‘House on Tifton Lake’ Horror Film

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Tifton, Georgia

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

STATE GRANTS TO FUND RECREATION PROJECTS IN AREA BEN HILL COUNTY, NASHVILLE AMONG COMMUNITIES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Ben Hill County is receiving a state grant for a new recreation complex in Fitzgerald, and the City of Nashville in Berrien County is getting funding for a walking trail among the more than $225 million in community grants that Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Friday.

Kemp said the grants for 142 projects improve neighborhood assets such as parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities across the state disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ben Hill County is getting $740,309.90 to demolish a vacant, blighted, and unsafe building next to the Monitor Enrichment Center, which offers after-school and summer programs for children. A new recreation complex will be constructed there featuring a 6,000-square-foot multi-purpose building where fitness classes and educational events can be held.

The project includes picnic tables, basketball courts, playground equipment, and places for other indoor and outdoor recreation activities, according to the grant proposal.

In Nashville, a $637,386.20 grant will be used to create a walking trail loop extension from its Ga. Department of Transportation’s trailhead/park, established circa 2007 with transportation-enhancement sidewalk improvements throughout the downtown area.

The existing area will connect to a new multi-purpose park with a playground, picnic tables, seating, lighting, and associated parking area.

"With our partners on both the local and state levels, we've prioritized helping Georgia's communities further recover from the pandemic with a bottom-up approach,” the governor said.

“We're investing these funds to see that those most heavily impacted have even more resources at their disposal, and I want to thank our partners for helping us make that possible."

In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will go to eligible non-profits and local governments to improve or maintain recreational facilities in "Qualified Census Tracts" or for repair or maintenance needs because of significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic.

Photos by Bonnie Sayles

The six charging stations for electric vehicles have been placed in the city’s Commerce Way parking lot.

TIFTON UNVEILING ‘EV' CHARGING STATIONS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The City of Tifton will unveil six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations Wednesday in the downtown public parking lot on Commerce Way.

The unveiling ceremony will be held at 2 p.m.

Through a partnership with Georgia Power Co. and EnviroSpark Energy Solutions, travelers may now charge their vehicles while visiting Downtown Tifton.

“Because of Tifton’s geographical proximity, we see major travel along our interstate and highways,” says Downtown Development Director Abbey McLaren.

“We are delighted to have visitors who need charging stations choose Downtown Tifton to stroll, shop, and dine while their car charges. These visits will stimulate economic development in our lively downtown.”

The charging stations were made possible by Georgia Power’s "Make Ready Infrastructure Program.” The location of the stations was selected to promote and draw traffic to downtown.

The city was able to negotiate no upfront costs for the installation of the charging pedestals and contracted with EnviroSpark, an industry leader of EV solutions, to complete installation and provide charging services at the location.

"EnviroSpark is proud to partner with the City of Tifton to bring EV charging to their residents and visitors. With little EV infrastructure nearby, Tifton is a prime exit for folks traveling up and down I-75 to stop, charge, and enjoy the city's many attractions," said EnviroSpark Chief Strategy Officer Andrew Bailey.

The new EV charging stations will now show up on car maps directing drivers to Downtown Tifton.

“We are excited about the positive downtown experience the EV charging stations will offer our residents and visitors. By locating the stations close to dining, shopping, and parks, people can experience all that Downtown Tifton has to offer, and hopefully spend money with our local businesses,” says Mayor Julie B. Smith.

TIFTON FIRE RULED ARSON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A structure fire last week on Tifton’s Rainwater Road has been ruled as arson, state Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said Monday.

At approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, Tift County Fire/Rescue responded to a fire at a housing development under construction.

The two-family, multi-story structure was approximately 50% complete at the time of the fire and was not yet wired for electricity, the fire commissioner said.

“The structure fire was a total loss and even damaged two adjacent structures,” King said. “The fire has been determined to have been caused by an intentional human act."

In coordination with the State Fire Investigations Unit, a reward of up to $10,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-252-5804.

TIFTAREA YMCA CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Tiftarea YMCA is marking its 25th anniversary from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 25, at its main location – 1657 Carpenter Road South.

CEO Jason Bishoff said there will be a light brunch and snow cones available. Visitors will be able to tour the facility.

