3 Tift School Board Members Retiring

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Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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SEVERAL TIFT COUNTY RACES CONTESTED;

3 BOE MEMBERS NOT RUNNING

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The qualification period ended Friday for candidates in this year's election, and several Tift County races are contested. Three incumbent members of the Tift County Board of Education (BOE) opted not to seek re-election.

Pat McKinnon is the only current school board member seeking re-election. A Democrat, McKinnon faces no opposition for her party's nomination and no opposition in the November general election for her District 2 seat.

BOE incumbents Jamie Hill, District 4; Sam Wright, District 5; and Rusty Harrelson, District 6 – all Republicans, are not seeking re-election.

Each of their seats are contested: Richard S. Haring has qualified for District 4 as a Republican, and LaShawn Ealey as a Democrat.

Timothy Blake McRae, a Republican; and Bonnie Sayles, running as an independent, are seeking the District 5 seat on the BOE.

Jerome Baker, a Republican; and San Antonio Taylor, an independent, are running in District 6.

Independent candidates must get signatures from at least 5% of registered voters within their districts to get on November's ballots, according to elections officials.

Four seats are coming up for election on the Tift County Board of Commissioners, all four incumbents seeking re-election, and two of them are facing opposition.

Longtime County Commissioner Donnie Hester is being challenged by Angela A. Haggins for the Democratic nomination for District 1. There are no Republicans or independents running for that seat.

Also, incumbent Commissioner Stan Stalnaker is facing Jonathan D. Cassell for the GOP nomination for District 4. There are no other candidates in the race.

District 3 Commissioner Paul Webb and District 6 Commissioner Greg Wood, both Republicans, have no opposition for their seats.

Also in Tift County, State Court Judge Herbert Benson, Solicitor General Jason Hoffman, and area Soil and Water Conservation Commission Supervisor Brian Ponder are seeking re-election without opposition.

The primary elections for contested party nominations is set for May 19. The general election is on Nov. 3.

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TIFTON POLICE PROBE POSSIBLE FETAL REMAINS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

An investigation is underway into possible fetal remains found in a Tifton home, Tifton Police say.

In a press release Monday, the Tifton Police Department said it received and responded to an anonymous tip on March 3 that led to the discovery of the possible remains.

"Due to the nature of this ongoing investigation, certain details cannot be shared at this time," police said.

No information has been released about where the possible fetal remains were found. They have been sent to the GBI crime lab for further investigation.

Anyone with information may use tip411 to make an anonymous report by text or mobile app. To submit a tip, text TIFTONPD and send your message to 847411.

Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton and Southwell Medical Center in Adel.

SOUTHWELL HOSPITALS HAVE $1.23 BILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Southwell’s hospitals generate more than $1.23 billion in combined economic impact in Tift and Cook counties, according to data released annually by the Georgia Hospital Association.

The report shows Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) generates a $1.07 billion in economic impact in Tift County, while Southwell Medical contributes $161.1 million in Cook County. The figures are based on 2023 data using independent economic modeling.

Together, the two hospitals support more than 6,200 jobs locally, including 5,678 jobs in Tift County and 596 jobs in Cook County. TRMC employs 2,863 full- and part-time workers, while Southwell Medical employs 502.

Beyond their local impact, Southwell hospitals generate more than $1.5 billion in economic impact statewide. TRMC accounts for $1.34 billion across Georgia, and Southwell Medical contributes $193.7 million statewide, according to the data.

The hospitals also generate more than $534 million in household earnings across Georgia through direct, indirect, and induced economic activity, while producing millions of dollars in local, state, and federal tax revenue.

Southwell hospitals also provide community benefits, including charity care and uncompensated services. In 2023, TRMC delivered more than $30 million in community benefit, while Southwell Medical provided nearly $2 million.

“Our priority is providing high-quality care close to home,” said Christopher K. Dorman, Southwell president & CEO. “At the same time, our hospitals are major economic drivers for the communities we serve, supporting jobs and strengthening the regional economy.”

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY LIBRARY GETS NEW BRANCH MANAGER

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Ann Collins has been selected branch manager of the Tifton-Tift County Public Library, the Tifton-Tift County Public Library Board of Trustees and Coastal Plain Regional Library System announced Monday.

"Collins brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to literacy and community engagement to the Tifton-Tift County Public Library," library officials said in a statement. "Her professional career spans 25 years in academic librarianship, where she developed comprehensive expertise in various aspects of library service."

