Mell Baptist Association mission volunteers at work on the Of One Accord Ministries center in Rogersville, Tenn. The Tifton mission team repaired homes for the needy in the Appalachian community last week.

JOINING ‘GOD AT WORK'

TIFTON’S MELL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MISSION

WRAPS UP HOME REPAIRS IN APPALACHIA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

As Holy Week began on the Christian calendar, a team representing Tifton’s Mell Baptist Association ended its multi-day mission repairing homes for the needy in the Tennessee hills.

Last week, the Rev. Tom Hocutt of Tifton, the Mell Baptist Association’s mission director, led the team of 13 from four churches (Brookfield, Enigma, Lenox, and Liberty) to the small town of Rogersville, Tenn., to work with Of One Accord Ministries to serve the underprivileged Appalachian community.

"This is the third year that we have taken a team to work with Of One Accord Ministries,” Hocutt told the Tifton Grapevine.

"I took a few pastors and a laymen five years ago to see possible ministries to work with in that area of Tennessee. We were unanimous in choosing Of One Accord Ministries because we saw God at work in this ministry."

Hocutt told the Rogersville Review newspaper that "God is working here. We believe when you see God at work, join Him. … We’re just grateful to be a part of what God’s doing here and helping the poor of Appalachia, and trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

While in the mountain community last week, the Mell Baptist mission team worked on several homes, handling such work as installing new flooring and carpeting, building stairs, installing new doors and walls with sheetrock, putting in bathrooms and showers, repairing roofs, and even running a water line and electricity across a creek to a shed that was being turned into a handicap bath and kitchen.

As the male volunteers worked on homes, the women in the team handled food distribution and provided hot meals to area seniors.

Hocutt said the Tifton team was merely "joining God on what He was doing there; all of the 12 who went with me this year want to go again."

The Mell Baptist Association, a voluntary partnership of churches, also has been going to Ichmul, Mexico, to work with Mission House International.

"I will be taking four others from two churches July 8-15 this year. This will be the third year we have taken a team,” Hocutt said.

The local team works with area churches in Mexico, including working with children and participating in worship services. "Last year we had a medical team with us,” Hocutt said.

"An interesting sidelight to the Rogersville mission trips is that several men asked me why we couldn’t do home repairs (here) like they were doing for the poor of Appalachia. As a result, two years ago the Mell Baptist Association started our own home repair ministry here in Tifton,” he said.

“But that should be a whole other story."

TIFTON DRUG TRAFFICKING RING LEADER GETS 25 YRs IN PRISON

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man identified as the lead supplier for an armed drug trafficking ring has been sentenced to more than 25 years in prison, says the U.S. Department of Justice.

Rafon “Tweed” Carithers, 34, was sentenced March 30 to serve 310 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The Justice Department said Carithers was responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine into the Tifton community.

Two co-defendants from Tifton were also sentenced to prison last week:

McKevor “Chevy” Mulkey 32, of Tifton, was sentenced to serve 190 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Damarius Williams, 26, of Tifton, was sentenced to 25 months in prison after pleading guilty to methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute.

“Nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies had a hand in helping shut down a significant methamphetamine supplier and his distributors pushing this highly addictive drug into the Tifton community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

“Our fight against drug traffickers and this armed trafficking ring is yet another step in stemming the flow of meth into Tifton and Tift County. With the help of our community and our law enforcement allies, we will continue to make this a safer place to work and live,” said Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough.

Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman said it is “great to have these defendants, the drugs, and the firearms off the streets of Tifton. We are appreciative of the coordination between agencies involved in this investigation.”

Another 14 co-defendants from Tifton and Ashburn have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison:

• Tevin “Tay” Parker, 28, of Tifton, sentenced to 262 months for methamphetamine distribution;
• Juanjava “Jay” Boggerty, 49, of Tifton, sentenced to 235 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
• Courtney Taylor, 39, of Tifton, 235 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• Rishaun Richardson, 26, of Tifton, 170 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• Brian "Joe” “Fos” Foster, 30, of Tifton, 136 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• Bradrick “Big Baby” Boston, 34, of Tifton, 108 months for methamphetamine distribution;
• Clenton Davis, 33, of Ashburn, 96 months for managing drug premises;
• Darrell Mack, 33, of Tifton, 78 months for methamphetamine distribution;
• Keyuntran Taylor, 23, of Ashburn, 70 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• Dmya Norris, 25, of Tifton, 60 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• Dante Hille, 29, of Ashburn, 51 months for methamphetamine distribution;
• Vontesha Dixon, 32, of Tifton, 36 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Keilaysha Dixon, 23, of Tifton, 30 months for use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
• Jala Taylor, 24, of Tifton, 24 months for methamphetamine distribution.

