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Friday, February 6, 2026
Tifton, Georgia
| | Recipients of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce's annual awards presented Thursday night are, from left, Jim Mejia – J. Lamar Branch Award; Jay Short – Stafford Award; Dr. Tonja Tift, Prince Business Woman of the Year; Glenn Willis representing South Georgia Banking Co. – Rotary Ethics in Business Award; Cindy Watson – Chamber Ambassador of the Year; and Bruce Green – Tifton-Tift County Wall of Fame. | | TIFTON-TIFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NAMES GREEN TO TIFT 'WALL OF FAME' | |
By FRANK SAYLES JR.
Tifton Grapevine
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Bruce Green was named to the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce's Wall of Fame during the Chamber's Annual Meeting & Banquet Thursday night at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.
Other honorees Thursday included Rotary Ethics in Business Award: South Georgia Banking Co.; Stafford Award: Jay Short; Prince Business Woman of the Year: Dr. Tonja Tift; J. Lamar Branch Award: Jim Mejia; and Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Cindy Watson.
The Chamber's Wall of Fame recognizes those individuals who are integral to the history of Tift County. Bruce Green has served Tifton in numerous community roles for nearly 40 years, most recently as executive director of the Tifton Council for the Arts. A longtime economic development and tourism official, Green has worked with the Tifton community and the state in promoting downtowns and rural initiatives.
Green previously served as Urban Redevelopment Agency director for the City Of Tifton and was interim manager for the Tifton Downtown Development Authority and Main Street.
He had served as Tifton's first Main Street manager in 1986, coordinating a successful revitalization program during an eight-year period. That eventually led to Tifton being recognized as one of the Best Small Towns in America.
Green then became director of the Downtown Development office with the Georgia Municipal Association in Atlanta. From there, he served as the director of communications, research, and rural development for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in Atlanta. Green later created a consulting company, Bruce Green & Associates.
Before eventually returning to Tifton, Green served as director of tourism product development with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where he worked with communities, private corporations, and non-profits across the state to increase investment in and development of new tourism products.
A Valdosta native, Green has a bachelor of science in biology from Valdosta State University. At age 25, he served as a Remerton city councilman in Lowndes County.
During Thursday night's Chamber banquet, outgoing Chamber Chair Becky Smith of Ameris Bank passed the gavel to incoming Chair Greg Daniel of Williams Hotel Group.
| SUPER BOWL'S TURF FIRST DEVELOPED IN TIFTON | |
By FRANK SAYLES JR.
Tifton Grapevine
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When the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots face off Sunday in Super Bowl LX, it will be on grass first developed at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton.
The field in Levi's Stadium outside San Francisco will be Tifway II hybrid bermudagrass, which will be overseeded with perennial ryegrass, officials said..
Tifway II was developed by UGA Tifton researchers Dr. Wayne Hanna and Dr. Glenn Burton. Released in 1981, the cultivar was created to improve upon the original Tifway 419 by providing better resistance to frost, drought, and nematodes, while maintaining great turf quality and high-traffic tolerance.
Because of its durability and esthetic quality, Tifway II is frequently used for golf-course tees, fairways, roughs, and athletic fields – especially for football.
West Coast Turf in California’s Central Valley supplied the 80,000 square feet of turf for the stadium. It was grown during an 18-month period specifically for this year's Super Bowl. Approximately 570 rolls of the turf, weighing more than one ton each, were transported to the stadium on 32 truckloads, according to a report from LawnStarter.com.
So, as you watch Sunday's Super Bowl, remember that Tifton is also playing a starring role as the ancestral home of the turfgrass variety upon which gladiators of the gridiron will collide.
| | UGA HAS $9.2B IMPACT ON STATE, REPORT SAYS | Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports | |
Fueled by its research ecosystem and public service initiatives, the University of Georgia generated a record $9.2 billion economic impact on the Peach State in 2025, according to a new report.
The total represents an $800 million increase from the previous year, a 9.5% surge bolstered by the university’s output and the growing number of graduates contributing to the economy.
Now in its ninth year, the university’s economic impact report measures the effect of UGA’s teaching mission through graduates’ increased earning potential, the research mission through external funding and startup activity, and the service mission through UGA’s support of Georgia’s communities, small businesses, and farmers.
The study was authored by Michael Adjemian, a professor of agricultural and applied economics in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He emphasized the $9.2 billion figure is a conservative estimate of the net increase in the size of the state economy from university activities – ordinary operations as well as athletic events.
“As the state’s flagship institution, the University of Georgia embraces our calling to drive economic development, elevate communities and improve lives,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead.
| | LITERACY VOLUNTEERS SET ANNUAL CHOCOLATE-TASTING EVENT FOR TUESDAY | |
By BONNIE SAYLES
Tifton Grapevine
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For the first time, the annual chocolate-tasting fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County has more than 20 participants competing for the Best Taste in Tifton.
