USDA HOLDING HEARING IN TIFTON
PROMOTING THE 'PECAN STATE'
Georgia is known nationally and
globally
for its peaches and
its peanuts, but many farmers also want it to be known as "The Pecan State."
In fact, pecan growers throughout the country want more promotion for pecans. T
he U.S. Department of Agriculture is holding hearings to determine if there should be a Federal Marketing Order (FMO) for pecans. Basically, that would mean federal funds would be used to promote  pecans to markets domestic and abroad.
The USDA's public hearings are being held in each of the three U.S. pecan-growing regions: Eastern (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina), Central (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas) and Western (New Mexico, Arizona and California).
The Eastern Region hearings will be
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
July 27-29 at the
Hilton Garden Inn in
Tifton.
"I believe that a federal marketing order is needed for the pecan industry to have sustained profitability in the long-term," says
Garrett Ganas, chairman of the
Georgia Farm Bureau Pecan Committee. "I'd encourage people who are interested in or concerned about the marketing order to attend one of the three days of hearings the USDA will hold in Tifton."
The American pecan industry could have its own USDA marketing order as soon as 2016, which the Georgia Pecan Commission supports. The marketing order would authorize the promotion, data collection and research activities of pecans in 15 states, including Georgia, which is the largest producer of pecans in the United States. Georgia averages 88 million pounds of pecans annually, which is worth an average of $80 million to $100 million to the state's economy.
"Our overriding objective is to increase the demand for pecans by growing the domestic and worldwide market," says Georgia Pecan Commission Chairman Thomas L. Mason. "Producers of other tree nuts, such as pistachios and almonds, already operate under marketing orders, which has allowed farmers to work together to promote their products. The FMO will level the playing field by allowing our industry to speak with one voice."
As Andy Harrison of the Georgia Department of Agriculture says, "If you don't promote yourself and fund yourself, regardless of what commodity it is, who's going to do it for you?"
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'Home Free' made its first Grand Ole Opry appearance last Friday.
Austin Brown
of Tifton is pictured second from right.
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TIFTON NATIVE,
'HOME FREE,'
MAKE OPRY DEBUT
Austin Brown, a Tifton native and a member of the a cappella country music group "Home Free," made their Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday, July 17, receiving a standing ovation and an invitation to return.
Folks may recall that the Home Free group was the Season 4 champions of NBC-TV's "The Sing-Off."
Home Free has since been making more music and touring across the United States and Canada.
At left is Home Free's latest music video, "Summer in the Country." Click it to view it.
As Austin Brown's mother, Betsy Haman of Tifton, says of the video: "My son is the one with the longest hair, doing the most singing."
A BIG NIGHT AT THE
GRAND OLE OPRY
Home Free is pictured at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., with Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher at left and with country music star Vince Gill at right.
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OPEN HOUSE Monday, August 10 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
223 East 2nd St., Suite B Tifton, Georgia
229-339-3721
Tiftarea Psychiatric and Counseling Services, LLC (TPACS)
is a mental health provider office located in Tifton, Georgia.
Clinical psychologists and therapists use psychotherapy and other counseling skills
to improve emotional and mental health. Psychologists and psychiatrists focus on
t
he evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
mental, emotional and behavioral health issues.
Tiftarea Psychiatric and Counseling Services, LLC
specializes in mental health counseling.
Couples / Family / Children & Teenagers / Depression / Substance Abuse / Stress & Anxiety / Grief Counseling
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TODAY'S EYE-OPENER: HAVE 'COFFEE WITH A COP'
The Tift County Sheriff's Office is hosting "Coffee with a Cop" beginning at 7 a.m. today, July 24, in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and, of course, drink coffee.
All residents may attend at Bojangles Famous Chicken & Biscuits, 303 S. Magnolia Drive in Tifton.
"Coffee with a Cop" is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about deputies' work in Tift County neighborhoods.