Also, Jehmeil Carmichael, 35, of Tifton, has pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; his sentencing is scheduled May 4.

From left are Angie Saturday, Tifton Exchange Club president; honoree Wendy Shipp; and Annie Clark, Tift County DFCS director.

DFCS WORKER NAMED CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION HERO

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Exchange Club of Tifton kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month by presenting the Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Hero Award to Wendy Shipp with Tift County Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS). 

Tift County DFCS Director Annie Clark said Shipp was chosen to receive the award because she can always be counted upon. “She has been a saint,” Clark said.

Shipp has a true heart for the job, even after 16 years, Clark said.

The Exchange Club created the CAP Hero Award to recognize and encourage DFCS workers. "These caseworkers have a very difficult job that does not get a lot of praise, but they work so hard for the children they serve,” the club said.

The Zone will be there selling merch and drawing for a Zone Gift Card; everyone who buys a ticket is eligible.

One winner will be announced at the end of the night.

Tournament Director Kevin Miller, left, presents the top trophy to William Holt of Valdosta, who had the best score in the inaugural Fulwood Amateur Fling.

FULWOOD FLING ATTRACTS 72 DISC GOLFERS TO TIFTON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The inaugural Fulwood Amateur Fling, a Professional Disc Golf Association tournament, was held Sunday and brought 72 disc golfers and their families and friends from several states to Tifton’s Fulwood Park.

The winners were:

First place in Mixed Amateur 1: William Holt of Valdosta, with 13 under par. Second place: Umesh Chaudari of Tifton, and Third place: Charles Gruver of Tifton. 

First place in Mixed Amateur 40+: Raymond Fuentes of Leesburg, with 8 under par. Mixed Amateur 50+ first place: James Coste of Tallahassee, Fla., with 9 under par.

First place in Mixed Amateur 2: Big Country of Brooklet, Ga., with 11 under par. Justin Hernandez of Bonaire, was second place, and Tyler Kinsler of Hawkinsville took third.

First place in Mixed Amateur 3: William Smith of Tifton, with 8 under par. Second place: Drew Jeffords of Valdosta, and third was Matthew Rivera of Tifton.

First place in Mixed Amateur 4: Eric Albury of Tifton, with 6 under par. Second place: Joshua Stephens of Brunswick, and third: Rick Pearson Jr. of Valdosta.

First place in Women’s Amateur 2: Erica Woodworth of Brooklet. First place in Women’s Amateur 4: Victoria Stone of Lenox. First place in Women’s Amateur 50+: Meg Bevan of Dry Branch.

First place in Mixed Junior age 15 and under: Aaron Patillo of Tifton. First place in Mixed Junior age 12 and under: Mason McLean of Tifton. 

CHICK-fil-A’s SIDE SALAD:

CUSTOMERS SQUAWKED, COMPANY LISTENED

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Chick-fil-A fans have something to crow about: The beloved side salad has gotten a reprieve from the menu chopping block and is “here to stay."

So says the the chicken restaurant chain.

Perhaps it’s the power of social media: Customers squawked when Chick-fil-A announced it was retiring its side salad from the menu. That announcement was first made on social media by Tifton's Chick-fil-A location. The last day to order the side salad was set to be April 3. 

But in a press release Friday, the Atlanta-based company wrote:

"Chick-fil-A fans, rejoice! The side salad will remain on the menu.

At Chick-fil-A, our guests are at the forefront of every decision we make, whether testing new culinary creations or rethinking our menu offerings. 

In an effort to simplify and refresh our menu, we made the difficult decision to remove the side salad from our menus earlier this month. However, based on feedback, we’ve chosen to continue serving the side salad at participating restaurant locations.

