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Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

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Photo by Bonnie Sayles

Law enforcement personnel gather Tuesday in front of a home on 18th Street in Tifton where a woman was found dead with a gunshot wound.

14-YEAR-OLD GIRL CHARGED IN MOM'S DEATH

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A 14-year-old girl is charged with murder in the shooting death of her mother at their home on Tifton's 18th Street, Tifton Police said Wednesday.

The girl was arrested and being held in juvenile detention. She had taken her mother's vehicle and was involved in a wreck Tuesday in Bibb County, police said.

Rachel S. Wagner, 41, was found dead Tuesday, apparently from a gunshot wound, in a bedroom of her home at 112 E. 18th St., police said.

At approximately 8:02 a.m. Tuesday, Tifton Police officers were dispatched to the 18th Street residence to contact Wagner about her daughter being in the Bibb County accident.

Officers were unable to reach anyone at the residence. After finding the identity of Wagner's employer, police reached out to them and discovered that Wagner had not reported for work and had not called in to notify anyone.

The officers then returned to the residence for a wellness check and entered the home, finding Wagner dead in a back bedroom, Tifton Police said.

After further investigation, the juvenile was transported to Tifton, and evidence was obtained to charge her with one count of murder in the shooting death of her mother, Tifton Police said.

Police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Sylvester Field Office Crime Scene Specialist to process the crime scene Tuesday. Residents said that authorities had been at the scene most of the day Tuesday while yellow crime tape surrounded the residence.

THERE'S A NEW JUDGE IN TOWN GOVERNOR NAMES WORTH COUNTY JUDGE

TO TIFTON SUPERIOR COURT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Ralph W. Powell Jr., state court judge of Worth County, has been named to the newly created position as the third Superior Court judge in the Tifton Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced the appointment on Friday.

Powell joins Superior Court Chief Judge Bill Reinhardt and Judge Melanie B. Cross in the circuit that encompasses the counties of Irwin, Tift, Turner, and Worth.

"I am honored to receive the appointment from (Governor Kemp). I appreciate the responsibility," said Powell, managing partner of the Wilmot & Powell law firm of Tifton and Sylvester.

"I look forward to working with Judge Reinhardt and Judge Cross," who exhibit "great dedication" to their work, Powell said.

"The Tifton Judicial Circuit was ranked the No. 1 most overworked in the state by the Judicial Council," Powell noted. "It's a testament to them that they have kept things going as well as they do."

Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved adding a third Superior Court judge to the Tifton Circuit, the first additional judge in the circuit in more than 44 years. Last year, the Judicial Council of Georgia determined that the Tifton Judicial Circuit had the most pressing need in the state for an additional judge.

"The circuit definitely needs help," Powell said.

He is scheduled to be sworn in on Dec. 16 and take office Jan. 1, but said it may be a little after that because he already has pending cases scheduled in Worth County during early January.

Powell has served the past 10 years as state court judge in Worth, appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal. Additionally, he has also served as the municipal court judge for the cities of Poulan and Warwick, and the county attorney for Worth County.

The Georgia native has been practicing law for more than 30 years. He spent the first 15 years of his practice in Athens, serving as solicitor general of Clarke County. In 2005, Powell and his family relocated to South Georgia and live on the Powell family farm in Worth County, which has been in the family for more than 150 years.

Powell earned an associate of arts degree from Oxford College of Emory University, a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Georgia State University, and a law degree from the University of Georgia.

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, second from left, and other members of Congress meet with farmers last weekend in Middle and South Georgia to survey hurricane damage.

GA OFFICIALS SEEK FEDERAL AG AID AFTER HURRICANE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Hurricane Helene walloped the state's agriculture sector – Georgia's No. 1 industry – and state and congressional officials are continuing to seek relief for farmers with crop and livestock losses.

"I am working with my colleagues to get ag-specific disaster relief appropriations drafted and passed by the end of the year to help our farmers after Helene,” Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, told the Tifton Grapevine on Monday.

This past weekend, U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT”Thompson, R-Pa.; and U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla.; Darren Soto, D-Fla.; and Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.; joined Scott to survey hurricane damage in Scott's congressional district.

"Georgia’s farmers need help, and I appreciate the chairman and others taking the time to meet with them first-hand so we can better work together for relief," Scott said.

On Monday, President Joe Biden sent Congress a request for $100 billion in emergency disaster aid that includes $24 billion to aid the nation's farmers. Then on Tuesday, Gov. Brian P. Kemp sent his own congressional request for nearly $12.2 billion in disaster relief for Georgia, with $6.5 billion for aid to farmers and $611 million for lost timber.

“Georgia’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of our economy and cultural identity, was hit particularly hard,” Kemp wrote. “Specialty crops, livestock operations, and small farms have suffered widespread devastation, many without sufficient insurance coverage to recover independently.”

On Nov. 1, Kemp said his office and legislative leaders were redirecting $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority to provide disaster-relief financial support for farmers and debris cleanup for timber producers after Hurricane Helene.

Georgia officials say even more aid is needed.

While Congressman Scott is pushing for more agriculture relief on the House side, U.S. Sen. John Ossoff, D-Ga., is working in the Senate with bipartisan efforts. Ossoff plans to testify this week before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the devastation that agriculture faces after recent hurricanes and the pressing need for immediate assistance.

Agriculture and related businesses contribute about $83.6 billion annually to Georgia's economy, and any disruptions can have a ripple effect throughout the Peach State, economists say.