Nyisha McDuffie Key, Coastal Plain Regional Library director, said Collins has served several roles in the Brewton-Parker University library, culminating as director of library services. "She is now returning to librarianship after a hiatus from the field, eager to make a significant impact in public library services," Key said. "We are thrilled to announce this long-awaited news. It is great to have someone with the experience and passion for community that Ann is bringing to this role.”

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are excited to welcome Ms. Collins in her new role as she collaborates with the library’s team to deliver innovative programming to our community,” said Dr. Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla, local library board chair.

Collins has a master of library science degree from Clark Atlanta University and a bachelor of arts in history from Georgia Southern University.

The Tifton-Tift County Public Library is the largest branch of the Coastal Plain Regional Library System, which serves communities across Ben Hill, Berrien, Cook, Irwin, Tift, and Turner counties.

Collins assumes her duties March 16. Tina O’Day has been serving as interim branch manager.

Grammy- and CMA-winning band Diamond Rio kicks up its heels Saturday night on the Tyron Spearman Stage at Fulwood Park as the finale to this year's Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival.

TIFTON TURNS ON HEAT AGAIN AT RHYTHM & RIBS

BBQ FESTIVAL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The heat was on this past weekend at Tifton's Fulwood Park: Hot music, hot food, hot weather, and a hot crowd as the Annual Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival offered a smokin' hot time under the pines.

Grammy Award-winner country band Diamond Rio headlined the music, and the smoky aroma of barbecue in all its forms filled the air. Approximately 100 vendors, kids activities, and scores of classic cars also brought the crowd out on a very warm spring Saturday.

The Georgia Barbecue Association hosted its professional competition with Rescue Smokers named the Grand Champion. The Reserve Champ was The Look and The Cook. First Place in Pulled Pork: Shark Bite BBQ; First in Pork Loin: Rescue Smokers; and First in Ribs: Big Butts BBQ.

The Backyard Barbecue amateur competition was bigger than ever with a maximum 30 teams competing. The Grand Champion in the Backyard competition was Butcher & Banker, and the Reserve Champion was Meat Show. In Pulled Pork, First Place was Two Toes BBQ; Second Place, Whitewater Smokers; and Third Place, Butcher & Banker.

In the Backyard Ribs contest, First Place was Sazon Mejia; Second, Rub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em; and Third, Deez Butts. In Pork Loin, First was Meat Minions; Second, Butcher & Banker; and Third, Deez Butts.

In the Ancillary competition, Meat Minions won Brisket; Southern Smoke Society, Baked Potato; and Meat Minions, Bloody Mary. The People’s Choice Award went to Smokey Mountain BBQ.

GA FARM BUREAU, ABAC HOSTING VIRTUAL WEBINAR ON AG TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) are partnering to host a virtual educational event to highlight emerging trends and career opportunities within Georgia’s No. 1 industry, agriculture.

“Fields of Opportunity: Exploring Careers in Agriculture” will be held online on Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26.

Participants will discuss the importance of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and how organizations are fostering meaningful career paths that ensure the long-term success of Georgia’s farm and forestry communities.

Leaders from both organizations will discuss how GFB and ABAC work together to connect advocacy, workforce development, hands-on education, leadership, and networking opportunities for farmers and future farmers. Topics include the role of precision agriculture tools in improving planting, crop management, and livestock efficiency, as well as the expanding opportunities for growth across Georgia’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Presenters will highlight the importance of agricultural education in building a strong workforce pipeline. The conversation will spotlight career paths that extend beyond production agriculture, including environmental horticulture; turfgrass and golf course management; timber and forestry; agribusiness; sales, marketing, and distribution; and business leadership programs within ABAC’s Stafford School of Business.

The goal is to broaden awareness of the many high-demand careers that support Georgia farms from field to consumer.

"ABAC is deeply committed to providing the education required to succeed in Georgia's agriculture industry, and we are excited to be partnering with the Georgia Farm Bureau to inform current agricultural workers and inspire the next generation," said Tracy Brundage, ABAC president. "I will be joined by Andrew Thoron, dean of our School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and we will both explain the many experiences we offer at ABAC to prepare our students for the workforce.”

“We all depend on agriculture, and the most important investment we can make is in the future leaders of this industry. To ensure we can continue to rely on access to locally grown food and fiber, we need to equip the next generation to keep our local agriculture industry strong,” said Tom McCall, GFB president. “By partnering with ABAC, we are ensuring that young people understand the vast opportunities within agriculture and are prepared to lead this industry forward.”

