Digital Newspaper for Tifton, Ga., and the Greater Tiftarea

John Berry during a recent appearance on WZTV in Nashville, Tenn.

EX-TIFT RESIDENT JOHN BERRY IN HALL OF FAME

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Grammy winner John Berry, a former Tift County resident, has just been inducted into the North America Country Music Hall of Fame, and three of his albums are being digitally re-released.

Earlier this year, he was also inducted into the Carolina Country Music Association’s Hall of Fame, receiving its Lifetime Achievement Award. Berry grew up outside Atlanta and spent much of his life in Georgia but was born in Aiken, S.C.

Berry, who has many friends in Tifton, spent about a year living in Tift County in 2012 before relocating back to the Nashville, Tenn., area.

“Tifton really is a great community. It’s still a small town; it’s got that small-town feel about it. And it straddles I-75; you can be anywhere; there is access to anything,” he once told this writer.

Berry was inducted into the North America Country Music Hall of Fame on March 16 in Tennessee along with singers Randy Travis, Mel Tillis, and Barbara Fairchild.

Berry has had six Top 10 hit songs including a No. 1 single – "Your Love Amazes Me"– as well as numerous other Top 40 hits. He has made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage since his debut there in 1996.

Three of his past albums, "Hits," "I Give My Heart," and "What I Love Most," are now being re-released digitally. He said one album cover has a "very young picture" of him and another has a present-day photo.

He recently told WZTV in Nashville, Tenn., that his wife Robin looked at the younger picture, and said "My boyfriend," and then, looking at the other, said, "My husband."

Berry is continuing to fill his tour schedule for the year and is already booking his 28th annual Christmas tour, a popular event in which he sings fan-favorite Christmas classics, many of his hits, and shares holiday memories.

TIFTON MAN NAMED

STATE GEOLOGIST

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Edward Rooks of Tifton has been named state geologist.

Rooks is a geologist with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the state Department of Natural Resources.

In addition to his duties as state geologist, Rooks will continue in his role as a program manager in EPD's Watershed Protection Branch, where he oversees agricultural permitting and evaluation of more than 600 annual applications and permit revision requests for compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.

He oversees inspection of newly constructed wells for compliance with construction requirements, and manages licensing, certification, and compliance for drilling and pump contractors. Rooks serves as administrative agent for the Water Well Standards Advisory Council.

Rooks has more than 30 years of experience as a geologist, environmental manager, and program manager, and has held roles as a contractor, consultant, manufacturer, and regulator. He previously served as environmental manager of Tifton Aluminum Co.

He received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Emory University and a master’s degree in earth resources management from the University of South Carolina. Rooks has been a registered professional geologist in Georgia since 1995 and was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists in 2021.

In the role of state geologist, Rooks succeeds Dr. Jim Kennedy, who retired in 2022. The appointment was recently announced by Georgia EPD Director Jeff Cown.

WWII VET THOMPSON, D-DAY PARTICIPANT, DIES AT 101

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A local World II veteran, a member of what has been called "The Greatest Generation," has died at the age of 101.

Grady Milton Thompson Sr. was a self-employed retired farmer and Navy veteran whose ship, the USS Thomas Jefferson, unloaded infantry troops at Normandy in WWII. He died Monday at Tift Regional Medical Center with his children by his side.

His family said Thompson dedicated his life to both his family and his faith as a member of Lenox Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher until the age of 100. He enjoyed reciting poems at church services and family gatherings, which kept his mind sharp. 

During in an interview with WALB-TV in December, Thompson discussed his Navy service when he helped deliver the first troops on the Normandy beaches in 1944. 

“We were in Waymouth, England, going to leave out for the beach in Normandy,” Thompson said. “And our American planes come in, and German planes right behind them. The radar didn’t pick them up. A bomb dropped on the side of our ship, which was probably aimed at us. It didn’t hit the ship, but if it had hit where I was stationed, I would’ve been cut to splinters. I told the Lord then, 'If you let me go home back to my family, I’ll serve you.' And He did.”

Thompson said they didn’t lose a single man on his ship. “God rung my bell, and I raised my family in church. We had nine children – seven boys and two girls,” Thompson said.

His son Grady Thompson Jr., was chairman of the Tift County Board of Commissioners for 15 years.

In addition to his military service, Thompson's pride and joy were his family. He cherished his late wife, Ila "Jean" Connell Thompson, with whom he shared 72 years. In addition to his children, he had 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

“His kindness, dedication to family, and love for the land will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” his family said.

He was born in Worth County on June 27, 1922. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today, Friday, in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with interment in Eldorado Baptist Church Cemetery.

NASA map

The map shows the projected path of the total solar eclipse. Areas outside the path will have a partial solar eclipse.

