Bicyclist, Woman Die in Tift Accidents

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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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BICYCLIST KILLED, WOMAN DIES IN

TIFT ACCIDENTS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man on a bicycle and the Norman Park woman who struck him with her vehicle have both died in a series of tragic accidents early Monday morning near Kelltown in Tift County, authorities say.

Matthew Reeves, 42, of Tifton, who was riding a bicycle along U.S. Highway 319 just north of Kelltown, died at the scene after being hit by a vehicle, said Tift County Deputy Coroner Blair Veazey.

Regina Lynn Strickland-West, 56, of Norman Park, was driving a Ford Edge midsize SUV north on Highway 319 when she struck Reeves shortly after 6 a.m. Monday, authorities said. After hitting the bicyclist, West made a U-turn and stopped on the other side of the road; she then crossed the highway on foot to check on the bike rider.

While crossing the highway back toward her vehicle, West was hit by a southbound Ford F-250 truck, according to the Georgia State Patrol. An eyewitness to the accident told WALB-TV that West was trying to flag down the truck when she was struck.

West was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center with serious injuries and later died at approximately 1 p.m. Monday, the deputy coroner said.

Authorities have not identified the driver of the truck.

Reeves, the bicyclist, had a wife and two small children, ages 7 and 8. His sister-in-law, Kacey Henderson, said Reeves did not have life insurance, and his wife, Henderson's sister, is legally blind. Henderson has created a GoFundMe online page to raise funds for a funeral.

West, who lived in Norman Park, was a Moultrie native. She worked with code enforcement and leaves behind a husband, an adult son and daughter, and eight grandchildren.

13 DIE ON GA ROADS DURING HOLIDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Approximately 2 million Georgians hit the road during the Independence Day weekend, and authorities say 13 travelers died on Georgia's roadways during the 78-hour holiday travel period.

Another six people died in state boating incidents during the holiday period, among them a 4-year-old girl who became trapped under a capsized vessel, authorities said.

"Impaired driving and distracted driving continue to play major roles in crashes, injuries, and fatalities across our state. These preventable decisions impact more than just the driver, they affect families, communities, and first responders," the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) said.

The Independence Day holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6. During the period, state troopers investigated more than 275 traffic crashes resulting in about 135 injuries, according to the DPS.

Georgia State Patrol troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers conducted more than 20,970 traffic stops, made more than 490 arrests for driving under the influence, and issued more than 14,710 warnings and 11,665 citations.

Also, 792 citations were issued for distracted driving, 1,334 for seatbelt violations, and more than 250 for child-restraint violations, authorities said.

The Department of Public Safety said there were 12 fatalities on state roads during last year’s holiday period along with 537 traffic accidents with 312 injuries.

HOMICIDE SUSPECT SHOOTS SELF, DIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

At the request of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI is investigating a homicide suspect's apparent self-inflicted gunshot death in Cook County.

The GBI said that preliminary information indicates that at about 7:20 a.m. July 1, the Georgia State Patrol and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop Daquona Verdale Peede, 31, of Manassas, just south of Mile Marker 34 on Interstate 75 in Cook County. The stop was related to a "BOLO" (Be on the Lookout notice) from Henry County, where Peede was a suspect in a homicide investigation.

Peede failed to stop and law enforcement then pursued him on Interstate 75. A trooper used a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to end the chase. As the trooper and deputies approached the car, Peede shot himself and later died at a local hospital, the GBI said.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 229-896-7471 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103.

The City of Tifton is exploring how to develop the former Short & Paulk Supply Co. site on South Main Street.

CITY OF TIFTON KICKING OFF 'SHORT & PAULK RENAISSANCE PROJECT'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton city officials are excited about the prospect of redeveloping the former Short & Paulk site on South Main Street into something that benefits the city for generations to come.

“This acquisition represents more than just land – it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Tifton in a way that reflects the hopes and needs of our entire community,” said Mayor Julie B. Smith. “We are honored to be stewards of this project and are committed to ensuring it becomes a source of pride and progress for all.”

This week, the City of Tifton, along with its Tifton Urban Redevelopment Agency (TURA) and its Downtown Development Authority (DDA) formally announced the acquisition of the former Short & Paulk Supply Co. property.

The city said it is kicking off its "Short & Paulk Renaissance Project" for developing the 9.7-acre site, "aiming to bring new life and opportunity to the heart of our city."

In a press release, the city said it is "committed to a community-driven planning process. In the coming months, residents, downtown merchants, and local organizations will be invited to participate in community events, listening sessions, and surveys. These opportunities will ensure that the development of this property reflects the collective vision, values, and voice of the people who call Tifton home."

The city, the TURA, and the DDA are collaborating with strategic partners, including The Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Power, Georgia’s Rural Center (The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation), and other key stakeholders.

The property was acquired through SPLOST funds (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), which were allocated in the referendum for property acquisition purposes, along with financing support from South Georgia Banking Co.