The webinar is open to students, teachers, agribusiness professionals, farmers, and community leaders interested in helping to develop Georgia agriculture's future.

KIWANIS ART & MUSIC SHOWCASE SET FOR MARCH 20 AT TIFT COUNTY HIGH PAC

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Entries are being accepted up to Wednesday, March 11, for the 2026 Art and Music Showcase sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Tifton to be held at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Tift County High School Performing Arts Center.

This competition is for Tift County students in public, private, or home school in grades fourth through 12th and may be individual or group entries. Entries also are accepted from local counties that do not have a Kiwanis competition.

The top winners in the Georgia Statewide Art and Music Showcase in grades 9th-12th will receive educational scholarships up to $3,500, according to Tom Shoup, Art and Music Showcase chairman. A total of $15,000 will be awarded, he said.

A participant may enter only one category – music or art. The first-place music winner from the Tifton showcase in the 9th-12th grade division will compete at the Georgia District of Kiwanis Art and Music Showcase in Macon on April 25. The first-place art winners from each grade level sixth through 12th will exhibit their artwork at the Georgia state competition. Admittance is free for both shows in Tifton and Macon.

“Only four-minute vocal and instrumental performances will be allowed by the contestants,” according to Georgia District of Kiwanis talent guidelines. “Soundtracks that are used for vocal performances should be instrumental only. Groups of five or fewer members including the accompanist may participate.”

In addition, all submitted artwork will be displayed at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center in Tifton on March 22-29. All music show participants are welcome at the opening reception on Sunday afternoon, March 22. To sign up, participants may contact Cassidy Guess, at 229-472-0934, cguess@tiftonarts.org.

Music and art applications may be obtained from school offices or by emailing or texting Shoup at tlshoup.kk58@gmail.com or 229-388-2142.

Tifton Elks Lodge members with lockers they donated to Brother Charlie's Rescue Center. From left are Lonnie Lewis, Wanda Davis, Charlene Carr, Carol Owens, Donnie Rice, Mike Raeder, Andy Cross, Greg Gladin, and Jerry Holley.

TIFTON ELKS LODGE GIVES A TOTAL OF $20,000

TO SEVERAL LOCAL PROJECTS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Tifton Elks Lodge No. 1114 has received significant grant funding earned through the Elks National Foundation (ENF) and the Elks Community Impact Program (CIP) to assist five local programs.

“These grants have allowed the Lodge to expand its outreach efforts and provide vital support to individuals and organizations in need throughout the Tifton area,” said Wanda Davis, treasurer and Elks national foundation coordinator for the Tifton Elks Lodge No. 1114.

The Tifton projects the grants were able to fund include: lockers for Brother Charlie’s Rescue Center, a theater platform for Oasis Recovery Community Organization, a local veteran ramp build, a $6,000 donation to Peanut Butter & Jesus, and a $4,000 donation to Ruth's Cottage & the Patticake House.

“Equally important to this success are the dedicated members of the Lodge who generously give their time and energy to serve others through the Elks Community Outreach Program,” Davis said. “This program is funded by the ENF Impact Grant, a highly competitive award given to only a select number of lodges nationwide each year.

“Tifton Elks Lodge No. 1114 has proudly received this $10,000 grant for two consecutive years,” Davis said, and she just received notice that it has been approved for a third year.

“This is a testament to both the effectiveness of our programs and the commitment of our members to community service,” she said.

Tifton Elks Lodge members building a theater platform for Oasis Recovery Community Organization in Tifton are, from left, Marty Goff, Andy Cross, Mile Raeder, Donnie Rice, and Greg Gladin.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Southwell Medical Clinic Gastroenterology

1111 E. 20th St., Tifton

March 6

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CATS OF THE WEEK

"Timothy" and "Tabitha" are two 6-month-old kittens that have decided to make the best of their time at the animal shelter. They have no idea what they are missing in a new home where they would get regular exercise and attention. Come visit them 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).

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS CONDUCT SERIES OF RAIDS IN TIFT COUNTY ENDING IN 14 DRUG ARRESTS

~ MARCH 10, 1972

GBI Director Maj. Hugh Smith and Tift County Sheriff T.C. Greer led teams of agents, county, and city officers in a series of coordinated raids early on March 10, 1972, resulting in the arrests of 14 young people on charges of violating the Georgia Drug Abuse Control Act. The coordinated raids were the latest effort to rid Tift County of drugs.

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