A Gadsden County resident was among students who received degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin during spring commencement ceremonies held May 4, 2024, on the University of Tennessee Martin campus in Martin, Tennessee. Some 600 students participated in University of Tennessee at Martin’s spring commencement ceremonies.
• Garrett Mckane Danford, of Chattahoochee, received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
UT Martin is a comprehensive regional institution in the University of Tennessee System offering 18 bachelor’s degree programs and nine master’s degree programs. The main campus in northwest Tennessee is one of five primary University of Tennessee at Martin campuses.
Desantis says budget decisions coming soon
With the state’s 2024-2025 fiscal year starting July 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will “bring (the budget) in for landing very soon.” During an event in Fort Myers, DeSantis said many lawmakers aren’t “going to be happy with everything,” as his office considers items that he could veto in the $117.46 billion budget, which the Legislature passed March 8. DeSantis said the plan will include a surplus “if things were to take a turn for the worse” and will reduce debt and offer tax breaks. “I think people will be very pleased with the final result of what we do,” DeSantis said. DeSantis signed the budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year on June 15, 2023. Earlier during the Fort Myers event, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, pushed for the budget to be signed quickly. Passidomo said the spending plan includes “some really important items” for Southwest Florida tied to continued rebuilding efforts after 2022’s Hurricane Ian. “So the sooner you sign it, the better for us,” Passidomo said.
A Massive Nationwide Water Recall Issued for Fiji Brand
Summertime has arrived and a lot of people started stocking up on water months ago to prepare for the season because staying hydrated is important.
Consumers be aware! Do you drink Fiji Natural Artesian water? Did you purchase the Fiji water brand (24-pack) between the dates of February 1st and March 3rd? If so, it is advised to contact Fiji Water at 1-888-426-4602 with any questions or concerns.
According to a notice posted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on May 23rd 1.9 million bottles of the Fiji Artesian Water were recalled. The latest recall is an update to a March 4th recall notice issued by Fiji’s parent company Natural Waters of Viti Limited. Manganese and other unspecified bacteria types were discovered when the water was tested. If consumed in large quantities the water containing the Manganese and bacteria contaminants can be dangerous.
The UPC codes for the recalled Fiji products are as follows, 6 32565 00004 3 (case code), 6 32565 00001 2 (bottle code) with the production dates of November 11-13th 2023 and November 24th and 25th of 2023.
McDonald’s Owner/Operators of south Georgia and North Florida are giving customers more value this spring
On May 21, participating McDonald’s restaurants began offering two deals that you do not want to miss. For just $5.49, customers can choose a McChicken® or Double Cheeseburger + 4 piece Chicken McNuggets®, Small Fries & Small Soft Drink. Additionally, customers can get Any Size McCafe® Iced Coffee or Frozen Coke® Beverage for as low as $1.49 each.
McDonald’s restaurants of Southeast South Carolina, and Central Georgia through North Florida. Available in-store or via the mobile app. This includes the counties listed below.
Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brooks, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Lowndes, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla.
Georgia: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Bibb, Bleckley, Bryan, Bulloch, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Hancock, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Macon, McIntosh, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pierce, Pulaski, Screven, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, Worth.
South Carolina: Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper.
Download and register for the McDonald’s app to earn rewards toward free items, and to take advantage of other local offers.
June’s Twilight Concert Moves indoors
Skip the heat and bugs and join Quincy Main Stree at their indoors Twilight Concert on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m., at Bantam Bay & Company. Music is by Singer/Songwriter Anna Wescoat. Also, Celebrate Golden Legacy: 50 Years of Gadsden County Senior Services. Paintings by seniors will be on display during the Twilight Concert and at Bantam Bay through Saturday.
Anna Wescoat is one of the area’s most popular musicians. If you missed her at Quincy Porchfest this year here is another chance to see her perform. Anna started playing piano and singing with her family from a very young age, and that grew into a career after she studied music in college and learned how to play more than 20 instruments. She is a one woman band, playing up to 8 instruments at a time. She is also a natural born storyteller, and has several original songs, mostly belonging to the folk/country genre, but also some with southern gospel and jazz influences.
Tickets for the Twilight Concert dinner and music are $29 each. Beer and wine cash bar. Tickets are limited. Deadline for ticket purchase is Sunday June 9.