Residents may apply here to join a citizen engagement group that will assist in the planning process.

"The City of Tifton is excited to lead this pivotal moment in our city’s growth, and we look forward to building the future together," the city said in a statement.

EX-TIFTAREA BASEBALL STAR NAMED TO UWG HALL OF FAME

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Former Tiftarea Academy baseball standout Cade Marlowe will be inducted into the University of West Georgia's (UWG) Athletics Hall of Fame this fall, UWG recently announced.

Marlowe starred for the Wolves’ baseball team from 2016-2019. He finished his West Georgia career with a .366 batting average and set the school’s single-season record with 46 stolen bases as a senior, ending his career with 87. He also had 42 doubles, 143 RBIs, and 157 runs scored.

A two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection, Marlowe became West Georgia’s third-ever Academic All-American in 2018 and won the Commissioner’s Trophy as the top student-athlete in the Gulf South Conference. He graduated from West Georgia magna cum laude with a degree in biology.

At Tiftarea Academy, Marlowe hit .515 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases as a senior in 2015.

Marlowe of Tifton became the 16th player in UWG history to be selected in the major league baseball draft, going in the 20th round to the Seattle Mariners. He made his major league debut in July 2023, starting in left field for the Mariners. He is currently playing with Seattle’s Triple-A team, the Tacoma Rainiers.

Marlowe and the rest of the UWG 2025 Hall of Fame class will be inducted on Hall of Fame Weekend set for Oct. 10-11.

Pictured are Exchange Club award recipients, from left, Brent Conner, Angie Saturday, Levetta Jefferson, and Angela Elder.

EXCHANGE CLUB RECOGNIZES MEMBERS WITH AWARDS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Exchange Club of Tifton recently presented its club awards for the year.

Club members selected Brent Conner as the Exchange Club Member of the Year for his continued support and work. Angela Elder received the Joy Hill Bids for Kids Award for her work on the annual Bids for Kids auction. Past President Levetta Jefferson received a clock to honor her time of service.

Angie Saturday received the District Director of the Year Award at the recent state Exchange Club convention, where Elder received the District Secretary of the Year Award. The club was also awarded the Best Public Safety Program in the district.

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MIMS KIDS HOLDS WELLNESS & GARDENING CAMP WITH AID FROM COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

To the Editor:

Mims Kids held its annual Wellness and Community Gardening Camp from June 23-27, welcoming 17 campers ages 10-17 for a week of hands-on learning and healthy fun. Guided by the ever-inspiring Mrs. Penny Webb, master gardener, the camp took place at Collins Event Space, where raised garden beds – generously built and donated by employees of Georgia Power – set the stage for growth, both literal and personal.

Thanks to continued support from the Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation Inc., which has funded the camp for five consecutive years, this weeklong experience gave campers an introduction to community gardening, the importance of healthy eating, and the value of teamwork and wellness.

Throughout the week, campers got their hands dirty by preparing soil, planting vegetables and herbs, watering, fertilizing, and even cooking nutritious snacks. The importance of good dental hygiene was stressed by Mrs. Webb, and the students enjoyed a lesson on the proper application of CPR by Mrs. Celethia Curry Davis.

Field trips added even more excitement, with highlights including a visit to the Tift County Canning Plant (where they made homemade vegetable soup), Fancy Girl Farms, and Wallace Family Farms. The week concluded with a celebratory adventure to the Wild Animal Safari and Great Wolf Lodge – a well-earned day of fun and friendship!

We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters who helped make this camp possible: Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation Inc., Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, Your Pie, and

Milo’s Provisions.

A heartfelt thank you to Tavoris Wallace for hosting our campers at Wallace Family Farms, to the welcoming team at Fancy Girl Farms for their hospitality, and to Milo’s Provisions for creating a made-to-order healthy lunch for the campers. Thanks to Mrs. Davis for taking the time to share this important lesson with the students.

And, of course, kudos to Mrs. Penny Webb for her tireless dedication, creativity, and passion. She continues to cultivate not just gardens, but lifelong lessons.

We’re already looking forward to next year!

M. Jay Hall

Mims Kids Inc.

Tifton

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Nutmeg" is a female tortoiseshell cat, about six months old. She is sugar and spice, and everything nice, and looking for a friendly face to give her a home where she can find her place. Visit Nutmeg 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 PROHIBITS TIN CANS COLLECTING WATER THAT BREEDS MOSQUITOES

~ JULY 12, 1912

The City of Tifton announced on July 12, 1912, that it was renewing the strict enforcement of the city's sanitary ordinance against tin cans being left around premises collecting stagnant water and breeding mosquitoes. According to press reports, Police Chief R.G. Coarsey confiscated a tin can "containing about an inch of stagnant water and just oodles of breeding mosquitoes (which) would have bred enough mosquitoes in a short while to have kept everyone in Tifton awake nights fighting them off."

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