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TIFTON, ASHBURN AIRPORTS GETTING FEDERAL GRANTS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Henry Tift Myers Airport in Tifton and the Turner County Airport in Ashburn are among 31 regional airports in Georgia receiving federal grants for upgrades.

The Tifton airport is getting $282,000, and the Ashburn airport will receive $56,500, Georgia's U.S. Sens. John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock announced recently.

The grants are among more than $13 million in federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports.

“This investment in Georgia’s aviation infrastructure is critical to our state and its economy,” Warnock said.

“Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness," Ossoff noted.

The Moultrie Municipal Airport is slated to receive $282,000; the Valdosta Regional Airport, which offers commercial flights, will receive $3,933,289 in federal funding.

Last year, the Tifton airport was awarded a $443,241 federal grant for hangar construction. Henry Tift Myers Airport has seen numerous improvements in recent years, including aerial mapping and GPS approaches on all of the runways, upgrades in the instrument landing system, and improvements to the weather reporting system so that pilots arriving from other states can get real-time weather conditions at the Tifton airport.

Two runway extension projects in the past several years increased the runway in Tifton – first from 4,800 to 5,500 feet, and then another 1,000-foot extension to 6,500 feet, which is just about as long as Albany’s airport.

Early last year the Tifton airport completed a $6 million project to overlay the entire main runway.

REYNOLDS SEEKING

RE-ELECTION TO TIFTON CITY COUNCIL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton City Councilman Josh Reynolds has announced that he is seeking re-election to council's District 1 seat.

Reynolds is currently serving his first four-year term, which ends in January. His fellow council members have appointed him vice mayor.

"I have absolutely loved serving this great community these last four years," Reynolds told the Tifton Grapevine. "In these last four years we (City Council) have worked so hard for the City of Tifton. Just this past year, we have paved 20 miles of roads. We will also pave an additional five miles by the end of this calendar year.

"This community means so much to me, and I only want the very best for this community. This is the community that I grew up in, and now is the community that I’m raising my family in."

Reynolds said he is thankful and proud to serve the residents of Tifton.

"If you call, I will always answer and always do my very best to get the job done. I appreciate all the support and trust in me these last four years. I promise to always work hard for everyone of my constituents," he said.

"We have done so much in these last four years but the job is still not done. We still have so much work to do. I would appreciate everyone’s support on November the fourth as I seek re-election."

Reynolds works in the operating room at Tift Regional Medical Center as a certified surgical technologist and a certified surgical first assistant. He and his wife Leigh Ann have three children.

The qualifying period for candidates is Aug. 18-22, and the qualifying fee is $207. The election is set for Nov. 4. As of now, nobody else has announced their candidacy for the CIty Council District 1 seat.

LANE SHIFT PLANNED DURING CONSTRUCTION OF ROUNDABOUT IN FITZGERALD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Ga. Department of Transportation (GDOT) alerts drivers that beginning next Wednesday, June 18, traffic will be shifted on Lower Rebecca Road in Fitzgerald as work continues on a roundabout, the first in Ben Hill County.

Traffic on Lower Rebecca Road will be shifted from the existing lanes to adjacent temporary lanes as construction continues on the project at the intersection of State Route 90 and Lower Rebecca Road.

Drivers will be alerted by message boards, and traffic control devices will be in place, the GDOT said, adding "Please use caution as you approach and drive through the work zone."

The $7.8 million roundabout project, includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. Griffin Grading & Concrete is the contractor.

GDOT officials said the roundabout should reduce the number and severity of traffic accidents at the intersection.

Board members of the TRMC Foundation present a ceremonial check to Brother Charlie's Rescue Center in Tifton. Pictured from left are Heather Stripling, TRMC board member; Jason Bishoff, Brother Charlie's board member; Angie Hunt and Joe Manning, TRMC Foundation; Mark Stone, mission director at Brother Charlie's; and Dr. Rodney Stone, Mandy Brooks, and Joe Pope with the TRMC Foundation.

