Animals Found Slain at Wildlife Rehab

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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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ANIMALS SLAIN AT TIFT COUNTY WILDLIFE REHAB

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Approximately 10 animals were discovered killed Monday at a Tift County wildlife rehabilitation facility in what the owner-operator calls a "massacre."

Jessica L. Pisciotta, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab Inc., said on social media that among the dead animals that she had been rehabilitating are several deer, an emu, a gosling, and a turkey. On social media, she said some of the animals had been shot in the head.

When contacted, Pisciotta told the Tifton Grapevine that "multiple weapons" were used by "multiple people." She declined to say any more because she said the matter is under investigation.

"I don't feel comfortable talking about it," she said. Pisciotta asked that the Grapevine not report anything about the dead animals, even though she had already talked with WALB-TV and had done live videos about it on Facebook.

"When news sources are not supportive of the positive things ... I think it's really disgusting to come after the story when you're not supportive and only come after the story when animals are slaughtered," she told this reporter.

The Tift County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) "has been contacted, and they are now handling this investigation and not our agency. DNR has been on the site today."

Kevin Joyce with the DNR's law enforcement division said that investigators were on the site of Steadfast Wildlife on Tuesday. He said that more information would be available later.

Pisciotta, who has said she had operated the wildlife rehab out of her home for about 20 years, relocated her operation to a rural site in Tift County last year after the City of Tifton told her she was violating city zoning laws by having the rehab in a residential neighborhood. The city said some of her neighbors had complained about the animals in the residential area.

When operating the wildlife rehab in her home, Pisciotta had been helping all manner of injured wildlife, such as deer, vultures, coyotes, foxes, beavers, opossums, and owls.

FITZGERALD WOMAN DIES IN SHOOTING

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The GBI is investigating the shooting death Sunday of a 29-year-old woman in Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald Police found Shekela Woodard of Fitzgerald shot and killed at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Sullivan Court, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Reports are that a party was being held at the home at the time of the shooting, the GBI said.

The Fitzgerald Police Department requested the GBI to investigate. No arrests have been reported.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Regional Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

JOSE SAMUEL MUNOZ

SHANNON LEIGH MENDIETA

TWO TIFTON RESIDENTS ARRESTED AT HOTEL ON DRUG, OTHER CHARGES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Two Tifton residents were arrested Monday at a local hotel on drug and other charges, according to the Tift County Sheriff's Office.

Jose Samuel Munoz, 37, and Shannon Leigh Mendieta, 36, both with a Tifton address, were arrested at approximately 9:47 a.m. Monday at the Super 8 hotel at 1022 West Second St. in Tifton, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office said.

Two other individuals were released without charges.

Munoz is charged with felony receipt, possession or transport of firearm by a convicted felon, and first offenders and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Mendieta is charged with felony probation violation for finger-printable charges, felony theft by shoplifting, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, authorities said.

A search warrant resulted in the recovery of a firearm, items commonly associated with the distribution of methamphetamine, and a ledger documenting prior drug sales, according to the South Central Drug Task Force in Irwin County.

The Drug Task Force assisted the Tift County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service in locating the suspects. The Drug Task Force said one of the individuals was a suspected Irwin County gang member who was being sought.

DEEP FREEZE CONTINUES: RAIN/SNOW SHOWERS POSSIBLE SATURDAY A.M.

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The "deep freeze" continues this week in the Tiftarea with temperatures below freezing expected during the next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Possible record-breaking lows could be recorded late Saturday night/Sunday morning with temperatures forecast to plunge to 18 degrees in Tifton, the Weather Service said.

On Saturday, an extremely cold arctic air mass enters the Deep South with a chance of rain and snow showers in the morning in the Tiftarea along and east of the I-75 corridor.

"There is still considerable uncertainty with this potential as there are many moving – and sometimes competing – effects that can change in the coming days as more model guidance comes in. At the very least, with the bitterly cold temperatures plunging into the area, there is little doubt ... with any winter precipitation that occurs being either all snow or a mix of rain and snow," the Weather Service said.

