families, according to the Ga. Department of Education.

“As the son of a military family, I understand first-hand the challenges and transitions military families face,” state Superintendent Richard Woods said. “That’s why it’s so important to me to recognize schools that go above and beyond to support Georgia’s military-connected students. These 25 schools have created welcoming, stable environments where military families feel valued and supported."

VIDEO: Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, on the floor of the U.S. House on April 9 to recognize the anniversary of the death of Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. of Tifton.

CONGRESSMAN HONORS COL. PUCKETT OF TIFTON ON U.S. HOUSE FLOOR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Last Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, went to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the one-year anniversary of the death of Ret. Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. of Tifton, who was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War.

Puckett was one of the Army's most highly decorated servicemen. He died at age 97 in Columbus.

He was personally honored by two U.S. presidents and by the president of South Korea. Among his honors were the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with V device for valor, five Purple Hearts, 10 Air Medals, and the World War II Victory Medal. In addition, he had the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with star for Korea and Vietnam, the Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Glider Badge, and the Colombian Lancero Ranger Badge from the most respected Ranger course in Latin America that he helped establish.

On July 1, 2022, Tifton honored its hometown hero, giving Puckett a key to the city, proclaiming the day as "Col. Ralph Puckett Day" in Tifton, and adding his name to Victory Drive. Puckett was born in Tifton on Dec. 8, 1926.

"I was shaped by many experiences in my life, but it was my family, friends, and other adults in Tifton who helped me become the man I am today," Puckett said then.

KIDS COLLECT 10,500 EGGS IN 70 SECONDS

AFTER PLANE DROPS EGGS IN TIFTON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Hundreds of children swarmed the Tift County Recreation Department fields Saturday and within 70 seconds collected 10,500 eggs dropped from a plane.

Gary McCurdy with the Egg Drop and Wellness Hop Committee video-recorded the action and marveled at the shortness of the time it took to complete the first event of its kind in Tifton in which an airplane flew over the field and dropped the eggs for the children.

Multiple community service providers, including Southwell, shared information with the public during two hours leading up to the Egg Drop portion of the event at 11 a.m. and continued until noon. Bounce houses, music, and food and coffee trucks added to the festivities.

The Tift County Commission for Children and Youth sponsored the event along with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the Jay Deason Fund, Southwell, the Tift County Board of Commissioners, the Tift County Board of Education, Tift County Health Department, and the Tift County Recreation Department.

'STRENGTH IN SCRUBS: MEN IN NURSING'

Q&A WITH A TIFTON SRTC NURSING STUDENT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Male nurses make up about 12% of total nurses, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the past decade, the percentage of male nurses has increased by more than 59%.

Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) is highlighting some of its male practical nursing (PN) students in an occasional series, "Strength in Scrubs: Men in Nursing."

One of them is Jordan Mai of Tifton. SRTC recently sat down with Mai to ask him a few questions:

Q: What inspired you to enroll in the PN program?

A: "SRTC has a campus in Tifton that made it convenient as a local resident. Plus, the accelerated PN program helps me reach my goals faster."

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: "I plan to work at a mental health facility. This will be my first step into my nursing career. The next goal I would like to accomplish is getting my RN and BSN licenses."

Q: What do you enjoy most about the program?

A: "The instructors at my PN program is something that I value. They are very helpful when students need guidance, and they provide excellent feedback. They also provided us with the opportunity to visit several observation sites."

Q: What advice would you give future male students that are interested in joining the PN program?

A: "Be ready for physical demands. Nursing involves lifting, standing for long hours, and moving patients. Stay active and practice good body mechanics to prevent injury."

Fun facts: "I can speak two languages: English and Vietnamese. I am working to improve my Vietnamese to help translate for patients in the future."

SRTC offers a non-traditional student scholarship for students who are enrolled in a program where their gender is underrepresented. To find out if your course of study qualifies, or to learn more about non-traditional career fields, contact Darbie Avera at davera@southernregional.edu.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The deadline to submit entries for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition has been extended to Monday, April 21, according to Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton.

All high school students (9-12th grade) who reside in or attend school in the Eighth Congressional District may participate.

The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year alongside artwork from every congressional district across the country.

All artwork must be framed, submitted, and dropped off by April 21 at one of Rep. Scott's district offices: 127-B Central Ave. N. in Tifton, and 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100, in Warner Robins.

For more information, click here.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Mocha" may not be a caffeinated cat but is still active and playful – and is a rare orange and white female. Mocha is ready to become your next pet. Visit Mocha and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

FULWOOD PARK ARCH

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

~ APRIL 15, 1934

Work began during the week of April 15, 1934, on the stone arch at Fulwood Park. Forty tons of Stone Mountain granite was being used to construct the arch at the park entrance on Tift Avenue.