Smoke Signals News

Smoke Signals newspaper has its origins over 48 years ago, thanks to Atlanta innovator Tom Cousins, who established a scenic retreat known as Big Canoe. Cousins' vision drew in dynamic, nature-loving individuals who contributed their expertise to the growing community. In the early 1970s, these pioneering residents began a friendly tradition of exchanging information about their community and its surroundings through a simple one-page newsletter that they copied and distributed. They chose the name "Smoke Signals" to pay tribute to the generations of Native Americans who once inhabited this land.

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Culture war bills, election tinkering left behind as Georgia lawmakers abruptly leave Gold Dome

2 weeks ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Jill Nolin |Stanley Dunlap |Ross Williams

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Georgia Senate sends tax refund, income tax cut to governor’s desk

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Stanley Dunlap

A pair of Georgia bills that would lower the state income tax rate and provide an extra refund to taxpayers later this year are now awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature. The state Senate Thursday green-lighted House Bill 111 and 112, the fourth in a series of tax rebate package bills in recent years that the Republican governor prioritized. Under HB 111, the state income tax rate of 5.39% would be reduced to 5.19% effective July 1, which would save taxpayers about $869 million.
Fulton County Executive Airport expanding to meet global demand

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Adrianne Murchison

As Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Fulton County is modernizing its executive airport to meet increased demand and its competition with nearby facilities like Peachtree-DeKalb Airport and Cobb County International Airport Port at McCollum Field. The Fulton County Executive Airport sits on 900 acres. In the near term, the airport is planning to have more hangars and a new fire station.
FBI warns Atlanta residents of Peach Pass ‘smishing’ scam

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Collin Kelly

The FBI Atlanta field office is warning residents about a “smishing” scam involving Georgia’s electronic toll collection system, Peach Pass. “Smishing” combines the text abbreviation SMS (short message service) and phishing, which is lingo for attacks on the internet, email, or websites. The fake texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and include a phone number and website link. According to a statement, IC3 reports 1,573 complaints have been made so far in March.
Legislator blasts Illinois' high taxes, urges voters to take a stand

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Glenn Minnis

(The Center Square) – Illinois families face the highest state and local tax burden in the country in 2025, with residents forced to pay at least 17% of their income in taxes, according to a new report. WalletHub researchers report each Illinois household will spend an average of $13,099, or roughly 17% of their income, in 2025, adding families earning the median income of $79,004 will pay $4,472 more than the national average, or nearly 52% more. State Sen.
Lois Reitzes announces retirement from WABE radio

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Collin Kelley

After nearly 46 years as the iconic voice of WABE, “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes announced at the end of her March 6 broadcast that she would retire in June. “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work at WABE,” Reitzes said, noting that her last broadcast would be June 26. Reitzes said she wouldn’t disappear from WABE, as she plans to contribute occasional interview segments. She will also continue hosting WABE’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestrabroadcasts through March 2026.
‘Privilege of a lifetime’: Lois Reitzes announces retirement from WABE

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Collin Kelley

After nearly 46 years as the iconic voice of WABE, “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes announced at the end of her March 6 broadcast that she would retire in June. “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work at WABE,” Reitzes said, noting that her last broadcast would be June 26. Reitzes said she wouldn’t disappear from WABE, as she plans to contribute occasional interview segments. She will also continue hosting WABE’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestrabroadcasts through March 2026.
Update: Wisconsin-based rescue crew finds missing teacher’s body at Lake Oconee

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Cathy Cobbs |Collin Kelley

Wisconsin-based underwater search expert Keith Cormican on March 10 located the body of a missing Westminster School teacher and coach, putting to end a month-long search in the waters of Lake Oconee. According to a story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the body of Gary Jones was found at about 1 p.m in about 45 feet of water, not far from where the body of Jones’ fiancée, Spelman College instructor Joycelyn Wilson, was found.
Hosston travel station developer addresses claims towards proposed 2% tax

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Emilee Calametti

(The Center Square) — In an ongoing debate on a new sales tax at a travel station in Hosston, developer and Shreveport resident James Silvio clarified the business's intentions to the Caddo commission. "We turned a bean field into an eight-acre facility, a 15 million investment, and we plan on growing that," Silvio said to the council.
Georgia Senate panel probing Fulton DA now turns its focus to Stacey Abrams

1 month ago | smokesignalsnews.com | Stanley Dunlap

The chairman of a special Senate committee set up to probe the Fulton County prosecution of Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss has turned his attention to former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, whose ties to a voter registration nonprofit recently resulted in one of the largest campaign ethics fines levied by the state. Athens Republican Sen.