The majority of contacts law enforcement have with the public occur during emergencies or emotional situations. This event is designed to help break down barriers and allow for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our deputies," said Lt. Wingate Whitley of the sheriff's office "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."
"Coffee with a Cop" is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country.
For questions, contact: Capt. Dennis Reese, 229-388-6093, dennis.reese@tiftcounty.org
or Lt. Wingate Whitley, 229-388-6021, wingate.whitley@tiftcounty.org
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MOTHER OF LATE ABAC STUDENT CREATES AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Future students in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will benefit from a scholarship fund established in memory of former ABAC student Daren Brownlow.
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ABAC President David Bridges, left, and Dr. Jerry Baker, dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at right, join Beverly Brownlow and her husband Ronald Hoffman at the scholarship announcement.
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Beverly Brownlow, Daren Brownlow's mother, has established an endowment fund with the ABAC Foundation, in memory of her son, that will support students for years to come.
"It's such a great feeling knowing that the funds that were going to be used to help pay for Daren's education can now be used to help other students," said Brownlow.
Daren, a longtime resident of Tallahassee, Fla., walked into an ABAC classroom for the first time in 1988 after graduating from Lincoln High School in Tallahassee. Majoring in agriculture, he found the ABAC campus a perfect fit. His life was cut short after an auto accident in February 1991 while still attending ABAC.
Beverly Brownlow said Daren spent the first nine years of his life in rural Iowa and developed a love for agriculture. He spent many summers helping on his uncle's farm and enjoyed working alongside his cousins. He hoped to return to Iowa one day and forge a career in agriculture.
Contributions may be made by check payable to the ABAC Foundation and sent to the Daren Brownlow Endowment, ABAC Foundation, 2802 Moore Hwy, ABAC 13, Tifton, Ga., 31793. All gifts to the fund are tax deductible, and the fund will generate income to fund scholarships in perpetuity.
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Kelly Burk and Kelly Helwig in Tifton
Enhancing the Lives of Aging Adults and Their Families
- Companionship
- Transitional Care
- Medication Reminders
- Meal Preparation
- Light Housekeeping
- Respite Care
- Escort to Shopping and Errands
Our services grow as CAREGivers
sm
find new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our clients.
229-396-5243
1810 U.S. Highway 41 N., Suite B
Tifton, GA 31794
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SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR
TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
The Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce's 22nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at Springhill Country Club.
The Chamber is already accepting sponsorships. 
The tournament's format is Four-man Lauderdale. Shotgun will start at 8:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Morning participants may come early for doughnuts, biscuits and coffee. Lunch will be served at
noon.
Planned is a Hole-in-One Contest for a new car, and Closestto the Pin and Longest Drive prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four teams. A revolving trophy will be presented to the top team.
The golfer's fee is $105 per person, which includes one mulligan.
All Chamber members and Golf Classic participants may attend the award ceremony reception.
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BE CAREFUL
during the next couple of days when traveling through the
Carpenter Road Intersection at Whiddon Mill Road in Tifton because of road work (what else is new?).
In conjunction with the $10.9 million widening and reconstruction project on Carpenter Road, contractors have flagging operations under way.
Motorists should expect delays in the area and are advised to use alternate routes, if possible. ... HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU? We have been experiencing heat advisories
throughout the past week as heat indices have risen into the triple digits. Remember not to leave any person or animal in a vehicle for even a few minutes. On Tuesday, a 2-year-old child was taken to the hospital after being left in a hot car in a Walmart parking lot in Valdosta. A concerned citizen rescued the
child, who was soaked with swear but alert. The temperature at the time was 96
degrees with a heat index of 107 degrees, according to Lowndes County 911. The child's grandmother had left the child in the vehicle. Charges are pending. ... THE TIFTAREA TIDAL WAVE
swim
team did well last weekend in the
state Recreation and Park Association Class B/C state swim meet
held here in
Tifton
. In overall competition, the
Tidal Wave
placed
third
in the
two-day state competition
. Douglas placed
first
and the
Oconee
recreation team was
second
. The
Tiftarea Tidal Wave
placed first in some individual and relay events.
... OUR THOUGHTS AND BEST WISHES
go out
to
Eunice Mixon
, Tifton's own well-known
Southern Belle
and a political force behind the scenes, who is recovering from a bout of
pneumonia
. Get well,
Miz Eunice
!
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Need your GED?
Call us for free tutoring in Reading, Language, Math. Scholarships Available.
Tifton-Tift County is a Certified Literate Community!
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LOWE'S AWARDS $5,000 GRANT
TO KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL
Lowe's has awarded a $5,000 grant to support the Keep Tift Beautiful Board's mission to help make Tifton a clean, green and a more beautiful place to live. The Keep America Beautiful/Lowe's grant will provide funds for a garden storage facility and essential tools to maintain the North Central Avenue Community Garden at 1409 North Central Ave. in Tifton.
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The new garden storage facility
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The Community Garden was dedicated on May 9, and many volunteers have participated in developing the project each week. During June and July, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, cucumbers and peppers were harvested. Among the many volunteers, the Keep Tift Beautiful Board especially recognizes board member Richard Burton for his diligence and oversight in the garden's planning and maintenance. On June 15, the garden was the first stop for the Bike to Farm Tour participants. On July 13, the garden storage facility was delivered to the North Central Avenue Community Garden. The storage facility is the largest capital investment from the grant funds. The remaining funds will be used to purchase a garden tiller and additional garden tools and materials. A portion of the grant will be used for the water supply needs and to purchase promotional materials. The Keep Tift Beautiful grant is one of 50 merit-based grants awarded nationally by Lowe's to community-based affiliates of Keep America Beautiful; Keep Tift Beautiful was one of two recipients in Georgia. Keep America Beautiful affiliates and partnering organizations received nearly 245 Lowe's grants in the past three years. The Keep Tift Beautiful Board also acknowledges the efforts of Boy Scout Troup 62, Nick Gladden, Dr. Bret B. Wagenhorst and Lenox Gin for dedicated work hours and for donating basic garden materials. Many other local work groups have donated time, effort and used personal tools to work the garden. Planning is now underway for the fall planting. The mission of Keep Tift Beautiful is to work together as a unified community to create good stewards of the earth through beautification, education and conservation. For information, call 229-391-3944. and visit ncacg.blogspot.com
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RUN FOR LOVE 5K & RUN/WALK SUPPORTS
TIFT SCHOOLS' CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS
 The Tift County High and Tift County Middle Schools' cross country teams invite folks to participate in their 26th Annual Run For Love 5K Road Race and 1-mile Run/Walk on August 1.
Unlike most 5K races, this one is held in the evening, with the one-mile run/walk beginning at 7:15 p.m. and the 5K race beginning at 7:45 p.m. at the ABAC tennis center.
Participation is a way to support the cross country teams. This is the only fundraiser the team does.
Registration is available online at www.active.com For information, visit https://tiftcountycc.shutterfly.com
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TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON-CUTTING
The Coastal Lifestyle
Tuesday, July 21
118 E. Second Street
Tifton
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REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY FOR TIFT COUNTY REC FOOTBALL, CHEERLEADING, SOCCER
Tift County Recreation Department registration for football, cheerleading and soccer gets underway on  Monday, July 27, and continues through Friday, Aug. 21.
Recreation Department office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at 401 Victory Drive North (across from the VFW) . Phone 229-382-3262 or email recreation@tiftcounty.org for information. 
The fee is $50 for Tift County residents (add $12.50 for out-of-county). Multiple registrants in the same household receive a 10 percent discount. The age control date for flag football, cheerleading and tackle football is the age prior to Sept. 1 of the current year. The age control date for soccer is your age prior to Aug. 1.
