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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE

FOR JO DEE MESSINA

LIVE IN TIFTON

Six String Southern Productions is pleased to announce Jo Dee Messina to perform live at John Hunt Auditorium at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Tickets are now on sale to the public at www.freshtix.com or call Freshtix at 678-701-6114 to purchase tickets.

Jo Dee Messina, a chart-topping country music artist, is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog of hits. A household name, Jo Dee has achieved nine No. 1 and 16 Top 40 songs, and has been honored by the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and GRAMMY Awards. Jo Dee’s successes made her the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multi-week, chart-topping songs.

Jo Dee Messina is one of the most passionate, high-energy performers in the business.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT:

https://www.freshtix.com/events/jo-dee-messina-tifton-ga-

________________________

See Event on Facebook Here

The photo at left shows what the intersection looked like before the roundabout was built outside Adel, and the photo at right is what it looks like today.

ADEL ROUNDABOUT GETS MOSTLY POSITIVE REVIEWS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A new traffic roundabout outside Adel to improve traffic flow and increase safety is getting mostly positive reviews on social media.

The approximately $6.5 million project was 80% federally funded and 20% state funded, says the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The roundabout is at the intersection of State Roads 76 and 37 in Cook County, about one mile east of the Adel city limits and approximately 2,800 feet west of Cook County High School.

"Our school bus drivers are so appreciative of this smoother traffic," wrote Cook County Schools on social media.

A GDOT spokesman said the roundabout was needed "to improve traffic movements at the intersection, to eliminate the need for manned traffic control during the peak hours of school traffic, and to reduce accidents. A total of 31 crashes were identified for the section of SR 37 at SR 76 between 2013-2021."

There have been fatalities at the intersection in the past. Both roads have posted speed limits of 55 mph.

"Traffic circles slow everyone down without requiring full stops, and any accidents that do happen to occur are minor fender benders vs. the catastrophic leading to loss of life variety," one person wrote on social media. "Traffic signals on rural highways are more dangerous actually because they tend to be unexpected and people are more prone to run them at high speeds. You can't miss a traffic circle."

GDOT noted that the "No. 1 rule of a roundabout: Traffic in the circle has the right of way. So if you're approaching and can't immediately enter the circle, wait for traffic to clear. No traffic in the circle? No problem, you're good to go! And please don't try and go left in the circle. Roundabouts reduce the frequency and severity of crashes."

The pink outer circle at the Adel roundabout is a truck apron that is meant to be driven on by larger and longer vehicles, such as semi's, to assist them in navigating the circle while keeping traffic moving.

Not all of the responses to the roundabout have been positive. "This is the dumbest thing ever," one person wrote. "it is extremely expensive and don't solve the problems!"

Another person on social media said, "There was nothing wrong with the intersection before. A big waste of state money."

But others responded that "I live at this intersection, and there were wrecks monthly. People going 70 miles per hour and not stopping at the split. It was really dangerous, and there have been fatalities. This roundabout was greatly needed and if it saves one life, which it will, it is worth every penny."

Most respondents seemed to agree with the sentiment:, "I think it’s going to be one of the best things to happen in Adel. I love it, and it’s easy to use."

TIFT STABBING SUSPECT NABBED IN FLORIDA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The prime suspect in last week's stabbing death of a Tifton man has been apprehended in Florida, Tifton Police said.

Pablo Moreno was arrested Thursday in Hillsborough County, Fla., police said. He is charged in the stabbing death Oct. 15 of Darinel Noriega, 31, of Tifton.

Moreno is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, first-degree burglary, and five counts of third-degree cruelty to children, Tifton Police said.

Moreno was being held by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office awaiting extradition to Tifton.

As part of the investigation, Tifton Police took a Moreno family member into custody as detectives believe the relative may have been involved in transporting Moreno after the stabbing incident, which police say may have been related to a domestic dispute.

Police had found Noriega with multiple stab wounds early Oct. 15 in the 1000 block of Ferry Lake Road. Noriega later succumbed to his injuries at Tift Regional Medical Center. Moreno fled to Florida following the incident, police said.

Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce officials on Monday accept the award for the 2025 Georgia Education & Business Partner of the Year during the Governor’s Workforce Summit in Atlanta.

ASHBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NAMED STATE'S BUSINESS PARTNER OF YEAR

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce has been named the 2025 Georgia Education & Business Partner of the Year at the Governor’s Workforce Summit in Atlanta.