TIFTAREA TO EXPERIENCE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Monday's partial solar eclipse will begin about 2 p.m. in the Tiftarea and reach its maximum coverage at 3:03 p.m., according to the NASA Explorer Tool website. It will conclude locally by 4:19 p.m. 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA.

The Tiftarea will have 71.9% coverage, compared to people in the main path of totality from San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas, north to include Indianapolis, Ind.; upstate New York; Montreal, Canada; and parts of Vermont and Maine. 

What is the difference between a total and partial solar eclipse? A partial eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the celestial bodies are not completely aligned.

"The difference between a total and a partial solar eclipse is literally night and day," said Michael Zeiler on the NASA website, adding that unless one is within the path of totality, the chance to see the sun's corona disappears.

"Even if you stand just a little bit outside the path of totality, even if you are in the zone of 99%, the sunlight is still 10,000 times brighter than the Sun's corona," Zeiler said. "So it's impossible to see the corona unless you are truly inside the path of totality."

On April 8, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the United States as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for the event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.

During that event, an estimated 215 million U.S. adults (88% of adults) viewed the solar eclipse, either directly or electronically. They experienced the moon pass in front of the sun, blocking part or all of our closest star’s bright face. The eclipse this year could be even more exciting because of differences in the path, timing, and scientific research, NASA said.

Monday's eclipse will also pass over more cities and densely populated areas than did the 2017 path. This will make it easier for more people to see totality. An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year, compared to 12 million in 2017. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

This year, totality will also last longer. Seven years ago, the longest period of totality was experienced near Carbondale, Ill., at 2 minutes, 42 seconds.

For the upcoming eclipse, totality will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds, in an area about 25 minutes northwest of Torreón, Mexico. As the eclipse enters Texas, totality will last about 4 minutes, 26 seconds at the center of the eclipse's path.

Durations longer than 4 minutes stretch as far north as Economy, Ind. Even as the eclipse exits the U.S. and enters Canada, the eclipse will last up to 3 minutes, 21 seconds.

People are cautioned not to view the eclipse directly without the use of specialized glasses.

SEX-TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR SEEKS TO PROTECT KIDS FROM 'OTHER LIFE'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

“How many of you live two lives in one lifetime?” a keynote speaker for a domestic violence summit asked the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday. “I did,” said Renee Jones.

Jones was in Tifton for Alliance for Children’s annual summit, which was held Thursday at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center with 119 participants registered to attend. 

Currently of Tampa, Fla., Jones lived a life of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and drug abuse before leaving that life and earning a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in mental health counseling, becoming a counselor and speaker. She is CEO of I Speak Hope and operates In Community Counseling LLC. 

“Renee’s story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of self love,” said Cindy Evers, CEO of Alliance for Children in Tifton. Evers reminded Rotarians that April is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Jones shared how she became pregnant at age 17 when she lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and was forced to marry the father of her baby. Her husband subsequently became an abuser and went AWOL from the military, threatening to kill her. Later, after divorcing him and looking for love, she got involved with someone who made her a prostitute, and she eventually was sold to the highest bidder and taken to New York City.

She became someone who recruited and groomed new victims of sex trafficking.

“I’m spilling the beans,” she said. “I’m going to put it out there, and I’m going to let people know what it looks like, and what our kids are facing and dealing with when we give them phones and tablets and don’t monitor them. 

“I was taught to groom. I was taught to get ‘em, to get them to come home to ‘Daddy,’ to the next person that won the bid. That’s why I do what I do today.” 

After leaving “the streets,” she said she began working in a bar and was asked to sell drugs. Now, she is 24-years sober and talks to parents, police officers, and other first responders to help them protect children and keep them safe from the dangers she experienced in “the other life.” 

April 2, 2024

Dear District 2 Constituents:

In the heart of District 2, Commissioner Hughes serves her constituents with unwavering dedication and profound commitment. With 15 years of service under her belt, her announcement to seek re-election is not just a continuation of a political career, but a renewed pledge to uplift the community she calls home, “One Street at a Time.”

Commissioner Hughes's narrative is one of impact and inspiration, emphasized by four vital actions that feature her dedication:

1. Bridging Voices Across Government Levels: Understanding that the strength of a community lies in its connections, Commissioner Hughes has tirelessly worked to forge robust dialogues with local, state, and national representatives. By bringing the specific needs and concerns of District 2 to the forefront, she has ensured that her community is not just a footnote in policy discussions but a priority in decision-making processes.
2. Championing Fair Water Rates: Understanding the vital role of water as a life-giving resource, she has championed the cause to equalize water rates, ensuring fairness and affordability for every resident. 
3. Enhancing Employee Well-being: With a keen understanding that the backbone of any community is its workforce, Commissioner Hughes voted in favor of increasing salaries for Tift County employees. This move was not just about acknowledging their hard work but ensuring that they are rewarded in a manner that fosters dignity, respect, and a higher quality of life.
4. Catalyzing Community Safety and Unity: Through her active participation in STOP the Violence in Tift County Events and advocating for the youth through PLIGHT (Proud Loving Individuals Giving a Hand to Teens), Commissioner Hughes has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for all residents. 