"Even if snow does fall, the brief duration of the snow potential will limit accumulations, and any impacts from snow are not expected."

Wednesday's weather is expected to have highs around 50 degrees and lows Wednesday night in the upper 20s. Thursday will have high temperatures in the lower 50s and an overnight low around 26 degrees. On Friday, there is a chance of rain showers in the afternoon with highs in the mid 50s and lows around 33, the Weather Service said.

On Saturday, the "extremely cold arctic air mass" enters the Deep South with a chance of rain and snow showers in the morning with highs only reaching into the 30s in Tifton, and bitter cold weather Saturday night with a hard freeze forecast.

The City of Tifton will continue offering a nighttime warming station each evening through Saturday night between 6 p.m.-8 a.m. at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center on Second Street. The warming station is only that, and meals are not provided.

ABAC NAMES DEAN OF STAFFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

ABAC has appointment Dr. Yasemin Öcal Atinc as dean of the Stafford School of Business, bringing two decades of academic leadership, program development, and global teaching experience to the role.

Her first day in the role will be Feb. 16.

“I am confident she will continue its (Stafford School of Business') positive trajectory, which includes the recently announced ACBSP accreditation and the new bachelor of science in organizational leadership," said President Tracy Brundage.

Atinc joins Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College from East Texas A&M University, where she most recently served as chief academic officer for extended sites, overseeing four campuses and guiding initiatives in strategic planning, enrollment management, curriculum development, budgeting, personnel, and community partnerships.

During her tenure at East Texas, Atinc also served as faculty senate president, leading multiple governance, curriculum, strategic planning, and budget initiatives. She represented the institution on both the A&M System Faculty Senate and the Texas Council of Senates, contributing to shared governance at the state and system levels.

“Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Dr. Atinc’s interest in ABAC extended well beyond the role of dean. She articulated a compelling vision for growth that emphasized collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. Her dedication to collegiality stood out, and I am confident the Stafford School of Business will achieve significant milestones under her leadership,” said Provost Jason S. Goodner.

Her previous appointments include roles at Auburn University at Montgomery, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, and Anadolu Bil Vocational School of Higher Education in Istanbul, where she also served as department head of management. In that role, she led curriculum development, accreditation reporting, European Union project involvement, and major departmental administrative responsibilities.

NATURE QUEST PROGRAM FOR KIDS RETURNS

THIS SATURDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Nature Quest, a free outdoor activity for children and youth, is resuming this Saturday at Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha.

"This month, we will be discussing native birds. Educators from the Chehaw Park and Zoo will be presenting live hawks and falcons. There will also be outdoor exploration and guided bird-themed activities," said Avanlee Kennedy, a natural resources student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and student coordinator of the program..

Scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday's session is free but pre-registration is required. Parents must accompany their children.

All are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, their own drinks and snacks – and to wear closed-toe shoes.

On the first Saturday morning of each month, the NatureQuest program is featuring free outdoor explorations focusing on a different topic.

Contact Kennedy at akennedy2@stallions.abac.edu or Heather Brasell, heather.brasell@gmail.com, to register, or for questions, call 229-339-3966.

Gaskins Forest Education Center is located at 3359 Moore Sawmill Road in Alapaha.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Fish" is a handsome five-month-old kitten who came to the animal shelter as a stray, and he’s quickly stolen hearts with his friendly, outgoing personality. He’s as charming as they come: Affectionate, social, and always happy to greet everyone. He’s ready to bring joy to a home that will give him the love he deserves.. Come visit Fish 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 VOTERS APPROVE BONDS FOR

GAS EXTENSION, FOOTBALL STADIUM

~ JAN. 29, 1964

Tifton voters on Jan. 29, 1964, approved issuing bonds totaling $250,000. One was for $200,000 involving gas extension and another $50,000 for building a Tifton football stadium. The referenda were approved by a 3-1 vote.

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