TRMC FOUNDATION AIDS BROTHER CHARLIE'S SHELTER

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Foundation recently donated $50,000 to Brother Charlie’s Rescue Center, a faith-based nonprofit organized and incorporated in 1979 to serve the homeless in South Georgia.

The donation will help with house maintenance, supplies, and utilities at the men’s shelter in Tifton. During 2024, Brother Charlie’s housed 93 residents, with 50% of them moving into stable housing within a year.

VALDOSTA HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS LOW-COST BIRTH CONTROL FOR CATS IN REGION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County is offering a low-cost birth control clinic for pets – funded through the Bissell Pet Foundation – that is open to residents around South Georgia.

Cat spay and neuter services are being scheduled online twice a week for $25. Dog services will be coming soon for $35. The clinic is located at the society’s office at 1740 W. Gordon St., in Remerton (within Valdosta).

“Let’s stop accidental litters before they start,” the organization said on its Facebook page. “Fix your pets — it’s the responsible kind of birth control.”

Veterinarians from Thomasville and Hahira are performing the procedures. Multiple pets may be scheduled as long as spots are available. Also, pain medications are provided at the low cost. 

At press time, most Tuesday and Wednesday dates in July and August were available for neutering male cats and spaying female cats. June appointments are full.

Scheduling for your pet or feral cat’s procedure may be made here.

TAKING A 'BITE' INTO LITERACY: Families attending Literacy Volunteers’ "Books & Bites" event Thursday night at the Tifton-Tift County Public Library play a game of "literacy bingo." Andrea Story and Melissa Wilt with Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County call out the clues. The Literacy Volunteers organization is hosting the free summer family literacy program on several Thursday nights during June and July. To register, Click Here!

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Miller Land Clearing Inc.

June 11

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Saturday, June 14, is America’s Flag Day, marking the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the first U.S. national flag on June 14, 1777. The first flag, created in 1776, featured the same 13 red and white stripes we see today. However, the number and arrangement of stars have changed as the number of states has increased. The 50th star was added on July 4, 1960, representing Hawaii's statehood. There are six U.S. flags on the moon, the first planted by Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

• Jennifer Buckley McCall Art Exhibit, exhibit opens, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council event, 10 a.m., Carnegie Center for the Arts, 120 S. Lee St., Fitzgerald

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

• City of Sylvester Annual Fishing Rodeo, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Gervaise Lawhorne Park, Sylvester

• Tifton Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• Tidal Wave Splash, South Georgia Summer League Meet hosted by Tift Area Tidal Wave Swim Team, 9:30 a.m., Tift County Recreation Pool, Baldwin Drive, Tifton

• Second Saturday, store-wide sales, sip & stroll; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Downtown Tifton

• Family Fun Day, hosted by the Tifton Housing Authority, live entertainment, fitness challenges, free food, face painting, arts and crafts, free books, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 1901 Bellview Ave., Tifton

• Summer Art Camp Showcase, 11 a.m., Grand Theater, Downtown Fitzgerald

• Army's 250th Birthday Observance, free lunch for veterans, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Berrien County VFW & VFW Auxiliary Post 5978, 801 Tifton Highway, Nashville

• "The Little Mermaid," meet the cast of the local upcoming production, 2 p.m.; watch the original Disney movie, 3 p.m., free, Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

• Dedication of Henry H. & Bessie W. Tift Statue, 5 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, 255 Love Ave., Tifton

• Rock the Block, two live bands, street dancing, water slides, food & drinks, 6-10 p.m., Downtown Tifton

* Live Music by Randy Wiley, free and open to the public, sponsored by Spring Hill Country Club, 7 p.m., 5 Spring Hill Drive E., Tifton

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

• Father's Day

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OBITUARY

LARRY RUSSELL MOORMAN, MD

Dr. Larry R. Moorman, deeply loved by his family, patients, and colleagues, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and his children at the age of 80.