Beyond these actions, Commissioner Hughes's initiatives like “Keep’em Warm Coat Drive” and “Sock It To ‘Em With Love Sock Drive” represent her hands-on approach to addressing community needs. These efforts are not just about providing material support; they symbolize a deeper message of care, unity, and team spirit.

With a track record of tangible achievements, Commissioner Hughes's campaign is not just about maintaining a title; it's about continuing a mission. A mission to serve, uplift, and transform District 2 “One Street at a Time.”

Sincerely,

Committee to Elect Melissa Hughes 

Paid for by Committee to Elect Melissa Hughes

AMERICAN LEGACY QUILT SHOW UNDERWAY TODAY AND SATURDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The annual American Legacy Quilt Show, hosted by the Wiregrass Quilters Guild (WQG) and the Georgia Museum of Agriculture returns today and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.

The show includes approximately 60 quilts made by WQG members and other local quilters. Tickets are for sale for a red and black raffle quilt, an electronic Eversewn Sparrow 25 sewing machine, and prize baskets.  

Visitors may sit down and help sew a block for a Quilt of Valor to be placed in a quilt for a veteran or service member touched by war.

Proceeds from the raffle quilt help pay expenses for the show. Proceeds from from the sewing machine raffle will be donated to area food banks.

Admission to the quilt show is included with paid admission to the museum. On Saturday, the museum’s annual Folklife Festival will also be underway.

TCHS Valedictorian Lindsey Kreschollek, left, and salutatorian Stephen Denham, at right, pose with Principal Jerry Baker.

TIFT COUNTY HIGH NAMES

VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The valedictorian and salutatorian of Tift County High School's Class of 2024 have been named.

Lindsey Kreschollek is valedictorian with a GPA of 99.870. She is the daughter of Laura Hall and William Kreschollek.

Stephen Denham is the class salutatorian with a GPA of 99.867. He is the son of Sean and Heather Denham.

The difference in their grade point averages is just 0.003 points. These top academic achievers have proven that hard work, dedication, and every single point matters, the school said.

Both of them have been in Tift County Schools since kindergarten.

To Subscribe, Click Here!

Your free subscription allows you to receive our MidWeek and Weekender editions in your in-box, along with occasional Sponsored Editions.

Your subscription is free because of the support of local advertisers.

Please support the businesses and organizations who make this possible.

To Contact Us, Call 478-227-7126

Statewide influenza data released from the 

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of week ending March 23:

Since Seasonal Tracking Beginning Oct. 23, 2023:

TOTAL INFLUENZA OUTBREAKS: 151 ............................................... LATEST WEEK: 0

TOTAL AREA HOSPITALIZATIONS: 4,205 ..........................................LATEST WEEK: 19

TOTAL INFLUENZA-ASSOCIATED DEATHS: 52 ................................ LATEST WEEK: 0

In Georgia, influenza is not a reportable condition, with the exception of influenza-associated deaths and outbreaks.

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

This Saturday, April 6, is National Library Day, highlighting the valuable role that libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The first systematically organized library was founded in the 7th century B.C. by Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, in contemporary Iraq. It contained approximately 30,000 cuneiform tablets sorted by subject.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 (Wear Blue Day for child abuse awareness)

• American Legacy Quilt Show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
• "A Voice for All Children" Pinwheel Ceremony – Tift County Council on Child Abuse, 10 a.m., 202 Baldwin Drive, Tifton
• First Friday Concert, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton
• "In the Eyes of the Beholder: From Trash to Treasure" exhibit, art created from found objects, 4-7 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, Love Avenue, Tifton
• Gee Haw Whoa Back Rodeo, 7 p.m., Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

• American Legacy Quilt Show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
• Folklife Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
• "In the Eyes of the Beholder: From Trash to Treasure" exhibit, art created from found objects, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, Love Avenue, Tifton
• Gee Haw Whoa Back Rodeo, 7 p.m., Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton
• Matt Stone as Elvis, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

• "In the Eyes of the Beholder: From Trash to Treasure" exhibit, art created from found objects, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, Love Avenue, Tifton

ADVERTISE YOUR

YARD SALE HERE!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR RESIDENTIAL

YARD SALE, CONTACT US at 

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

"Big Foot" came to the animal shelter through no fault of his own after his owner was placed in assisted living care. His owner loved him and worried about him. Big Foot has really struggled to adjust. He is lonely and feels lost. He would do best in a one-dog home. Come visit him and other pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, open between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For additional information, call 229-382-PETS (7387).