Enigma Mayor Arrested for Assault

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023

Tifton, Georgia

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

GBI CHARGES ENIGMA MAYOR WITH ASSAULT AT COUNCIL MEETINGS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Mayor Cecil Giddens, 79, of Enigma, has been arrested on charges stemming from two alleged assaults at Enigma City Council meetings, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Giddens is charged with simple battery, two counts of simple assault, two counts of battery, and two counts of disorderly conduct, the GBI said. The mayor turned himself in without incident to the Berrien County Jail on Thursday.

The Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office on June 15 had asked the GBI to investigate an alleged assault that occurred June 12 at an Enigma City Council meeting.

Then, on Oct. 27, Giddens allegedly assaulted another City Council member, and the GBI was also requested to investigate that incident. The charges against Giddens stem from both incidents, the GBI said.

In November, Giddens was re-elected mayor over challenger Gary Spears.

The investigation involving Giddens remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 229-686-7015 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

McDONALD'S TOURNEY RETURNS WED. & THU.

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The 14th McDonald's Tifton Invitational basketball tournament returns Wednesday night at Tift County High School.

The two-day tournament involves three games each on Wednesday and Thursday nights with six high school teams participating.

The Invitational begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with Crisp County High vs. Fitzgerald High, followed at 7 p.m. with Irwin County High vs. Cook County. At 8:30 p.m., the Tift County High Blue Devils face Lanier County High.

On Thursday, at 5:30 p.m., Fitzgerald and Lanier County face off, followed at 7 p.m. with Cook County vs. Crisp County, and at 8:30 p.m., Tift County concludes the tournaments with a game against Irwin County.

On both nights there is free admission for active duty, first responders, and all military personnel with valid identification. A special military/first responders appreciation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

From left with the two Lifepak monitors are Dr. Margaret Richardson-Nixon, TRMC Foundation board member; Mandy Brooks, foundation director; Bobby Bennett, Tifton fire chief; Brandon Fletcher, Irwin County public safety director; Dr. Bill Hancock, foundation chairman; and Chris Dorman, Southwell CEO and foundation board member.

TRMC FOUNDATION DONATES EQUIPMENT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation recently presented two Lifepak 15 monitors and defibrillators to Irwin County EMS.

These lifesaving devices perform a diagnostic EKG en route to the hospital, where the results are sent directly to the physician’s mobile phone at Tift Regional. The 12-lead electrocardiogram allows the physicians and the TRMC staff to prepare for the cardiac victim before arrival, saving valuable time.

The Lifepak 15 monitors and defibrillators were funded by the 2023 “Hearts and Diamonds” Gala, which raised more than $98,000 for the foundation’s Heart Safe Community Program.

For information, contact the TRMC Foundation at 229-391-3310 or visit www.trmcf.com

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

It's almost New Year's Eve, and "Eve" is ready to find a home for 2024. She is a playful kitten with a sweet disposition. Eve is ready for adoption from the Tift County Animal Shelter. Visit her and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

SLOGAN FOR NEW YEAR:

'KEEP TIFTON TRADE IN TIFTON'

~ DEC. 31, 1934

G.N. Herring was the new Tifton Board of Trade president for 1935, and on Dec. 31, 1934, announced the slogan for the new year: "Keep Tifton Trade in Tifton." Other officers serving on the Tifton Board of Trade for 1935 were P.D. Fulwood as first vice president; C.W. King as second vice president; S.B. Lassiter, third vice president; and B.H. McLeod, treasurer.