
Get ready, Albany! Raising Cane’s will officially open on July 21, 2026. At this location, you will have a variety of dining options, including a drive-thru and indoor seating. Additionally, there is a wonderful outdoor patio. This setup is perfect for the rapidly growing Albany area. Are you excited about the addition of Raising Cane's?

Honey Butter BBQ Chicken Rice
Nothing hits harder after a long day than sweet honey BBQ chicken over rice. Would you add extra sauce or keep it simple?
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded chicken
BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp butter
Directions:
Heat chicken with BBQ sauce.
Stir in honey and butter until glazed.
Serve over rice.
With this South Georgia humidity and heat, you can never get too much education on this topic! Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include High levels of humidity, Obesity, Fever, Dehydration, Prescription drug use, Heart disease, Mental illness, Poor circulation, Sunburn and Alcohol use. Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young, healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness. Use this website to learn more on how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illness. Stay safe this hot summer.
This is more like one of those “did you know moments”? I was recently looking at a Pampered Chef book on a Facebook Pampered Chef Party and saw this life hack that we all need to know but I surely did not know this. I bet my grandmother did, but I did not. Want to know what it is? Sure thing. Before buying a bell pepper, flip it over. The ones with four bumps are females. These are full of seeds but sweeter and better for eating raw. The ones with three bumps are male which are better for cooking. Now when you are shopping for the perfect bell pepper, decide if you plan to eat it raw or cooked. I will watch this now because I absolutely love bell peppers and I love them raw, just wash them, slice them and eat them up! The Martin News hopes everyone is enjoying the Summer and enjoying your fresh fruits and vegetables that Summer has to offer.

Beginning last July, a new bicycle safety traffic law went into effect in Georgia. When passing a bicyclist, a driver must move over into the adjacent lane if it is safe and legal to do so. If unable to move over, the driver must slow down to a speed that is either ten miles below the posted speed limit or 25mph, whichever is higher. As currently required by law, drivers must also allow at least 3 feet of room between their vehicle and a bicyclist when passing
Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. But it’s equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you. Size can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually easier to look in the mirror or have someone else adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.
Safety Rules For Bicycling
· Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike
· Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work
· Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike
(at night, or when visibility is poor)
· Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn
· Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike
· Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain
· Plan your route - if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds.
Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path
A trip to the beach can be a fun, relaxing way to spend your summer vacation. Included are some tips to keep your beach trip safe. Obey the signs. Warning flags come in different colors and have different meanings depending on which state you are in. Green flags usually indicate ideal swimming conditions while red flags usually indicate strong current and rough surf. If swimming is permitted during red flag conditions, it is best to swim near a lifeguard station for additional safety. Be prepared for ocean swimming. Ocean swimming is much different than swimming in a pool. There are strong waves, marine life, an uneven ocean floor, and possible sharp shells or rocks. Rip currents often form near piers and therefore swimming near them is not recommended. If you find yourself stuck in a rip current, it is important to swim parallel to the shoreline. Once you are out of the current, turn and swim towards the beach. It is best not to swim alone. If you are just beginning to swim, a life jacket should be worn for added safety. Pack the necessities. The beach gets hot in the summer. It is important to stay hydrated and cool. Some beach necessities include water, a beach umbrella or hat, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel and a chair. Heat stroke or exhaustion can occur from too much sun exposure. If you have nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, or feel uncomfortable in any way, seek shade and drink water to cool down your body temperature. If symptoms persist, see a medical professional as soon as possible. Be aware of the weather. Check the weather before planning a day at the beach and pay attention to the weather while you are at the beach. Storms can roll in quickly. Thunderstorms with lightening do not mix well with open beach spaces and ocean water. If you are at the beach when a storm comes in, exit the water immediately and seek shelter until the storm passes. Share your day at the beach with your pets. Some beaches allow pets on the beach during certain seasons and some allow them all year long. If pets are allowed on the beach you are visiting, follow the rules allowed by the beach and be sure to clean up afterwards. Bring water to keep your pet hydrated and safe. Following these tips will help to ensure that you have a fun and safe day at the beach! For more information on beach safety, visit www.coastalchange.org.

Blueberries are everywhere this time of year.
Ingredients:
1 can biscuits
1 cup blueberries
4 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
Directions:
Place biscuit pieces in a baking dish.
Add blueberries and cream cheese cubes.
Pour beaten eggs over top.
Bake until golden.


TIFTON, Ga.—This July, the Tifton Judicial Circuit Shelter, Inc., DBA Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House (RCPCH), is launching its sixth Annual Campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to support services for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault throughout South Georgia.
In 2025 alone, Ruth’s Cottage and the Patticake House answered 1037 hotline calls, provided emergency shelter to 353 individuals, helped 224 individuals with getting a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) from their stalker or abuser, supported 115 sexual assault survivors through advocacy, served five adult human trafficking victims, and provided 152 forensic interviews for children who have been abused and/or witnessed a violent crime and an additional forensic interview for their non-offending caregiver. In total, Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House served 3,884 adults, children, and pets across all their programs in 2025.
“These numbers reflect the ongoing need for our services throughout the communities we serve,” said Nancy Bryan, Executive Director of RCPCH. “Behind every service provided is a person or family facing one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Thanks to the support of our donors, community partners, and volunteers, we are able to offer safety, advocacy, and support when it is needed most. However, because of insecure funding due to changes in federal grants and the recent budget vetoes by Governor Kemp in the state budget for victim serving organizations, we need our community’s help to keep these services going.”
RCPCH serves the Tifton Judicial Circuit through direct services and outreach and education programs in Tift, Turner, Irwin, and Worth counties. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2002, RCPCH's mission is to end domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to investigations, advocacy, support, prevention, and education.
Founded to provide domestic violence services, child advocacy services, and sexual assault services under one organization, RCPCH became the only state-certified triple program in South Georgia in 2018 and remains one of only a few agencies in Georgia to offer all three programs.
Through a 24-hour emergency hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, crisis intervention, support groups, sexual assault advocacy, and child advocacy services, RCPCH provides comprehensive support to victims and their families. The Patticake House Child Advocacy Center offers forensic interviews, family advocacy services, and forensic medical exams for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Additionally, RCPCH is also certified through the state to serve both children and adults who are victims of human trafficking.
“Our goal is not only to respond to crisis situations but to help create pathways toward healing and self-sufficiency,” Bryan said. “The support we receive through this campaign allows us to continue providing essential services while strengthening the communities we serve.”
Funds raised through the Annual Campaign will support emergency shelter, child advocacy services, sexual assault services, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, transportation assistance, basic necessities, community support groups for survivors and families, and training opportunities to help community members prevent and/or recognize key issues.
“Every contribution helps ensure that these services remain available for those who need them,” Bryan said. “We are grateful for the continued support of our communities and invite everyone to join us in helping Stop the Hurt. Donations of all sizes make a difference.”
Those interested in supporting RCPCH may donate online, through Venmo at @ruthscottage_thepatticakehouse, by mailing a check to P.O. Box 2727, Tifton, GA 31793, or by delivering contributions to the RCPCH Administrative Office at 211 Chesnutt Avenue in Tifton.
Source: Ruth’s Cottage
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