We are thrilled that customers can continue enjoying this menu item."

The Chick-fil-A in Tifton posted: "This is not a joke. Chick-fil-A home office heard you, and the side salad is here to stay!"

The response was immediate.

"Woo Hoo!!!! I am so glad!!! I can still order my 8 piece nuggets and side salad with creamy salsa dressing!!! Thank you for listening to your customers!!!” wrote one on the Tifton restaurants’s Facebook site.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! I was super upset!!” wrote another customer.

Now folks are asking – what they can do to get the cole slaw back on the menu.

LOCAL REPS NAMED TO HOUSE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

State Reps. Clay Pirkle, R-Ashburn, and Bill Yearta, R-Sylvester, are among the members named to the Georgia House Rural Development Council.

House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, announced the appointments last week. Burns also named Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, as an ex-officio member, based on her area of expertise.

Houston chairs the Economic Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.

The House Rural Development Council was created in 2017 to work with rural communities to encourage economic growth and job creation. It was renewed for the 2023-2024 legislative session by House Resolution 488, which was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives on March 27.

POET READS WORKS AT ABAC WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Allison Adelle Hedge Coke will share some of her poems at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at ABAC’s Edwards Hall as part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit.

Coke, a poet, writer, and educator, was born in Texas and raised in North Carolina, Canada, and on the Great Plains. She earned a degree creative writing at the Institute for American Indian Arts campus in Santa Fe, N.M., and a master’s in fine arts from Vermont.

She authored a small collection of poems, “Year of the Rat,” and the full-length poetry collections “Dog Road Woman,” “Off-Season City Pipe,” “Blood Run,” “Streaming, an illustrated special edition Burn,” and the memoir “Rock, Ghost, Willow, Deer.”

One inclusion in “Streaming,” selected by Motion Poems and Pixel Farms to be made into an animated film, and several other “Streaming” poems influenced the documentary project she directed, "Red Dust."

The Georgia Poetry Circuit, founded at Mercer University in 1985, is a consortium of 10 Georgia colleges and universities bringing poets of national and international reputation to members’ campuses.

is seeking a few dedicated applicants to join our team 

for a position as a Clinical Team Assistant

At MRS Homecare, we are committed to providing the highest quality service by highly trained professionals with the patients’ best interest in mind. To be a part of the MRS Team, an individual must have the desire to be the best at what he/she does and be willing to do what it takes to get there.

The position of Clinical Team Assistant is responsible for 

(but not limited to): 

• Assisting Patients in the Store and over the Phone, Correspondence with Physicians and staff, Hospitals etc.
• Verifying Insurance and making sure proper documentation is obtained for Insurance Companies.
• Completion of orders from various referrals and contact patient once completed. 
• Explanation and completion of all necessary paperwork with the patient at scheduling appointments.
• Fast-paced environment. 
• Background in Durable Medical Equipment is a bonus; Brightree software, Medical office experience and computer skills is a plus.

The ideal candidate for this position will have healthcare experience 

but it is not absolutely necessary for consideration. 

The necessary qualifiers are:

• High School diploma or GED
• A verifiable track record of consistent workplace attendance.
• The ability to solve problems with minimal supervision.
• The desire to learn and adapt to an ever-changing industry.
• A substantial grasp on the English language, both verbal and written.
• Clean Criminal background check.

Please forward your resume and references via email to apply: Tifton@mrshomecare.com

BENEFITS:

VOLUNTEERS MAY JOIN TIFTON

IN EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Keep Tift Beautiful is partnering with the City of Tifton on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, for a citywide clean-up.

The litter pick-up event will be 9 a.m.-noon and kicks off Tifton’s participation in Georgia Cities Week. Following the clean-up, the city will provide lunch to volunteers. 

To register for the litter pick-up, Click Here!

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Ivan,” a Russian blue male, is among the pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt Ivan and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

BURPEE VISITS TIFTON, DONATES SEEDS

& BULBS FOR FULWOOD PARK

~ APRIL 7, 1933

W. Atlee Burpee Jr., vice president of the Burpee Seed Co., begun by his father, visited Tifton on April 7, 1933, and, according to news dispatches, “was so impressed with the city that he made a donation of 80 pounds of seed and bulbs” for Fulwood Park.

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor