🌱 GA Surplus Payments Bill Signed Into Law + Suspect Reward Increase

Hi all. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Atlanta Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town these days, including updates on:

• Georgia surplus tax refund payments signed into law
• Reward amount increased for information on suspect who killed Atlanta nightclub owner
• Georgia Tech will kick off its 2024 season in Ireland

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 52.

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Here are the top five stories today in Atlanta:

1. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill into law that will provide $250 to $500 surplus payments to Georgia taxpayers, with payments expected to go out in about six to eight weeks. Eligible recipients are those who paid Georgia state income taxes in 2021 and 2022 and filed their taxes for 2022 before the Apr. 18 deadline. The payments will be $250 for single filers, $375 for single filers with dependents, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. (11Alive.com)
2. The family of Michael Gidewon, an Atlanta nightclub owner who was killed in February, has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, Jonathan David Soto, 39. Alex Gidewon, Michael's brother, posted on Instagram raising the amount to $250,000. Soto is accused of shooting and killing Gidewon outside the Republic Lounge after being asked to leave for being too drunk. (WSB Radio)
3. Georgia Tech's football team, the Yellowjackets, will play against Florida State in Dublin, Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, marking the start of the 2024 football season. This will be the second time that the two ACC schools open their season in Dublin, and while Tech fans are disappointed that the first home game of the season won't be in their backyard, they still have time to secure tickets and lodging. This game will also be Florida State's first international game. (11Alive.com)
4. Authorities are investigating a fire at a Target store on Peachtree Road in Atlanta, which is the second metro Atlanta Target to experience a fire in recent months. Officials have not yet released any details surrounding the fire, and it is unclear if it was intentionally set. In January, the Target on Piedmont Road had to be evacuated after someone intentionally set the store on fire, and investigators believe that fires at the Target and Walmart stores were set as distractions for shoplifters. (WSB Atlanta)
5. Police arrested four teens in downtown Atlanta on Mar. 3 after a short chase that ended with the car driving off the roadway. The driver was charged with theft by receiving stolen property, fleeing and eluding, and obstruction, while the passengers were charged with obstruction. Police found tools used to steal the car and a handgun inside the vehicle. (WSB Atlanta)

Today in and around Atlanta:

• College Park Main Street Association's Wine Stroll At 3631 Main St., College Park (4:00 PM)
• Graphic Novel Book Club At Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library, Decatur (4:00 PM)
• R&B Thursday Featuring DJ Bomb Jahlaam At TEN ATL (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Monday Night Garage is hosting a "Spring Sprang Sprung" event on Mar. 19 to celebrate the arrival of spring and will feature fresh spring beer releases, Neapolitan pizza, charcuterie, a springtime market with local vendors, seasonal cocktails, live music, and more! (Monday Night Garage via Facebook)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Atlanta area at the link. (Atlanta Patch)
• The Atlanta Hawks have announced that they will host their annual Hispanic Heritage Night on Mar. 28 at the State Farm Arena to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans. The night will feature various in-game elements, music, dance, food, and a performance by Latin artists Nina Sky during halftime. (Rockdale Newton Citizen)
• Mayor Andre Dickens spoke at a meeting of the AJC Atlanta Regional Office's Board of Councilors about the importance of working together to ensure Atlanta works for all residents and fighting hate in all its forms. (City of Atlanta Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Saint Patricks Day Latin Night Atlanta - Ladies in free b4 midnight w/ FB check in (March 17)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp at HDC Studio + Evening Latin Night Tonys Johns Creek (March 18)
• March into Summer Party! (March 18)
• Rugby ATL's Bark In The Park (March 18)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)
• Saint Patrick's Weekend Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Mar 18th (March 18)
• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.