He was born on November 20, 1944, in Douglas, Georgia, to Ross G. Moorman Sr. and Billie Russell Moorman. He attended South Georgia College, where he played on the golf team that won the state championship both years he was a member, and he was named Georgia Junior Champion. He earned a degree in biology from Valdosta State University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Dr. Moorman began his career in ophthalmology in his hometown of Douglas in 1975 and moved to Tifton in 1978 to open his own practice. He cared deeply for his patients, staff, and colleagues, practicing medicine with kindness, generosity, and compassion until his retirement in 2017. Known for his dedication, he often gave patients his personal phone number and met them after hours to ensure they received the care they needed.

Dr. Moorman’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his wife of 32 years, Debra, his four children and their spouses — Rusty (Amanda), Jonathan (Melissa), Jennifer (Jason), and Alex (Richard) — his five grandchildren, Katie, Joey, Ethan, Corey, Chad, Mary Madison, and Kelly, and his beloved Scottish Terrier, Lily. He was happiest when surrounded by them.

Businessman, philanthropist, and friend, Dr. Moorman gave freely of his time, resources, and heart — quietly supporting others through acts of compassion, steady generosity, and a deep desire to ease burdens where he could. He also believed strongly in the value of education. He established two scholarships: A general academic scholarship at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and in honor of his late wife, the Renee H. Moorman Nursing Scholarship at Tift Regional Medical Center to support LPNs pursuing RN degrees. 

In addition to his dedication to education and healthcare, Dr. Moorman had a lifelong love of golf. He enjoyed the game both as a player and as the former owner of Forest Lakes Golf Club, where he took great pride in helping rehabilitate and revitalize the course for the community. In 2002, Dr. Moorman generously donated the golf course to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, ensuring it would support educational programs and remain a place of enjoyment for the community he loved.

Dr. Moorman was preceded in death by his first wife, Renee H. Moorman; his parents, Ross G. Moorman Sr. and Billie Ricketson; his stepmother, Elizabeth Lewis Moorman; and his brothers, Ross G. (Glenn) Moorman Jr., Clyde Moorman, and Frank Lewis.

In addition to his immediate family, Dr. Moorman is survived by his brothers, Dick Lewis (Carol), and Greg Lewis (Pam); his mother-in-law Loraine Hurt; his brother-in-law, Billy Hurt (Kim); and sisters-in-law, Roberta Moorman, Sharon Moorman, Kathy Massee (Cleve), and Faye Turney (Chuck); his nephews, Dr. Ross Moorman (Lisa), Spence Moorman (Pam), Richard Lewis (Kim), Rhett Lewis (Lisa), Mike Lewis (Doralee), Jake Hurt (Casey), and Jason Hendley (Amanda); his nieces, Dr. Rhonda Moorman, Heidi Moorman (Greg), Katie Lewis, (Jeremy), Meghan Lewis, Ashley Hurt, and Rebecca Massee.

Dr. Moorman treasured his many close friends, especially those in his Asbury Sunday School Class, his breakfast group of more than 35 years — Glenda and Johnnie Johnson, Merle and Tommy Smallwood, Keith Beasley, and Steve Griffin — as well as the staff and patrons at JoJo’s and Chicago’s, who became like family to him.

He was especially grateful for the care of Van Joseph, whose kindness and dedication brought great comfort to him and his family. Van, along with his wife, Nancy, became family, and their love and support will always be remembered with gratitude.

A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church of Tifton on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 12 p.m. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. followed by the service. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tift Animal Rescue of Tifton, Georgia.

"Tank Bones" is a loyal German shepherd about five or six years old with a heart full of love and a past that deserves a brighter future. He is waiting at the Tift County Animal Shelter for his second chance at life. If you’ve been thinking about adding a large breed dog to your family, now’s the time to meet this incredible boy. Come visit Tank Bones and see 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).

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor

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