ABAC BASKETBALL PLAYER NAMED CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Shakiria Chaney, a sophomore forward for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Fillies basketball team, has been named the Southern State Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week.

Chaney, who played high school ball at Tift County High, averaged 26.7 points and 12.3 rebounds in three games last week while shooting 58% from the floor.

”She is a tremendous leader of our team, and she is the player that every coach dreams of coaching,” said ABAC head coach Charles Wimberly. “She hustles every minute that she’s on the court.”

The honor is the first for any ABAC athlete since the college joined the SSAC earlier this year.

Chaney started with a 30-point outing in a road win over Toccoa Falls College. In Friday’s conference opener against Middle Georgia State, she hit 9 of 12 field goals, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds, both team-highs. She capped the week with her most impressive performance to date with 27 points and 20 rebounds in an 85-82 loss to Point University.

Entering Monday night’s game against Beacon College, Chaney leads the conference in scoring with 21.7 points per game and is fourth in rebounding with 10.5 per game.

Before ABAC, Chaney scored more than 1,000 points during her high school career as a Lady Devil before spending one year at Santa Fe Community College, where she led in scoring.

The Fillies and Stallions will return to ABAC’s Gressette Gym on Saturday for a doubleheader against Paine College. The women’s game begins at noon, while the men’s game will start at 2 p.m.

TIFT SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CHARGED WITH DUI AFTER FIELD TRIP

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Tift County Schools bus driver is charged with DUI after taking an elementary school class on a field trip Tuesday, according to the school's principal.

In a notice to parents of the students on the field trip, Principal Stephanie Morrow of Annie Belle Clark Elementary School wrote:

"Dear Parents,

Today, your child went on a field trip to Albany with his/her class.

After all students were returned safely to Annie Belle Clark Elementary, the driver of your child's bus was charged with failure to maintain lane and driving under the influence. While this is an ongoing personnel and legal matter, we wanted to provide you with the information we can release at this time."

No other information was released.

An adult on the Albany field trip claimed on social media that the female bus driver knocked over a light pole as they were leaving the planetarium Tuesday.

STATE PANEL ON AG PRODUCTS TO MEET IN TIFTON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A state House of Representatives study committee on agricultural products will meet in Tifton next week.

The Ga. House Study Committee on the Exchange, Storage and Coverage of Agricultural Products, Grain, and Livestock, holds its next meeting Monday and Tuesday at ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture.

The study committee, chaired by state Rep. Steven Meeks, R-Screven, will meet from 1-5 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday.

To watch a livestream of Monday’s meeting, click here, and to watch a livestream of Tuesday’s meeting, click here.

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough with newly promoted Capt. Christi Brannon.

TIFT SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROMOTES FIRST FEMALE COMMANDER OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Lt. Christi Brannon of the Tift County Sheriff's Office has been promoted to captain, the first female commander of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Sheriff's Office.

Brannon has 17 years of service. She holds a criminal justice degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, completed the Professional Management Program at Columbus State University, and is the first member of the Tift County Sheriff's Office to graduate from the FBI National Academy's 281st session in 2022.

"Christi's collaborative work with local, state, and federal agencies exemplifies her commitment to effective law enforcement. Her colleagues consistently seek her guidance, reflecting the trust and respect she has earned within our community," said Sheriff Gene Scarbrough. "Please join me congratulating Captain Brannon on this significant achievement as she takes on her new leadership role."

Seeking applicants for:

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Tifton First Methodist Church

Tifton First Methodist Church (TFMC) in Tifton, Georgia (https://www.tiftonfirst.org/) is looking for a full-time

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

We are looking for an individual who is a solid role model and spiritual director with an energetic and creative spirit to lead these program ministries.

The Director will work with other staff under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations committee, and the Youth Leadership Team to develop overall youth and young adult educational programs

and ministries for TFMC.

Youth and Young Adult activities may involve more than 25 active youth

and young adults.

Tifton, Georgia is located on I-75 north of Valdosta and south of Macon. The population of Tifton is approximately 17,000 with an additional 23,000 living

in the surrounding county.

Available January 2025. Apply by December 1, 2024 to ensure consideration.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To apply, please EMAIL the items below to: jmichaelmoore57@gmail.com

– A current resume

· – A one-page statement summarizing why you are interested in

and qualified to fill this position

· – Names and contact information for three (3) references

https://www.tiftonfirst.org/youth/ – website

J. Michael Moore, Chairman

Staff Parish Relations Committee

Tifton First Methodist Church

107 West 12^th Street

Tifton, GA 31794

WALK THIS WAY FOR COOKIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Peace Lutheran Church hosts its annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m.-noon at the church's Fellowship Hall, 604 Tennessee Drive, Tifton.

Church members have been busy baking different kinds of cookies, cakes, and all kinds of homemade baked goods for sale. Crafts and vintage items also will be available.

The Cookie Walk has been renamed the "Miss Ethel Memorial Cookie Walk" in honor of the late Ethel Walker, who was the driving force of the annual event for years.

All proceeds from the Cookie Walk are donated to the USO's phone program for military personnel and to Ruth's Cottage in Tifton.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Llanas Event Rentals

3085 Carpenter Road, Suite F, Tifton

Nov. 14

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Figaro" is an affectionate and sweet guy who dreams of finding a cozy spot in your home — and your heart. Come visit him and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFTON GETS COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE

~ NOV. 21, 1968

Air South, which was the largest commuter airline in the South at the time, announced on Nov. 21, 1968, that it would begin twice daily roundtrip commercial flights between Tifton and Atlanta beginning Dec. 2 that year.