The anniversary marks 25 years since the paperwork was filed in May 1998 to establish a YMCA in Tifton.

Scavenger hunts have been ongoing since Friday, May 19, with clues posted on the Tiftarea YMCA Facebook page to find a brick each day. The bricks are linked to the upcoming capital campaign. A $25 gift certificate goes to the finder of the brick each day, and 25 more winners receive a coupon for a free day pass.

The last clue will be posted Wednesday. All the scavenger hunt winners’ names are entered in a drawing for $250 to be announced at the anniversary celebration Thursday, Bishoff said.

The late Tifton businessman Lamar Jackson was inspired in 1997 to begin a campaign to fund a YMCA after reading in The Tifton Gazette about a lengthy list of teenagers arrested on a Friday night.

“I thought it was a shame these teenagers didn't have a place to go with Christian morals and values,” Jackson had said. “I went to 12 people and they gave me $270,000.”

The Tiftarea Y was chartered in August 1999 and began offering programs in the community, operating from an office in the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce building. The first programs were flag football, soccer, and roller hockey held in an empty warehouse on Second Street.

In March 2002, construction began on Westover Road land donated by John Hunt. The sports fields, multi-purpose Airnaseum, and the Stafford Aquatic Center opened in 2004. Danny and Beverly Sterling also aided in getting the location ready for offices and exercise classes, which were first housed there in modular buildings.

The YMCA opened its Carpenter Road facility 10 years ago, in February 2013, in a partnership with Tift Regional Medical Center.

Bishoff began working as sports and program director on Aug. 19, 2013, becoming CEO in June 2020.

'HOUSE ON TIFTON LAKE’ HORROR FILM BEING SHOPPED AT CANNES FESTIVAL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Mexican horror movie, “The House on Tifton Lake,” which takes place in rural Georgia, is being shopped around during the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France currently underway, according to the Deadline.com website.

Deadline.com reported Tuesday that “the film, based on a true story, follows four friends spending a weekend at a mysterious mansion in rural Georgia who find their host as a twin brother or alter ego who does not like guests. Mexican-U.S. actor Vadhir Derbez stars, playing the easy going Brandon and his murderous twin/alter ego Carlos."

Derbez appeared in the movie “White Elephant,” filmed in Tifton and starring Michael Rooker and Bruce Willis. He has also acted in "The Seventh Day" opposite Guy Pearce.

Avatar Entertainment, a London- and L.A.-based talent management and production company, is producing “The House on Tifton Lake," with "owner Larry Robinson a producer alongside Matt Stein, an exec producer on titles such as ‘Halloween’ and 'Scream 4,’” Deadline.com reported.

According to imdb.com, the “Tifton Lake” film is still in development.

SRTC FOUNDATION AWARDS $50,650

IN SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

For the summer semester, which began May 15, the Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) Foundation awarded scholarships to 65 students totaling $50,650.

The SRTC scholarship funds assist students with education-related costs, such as tuition, fees, books, classroom and lab supplies, and gas money.

Among those awarded scholarships are:

Kimberly Pitts of Enigma; Chaidrianna Terry of Sylvester; and Trinidad Reyes, Cason Johnston, Citlaly Maldonado, Heather Rugg, Katelyn Faircloth, Louis Keys, and Amelia Hillmon of Tifton.

“On behalf of the SRTC Foundation Board of Trustees, congratulations to each of these students on their summer 2023 scholarship awards. This is a very competitive process, and we are proud to celebrate our students’ accomplishments. Thank you to all of our generous donors who make awarding these scholarships possible,” said Dr. Amy Maison, SRTC vice president for institutional advancement.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Ashes,” a male kitty, is among the adorable pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt Ashes and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

Pets of the Week are sponsored by:

Branch's Veterinary Clinic

205 Belmont Ave., Tifton, 229-382-6055

FIRE DESTROYS NAVAL STORES PLANT

IN TIFTON

~ MAY 27, 1941

The large Columbia Naval Stores plant in Tifton was destroyed in a fire on May 27, 1941. The fire began at approximately 3:30 p.m. and spread throughout the plant. Manager Jack Rigdon estimated the loss at about $30,000.