The award was presented Monday by the Technical College System of Georgia and the governor's office. It and recognizes outstanding collaboration between education and business to strengthen the state’s workforce.

"From our College & Career Academy partnership to the Turner County FLEX entrepreneurship program, this honor highlights the teamwork and dedication of our schools, industries, and community leaders working together to create opportunity right here in Turner County for the past several years," the Ashburn Chamber said in a statement. "We’re honored to represent small communities making a big impact across Georgia."

The award was among several presented as part of the Governor’s Workforce Summit, an annual two-day event that draws more than 1,000 educators, business and industry leaders, government officials, and community partners. The awards highlight the individuals and organizations helping drive Georgia’s workforce and advancing the governor's "Top State for Talent" initiative.

"Georgia has been ranked the No. 1 state for business for the last 12 years thanks to the work of our dedicated educators, workforce partners, and students who are stepping up to prepare for high-demand careers," said Gov. Brian P. Kemp.

"The winners recognized today are helping to drive this state's economic success by ensuring businesses have the workforce they need to excel and hardworking Georgians have opportunities to prosper," Kemp said.

Among other award recipients were:

College and Career Academy of the Year - Greene College & Career Academy;
Work-Based Learning Student of the Year - Addison Hilsman, Morgan County High School: A Georgia College and Career Academy;
Youth Apprenticeship Completer of the Year - Sebastian Velasquez Villar, Evans High School;
Dual Achievement Program Student of the Year - William Vinson, Central Georgia Technical College;
Dual Enrollment Student of the Year - Caden Graves, Floyd County College and Career Academy and Georgia Northwestern Technical College;
Georgia College and Career Academy Student of the Year - Faith Ryan, Liberty College and Career Academy.

TIFTON FIREFIGHTERS COMPLETE APPARATUS, LADDER TRAINING

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tifton Fire Department on Thursday celebrated the latest graduating class of the Apparatus Operator/Aerial Ladder Training (AOPL) course.

AOPL is a specialized course for firefighters to operate aerial apparatus such as ladder trucks. The training covers such topics as the types and construction of pumps, proper apparatus positioning, and system maintenance and testing, based on the National Fire Protection Association standard.

Tifton Fire Department’s latest class achieved a 100% pass rate under the specialized instruction of Tifton training Lt. Jacob Carter. The class consisted of five lieutenants and 11 firefighters who excelled in their training, officially becoming certified, the department said.

The Tifton Fire Department said its staff is trained in different aspects and scenarios, such as AOPL. The department maintains three fire stations in the city.

Lane Brown, second from right, with some of his managers and co-workers at Chili's restaurant in Tifton.

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH:

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme for 2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month: "Celebrating Value and Talent."

In recognition of the month, Diversified Enterprises of Tifton – a nationally accredited provider of individualized services that supports people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities – is spotlighting local workers.

According to Diversified Enterprises, Lane Brown exemplifies both value and talent at the Tifton Chili’s restaurant:

"Since the day Chili's opened its doors in Tifton, Lane Brown has been a cornerstone of their team – showing up every day with dedication, pride, and a heart for service with a smile. His commitment to excellence is unmatched: he is always on time, dependable, and ready to support both his coworkers and guests with a positive attitude and determination," Diversified Enterprises says.

"What make Lane exceptional is he is always ready to fill in the gap. He brings warmth, consistency, and integrity to everything he does. His presence lifts the team, and his work ethic sets a standard that inspires everyone around him. Recently, he was recognized for his outstanding performance.

"Lane continues to show his team what it means to lead by example. His loyalty and contributions remind us that excellence isn’t always loud – it's seen and deeply felt."

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Quality Employment Service

201 N. Central Ave., Suite H. Tifton

Oct. 16

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Tatertot" is an adorable six-month-old kitten ready to experience life beyond the animal shelter walls. Tatertot has grown up surrounded by love and care, and is a sweet, playful, and affectionate little girl. She’s curious about the world and eager to find a family who will show her what it means to have a real home. Visit Tatertot 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 HOLDS 'HOOVER CARTS' PARADE

~ OCT. 22, 1932

Tifton decided to "poke some fun" at "old man Depression" on Oct. 22, 1932, with a "Hoover Carts" parade down Main Street. The Tifton Board of Trade offered a cash prize for the best "Depression Chariots." The event promoted "big trade days" downtown.

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