Bring a certified copy of your child's birth certificate for our files; .bring the
activity fee, if applicable; and complete our activity registration form. Mail-in registration with payment is now available.
Registration forms, coach and sponsor applications are available on our website, www.tiftcounty.org
Payment may be made by Visa, MasterCard, debit card, check, telecheck, money order and cash.
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Betsy Haman
Alterations, Sewing, Repairs, Monogramming, Embroidery and Applique
Visit Me this Saturday, July 25
at the Downtown Tifton Farmers Market
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
at the Old Train
Platform
Hand-made sewn items: Stuffed toys, wallets, bowl holders, tote bags made from chicken feed sacks ... and more!
Personalized Memory Bears created just for you!
A Memory Bear is made from a shirt or other clothing from a loved one who has passed, or is a way to remember some other moment in a person's life, such as your child's special clothes, an old athletic or Scout uniform, etc.
 
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Be Part of the Movement
to End Alzheimer's!
Kick Off Party for
the Walk to End Alzheimer's
Fun! Food! Prizes!
Come Join in the Fight Against Alzheimer's!
Learn How to Start a Team and Raise Funds for Alzheimer's Disease!
Thursday, July 30, 5-7 p.m., The Bistro at 219, Min Street, Tifton
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Wonder What's Going On
in the Tiftarea?
Then Subscribe
to
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tifton, Georgia
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YOUR WEEKEND
...at a Glance
FRIDAY, JULY 24
- Coffee with a Cop, 7 a.m., Bojangles Biscuits, Tifton
- Back to School Bash, 9 a.m., Tift County Health Department, Tifton
- "9 to 5," musical, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tifton
SATURDAY, JULY 25
- Wiregrass Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
- Downtown Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Old Train Platform, Tifton
- "9 to 5," musical, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tifton
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JULY 16
Sonya Denise Storey Tolar, 42, Tifton
Margaret Katherine Warren, 68, Nashville
Stanley Williams, Sylvester
Jack White Martin, 91, Dublin
JULY 17
Bobby Lee Hartsfield, 56, Tifton
Harold Wynn, 87, Ocilla
Ray Andrews, 79, Worth County
JULY 18
Vernon Ray "Buddy" Pesnell, 66, Leesburg
Gene Dixon, 73, Fitzgerald
JULY 19
Ronnie Wright, 74, Adel
Patsy Joan McSwain, 81, Fitzgerald
David Edmonds, 58, Ashburn
JULY 20
Edna L. White, 83,
Nerine S. McIntyre, 92, Sparks
Mary Emma Shultz Henderson, 92, Ocilla
Vyrtice Marlin, Sylvester
Louise Turner White, 83, Chula
Gina Mae Jackson, 48, Moultrie
JULY 21
Sherman Parker Jr., 89, Poulan
Lillie Ann Ewing, 74, Nashville
JULY 22
Eva Maran Tabor Long, 78, Fitzgerald
Mary Frances Weaver, Ashburn
JULY 23
Phyllis Dawn McMillan, 55, Enigma
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SERVING YOU WITH PROFESSIONALISM
BEFORE, DURING & AFTER THE SALE
$127,500
If you are looking for a home that is in excellent condition and has the amenities of pool, walking trails, clubhouse -- then look no further. This home is move-in ready and includes all appliances. Located in the popular Cypress Ridge subdivision, it is close to hospital, Tift County High School, several elementary schools, numerous restaurants and many doctor's offices. Laminate floors, carpet in bedrooms, tiled kitchen and baths, and an open floor plan is what everyone desires, and this one has it all. Wood-fenced back yard and a patio area also. Make your appointment to see this home today. Home Owner Association dues of once every 3 months takes care of common area in subdivision as well as pool and clubhouse use.
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Dwana Coleman
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Call Us Today!
229-386-4222
Blue Skies & Sunshine Through Each & Every
Real Estate Transaction!
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