A new name, a new location, a record number of chocolatiers, and some spectacular prizes in the auction combine to make “A Sweet Taste of Tifton” a night to remember at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Paulk Vineyards Tifton Tasting Room.
Tickets are $30 in advance and include all desserts and two drink tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Tasting Room or at Cakes by Audrey on Main Street, online here (please place the name of the purchaser in the online note section). Tickets are $40 at the door.
Participants will taste vendors’ desserts and vote for the Best Taste, Best Presentation, and Most Original, and plaques will be presented at the event.
The top prize in the live auction is a four-night stay at a townhouse that sleeps six in Orlando with six passes to Walt Disney World. An onsite water park is included with the accommodations.
“The bidder who wins this vacation will be getting a good deal on what will be a show-stopping Valentine’s Day gift for someone very lucky,” said Literacy Executive Director Andrea Story, Also, artwork, a kayaking adventure, and one-year gym memberships at Southern Bodies Fitness Center and J&J Weightroom will be auctioned.
A silent auction with potential Valentine’s gifts and gift certificates from local merchants, department stores, and service providers will be ongoing during the event.
Admission tickets allow participants to enjoy wine and other refreshments with their desserts.
“In the end, the sweetest part of the event is the community coming together to support literacy." Story said. "Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County is a fully grassroots-funded organization, so we are reliant on the generosity and support of our community in order to help adult learners earn their GEDs, as well as supporting family literacy in our community. I’m so grateful for the support and enthusiasm we have received.”
For more information, contact tiftlv@gmail.com or message the organization's Facebook page.
| | ROAD CLOSURE/DETOUR PLANNED FOR A MONTH IN WORTH COUNTY | | Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports | | |
A road is expected to be closed to traffic for approximately a month in Worth County, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation's southwest regional office in Tifton.
Access will be blocked to Carlton Road off State Route 133 southwest of Sylvester during the reconstruction/widening of SR 133, requiring county road traffic to detour.
Carlton Road will close for installation of a drainage structure west of SR 133. Traffic will be redirected to Ticknor Road and Thigpen Trail.
The work and road closure is scheduled to begin Feb. 19. The Carlton Road closure and detour will remain in place until March 19, or until the roadway is safe for traffic, GDOT said.
"As always, please slow down when traveling through the work zone and watch for detour signs," transportation officials advised.
| | From left are Megan DuBose, Chris Cutts, and Melinda Moore – all honored with SGBC's top awards for 2025. | | SGBC RECOGNIZES TOP EMPLOYEES | Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports | |
South Georgia Banking Co. (SGBC) recently named the recipients of its 2025 Annual Employee Awards, recognizing three individuals whose service, leadership, and commitment reflect the company's core values.
Megan DuBose was named 2025 Employee of the Year, one of SGBC's highest honors.
Known among her teammates as a constant source of positivity, DuBose brings energy, encouragement, and compassion into the workplace every day, the company said. She is recognized for going far beyond completing tasks and taking ownership of her work. A strong advocate for customers, her commitment to service has earned the admiration and trust of both clients and coworkers, SGBC said.
Chris Cutts received the Dr. Joe Turner Community Service Award, which honors Turner, the late physician, philanthropist, and longtime member of SGBC’s Board of Directors. The award recognizes an employee whose service extends far beyond the walls of the bank. Cutts is involved with the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce supporting local businesses; helps raise funds for Young Life, a Christian ministry that supports middle school, high school, and college students; and plays a hands-on role with Peanut Butter & Jesus, helping ensure local children in need receive essential meals .
Melinda Moore was honored with the Pait Willis Foundational Service Award, created in memory of SGBC’s founder and past president/chairman. The award recognizes an employee who reflects Willis' legacy of compassion, relationship-building, and service. Moore was honored for her long career and lasting impact. For nearly 47 years, she was been a steady presence across all SGBC locations. Moore is said to have built meaningful relationships by genuinely caring about customers, their families, and milestones. Her community involvement includes volunteering with Brother Charlie’s Rescue Center, First Baptist Church of Tifton, professional women’s organizations, and decades of other volunteer work.
| | TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING | |
Chick-fil-A
1601 Tift Ave. N., Tifton
Feb. 4
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY:
Letters must address local issues. All letters are subject to editing for brevity, for libelous statements, and for egregious language.
Include your name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Email letters to: IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com
A MESSAGE TO CONGRESSMAN SCOTT
AND ALL GEORGIA'S ELECTED LEADERS
To the Editor:
For many years, I have taken the time to read U.S. Congressman Austin Scott's newsletters and public commentary. While I do not agree with every position or perspective he shares, I respect his right and responsibility as an elected official to communicate his ideas, priorities, and vision to his constituents. Debate and differing viewpoints are essential to good governance.
While disagreement is natural, it’s equally important to recognize that leadership is not about tearing others down, but about lifting our communities up.
As someone who has served as a Tift County commissioner for the past 18 years, and as a former president of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia representing all 159 counties, I learned early on that effective leadership requires working together, regardless of party affiliation, to address the pressing issues that affect us all.
From my 18 years of experience, I knew that roads still needed to be paved, public safety still
demanded attention, and budgets still had to be balanced. These responsibilities do not stop for politics. Potholes do not ask for party registration, public safety is not partisan, and economic development does not hinge on how one votes. The public is not asking elected leaders to win arguments or score political points; they are asking them to govern. Civic leadership demands a focus on service over slogans and results over rhetoric. Georgia works best when leaders focus on solutions, not sides. When progress is not achieved by diminishing others, but by delivering for the people.
I must admit, there is nothing wrong with drawing policy distinctions or advancing conservative
principles. Voters deserve clarity, transparency, and conviction from their elected officials. But
repeatedly framing one party as the problem risks deepening division at a time when our state
and our country need steadier hands and more thoughtful leadership. We can disagree without
disrespect, debate without belittling, and lead without dividing.
What Georgians are asking for now is not louder rhetoric but stronger leadership. They want
leadership that persuades rather than polarizes, that challenges without demeaning, and that
remembers we were neighbors long before we were partisans.
I urge Georgia’s elected leaders at every level to elevate their tone and focus on the work that
truly matters: Strengthening our communities, supporting working families, and ensuring that our state remains a place where opportunity is not limited by ideology. Together we can create a Georgia where opportunity knows no boundaries, and everyone has the chance to thrive. Please note, everyone is a piece of the puzzle.
Melissa Hughes, DTM
Tifton
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YOUR GUIDE
TO ACTIVITIES
THIS WEEKEND
IN THE GREATER
TIFTAREA
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This Sunday, Feb. 8, is "Scout Sunday," recognizing the young people in all Scouting America programs. The Boy Scouts of America officially changed its name to Scouting America last February, a rebranding effort to become more inclusive and reflect that its programs welcome all youth, not just boys, following the integration of girls into Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Scouting America still promotes the good deeds, survival skills, and moral underpinnings that are part of the Boy Scouts' legacy.
| | Born on Feb. 6: Christopher Marlowe, writer, 1564-1593; Aaron Burr, third U.S. vice president who killed Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel, 1756-1836; Babe Ruth, Hall of Fame baseball player, 1895-1948; Ronald Reagan, actor & 40th U.S. president, 1911-2004; Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress, 1917-2016; Rip Torn, actor, 1931-2019; Mike Farrell, actor: B.J. Hunnicutt on TV's "M*A*S*H.," 1939–; Tom Brokaw, TV journalist & author, 1940–; Bob Marley, Jamaican singer-songwriter, 1945-1981; Natalie Cole, Grammy Award-winning pop singer, 1950-2015; Axl Rose, lead singer of rock band Guns N' Roses, 1962–; Rick Astley, singer-musician, 1966–. | |
FRIDAY, FEB. 6
• Home School Hangout: Introducing Scratch, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Love Avenue, Tifton
• Live From the Gallery, evening of art, live music, and conversation celebrating the work of sculptor Randy Anthony, 6 p.m., Carnegie Center Gallery, Fitzgerald
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
• Rams Read! Family Tailgate, food & fun centered around reading, 11 a.m., Margaret Jones Public Library, Sylvester
• Glass Blowing Stemless Wine Glass, hosted by Tifton Council for the Arts, noon, Main Street Arts Studio, 910 Main St. S., Tifton
• Stand Up Comedy Show, Gut Busters featuring Ramon Davis, Shan Sneeder, and Karma Moon, 8 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
• Glass Blowing Stemless Wine Glass, hosted by Tifton Council for the Arts, noon/2 p.m., Main Street Arts Studio, 910 Main St. S., Tifton
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OBITUARY
Kathryn Mary Crowley Deslauriers
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Kathryn Mary Crowley Deslauriers, 73, of Columbus, Ga., passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at Columbus Hospice House.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) N. Deslauriers, her parents Peter Robert (Bob) Crowley and Geraldine Brooks (Boots) Crowley, her brothers Michael Joseph Crowley (Vikki) and Gregory John (Greg) Crowley, and her beloved nephew Jason Geiger.
She is survived by her stepson Robert N. Deslauriers Jr. (Karen) of North Smithfield R.I.; grandchildren: Alyssa Speranza (A.J.) and Ryan Deslauriers, and two great-grandchildren; sisters: Teresa Crowley Geiger (Jerry) of Albany, Ga., Geraldine (Gerry) Wilson (Roger) of Carnesville, Ga.; brother: Peter Robert Crowley (Elizabeth) of Alexandria Va.; nieces and nephews: Becky Geiger Folk (Dan), Ryan Wilson (Alaina), Sarah Wilson Potter (Billy), Katie Crowley, Peter William Crowley (Camille), Maggie Sheehan (Connor), and nine great-nieces and nephews.
Kay was born in Statesboro, Ga. She moved with her family to Atlanta, Ga., then to Jonesboro, Ark., before settling in Tifton, Ga., when she was in junior high. She graduated from Tift County High School and went on to receive an associate degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Georgia. Following graduation, Kay went to work for Georgia Power in Columbus, Ga. After she retired, she went into the real estate business and worked for Kennon and Parker Realtors for several years. Kay made friends wherever she went because she seemed to know how to make each one around her feel special, and she was loved for this.
Kay was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, then St. Anne Catholic Church, where she was a volunteer for over 10 years with the St. Anne Community Outreach program, offering her time and service until her health no longer allowed her to continue. She was deeply committed to personal growth, being a lifelong learner. Known for her fine eye for design and color, she enjoyed helping friends and family with design projects. Lake Blackshear held a special place in Kay's heart throughout her life. It was a cherished retreat where she spent meaningful time with family and friends.
Kay married later in life after she met Bob, a widower, at church. They quickly realized that they were meant for each other and married in 2012. She loved being the favorite aunt to all her nieces and nephews, and she was thrilled to get a son, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren through her marriage. She and Bob blended their families with joy and love. They loved traveling and being with family and friends, and enjoyed seven wonderful years together until Bob passed in 2019. Kay began a long, hard battle with metastatic breast cancer, which she faced with grace, dignity, and faith in Christ, never complaining. Her friends and family were by her side the whole way, providing their help, love, and friendship in so many ways. The entire family wishes to give thanks to Kay’s caregivers, Margaret Wells and Tina Glore, who provided Kay with their daily friendship, kindness, and support.
Services:
Columbus, Ga. – February 6, 2026
Saint Anne Catholic Church
10:00 Visitation
10:30 Rosary
11:00 Funeral Mass followed by a celebration of life gathering in the St. Anne Visitation Hall.
Tifton, Ga. – February 7, 2026
1:00 Tift Gardens Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Following the service join us for a Celebration of Life gathering at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center in Tifton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Anne Community Outreach, or to The Evelyn H. Lauder Founder’s Fund for Metastatic Breast Cancer.
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JAN. 27
Howard Pettiford, 80, Tifton
Debra Daniels, 65, Cordele, formerly Fitzgerald
Annette Brooks, 78, Fitzgerald
JAN. 28
Lena Mae Lott Ontiveros Willis, 91,
St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly Omega
Raymond “Wayne” Lewis, 83, Irwin County
Eloise Carole Sheffield, 77, Tifton
Kathryn Mary Crowley Deslauriers, 73, Columbus, formerly Tifton
JAN. 29
John Arthur Haswell, 73, Tifton
Fannie Roberson Lockett Lane, 79, Chula
Ellen Gandy, 99, Adel
David Thomas Johnson, 86, Tifton
JAN. 30
Lillian Maureen Storey Radford, 85, Tifton
Debbie Andrews, 70, Sylvester
Myrtle Cooper Coleman, 83, Sylvester
Evelyn Holt Glaze, 87, Sparks
Bonnie Jean Downing, 83, Fitzgerald
Jeffery Earl Wright, 71, Ashburn
JAN. 31
Sheila Diane Harris, 60, Ty Ty
Sharon Louise Walter, 81, Nashville
Carol Ann Tucker Paulk, 82, Ocilla
FEB. 1
Freddie Ann Bostic, 78, Adel
FEB. 2
Terry Thompson Giddens, 67, Sylvester
Edward Crowley, 87, Adel
Anthony Shane “Tony” Moncus, 64, Fitzgerald
Ethel “E.T.” Turner, 89, Fitzgerald
Johnny Hayes, 81, Ashburn
Bonnie Bennett, 72, Tifton
FEB. 3
Cynthia Marie Dougherty, 65, Tifton
Denise Marie Aultman, 65, Ocilla
Troy Wayne Smith, 72, Worth County
Norma Lormand, 63, Poulan
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FEB. 4
Duane "Bird" Edward Lawson, 64, Oakfield
Ann Zupko, 74, Sylvester
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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK | "Michelangelo" came to the animal shelter as a stray, and the hope was that a family would come looking for him – but it doesn’t seem that’s his path. It's clear he was once someone’s beloved pet. Michaelangelo is affectionate, gentle, and ready to settle back into a home where he can be loved and cherished again. Come meet Michaelangelo 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). |
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