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HELENE HITS FLA, ROARS THROUGH AREA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Hurricane Helene, a dangerous Category 4 storm, made landfall at about 11:10 p.m. Thursday in the Big Bend of Florida with maximum winds of 140 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River. It is the strongest hurricane on record (since 1851) to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend. The former record was the Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896 with maximum winds of 125 mph, officials said.

The hurricane reached South Georgia and was heading toward the Tiftarea, moving northeast at 24 mph. Officials said it is an "extremely dangerous" storm. As of midnight., three fatalities were reported – one in Florida and two in Wheeler County, Ga., during a possible tornado.

Tift County Emergency Management Agency said Tifton is expecting the heaviest winds between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday. Storm damage, power outages, and flooding is anticipated in Tift County and throughout the Tiftarea as Helene moves through the area.

At 12:30 a.m., heavy winds were recorded in Valdosta with tree limbs down and flying debris. South Georgia residents were urged to stay off the roads and be careful of downed plower lines and fallen trees.

More than 70,000 customers already were without power in Georgia at midnight, with many more anticipated. In Florida, more than 1 million customers were without power early Frfiday morning, authorities said.

In Tifton, the American Red Cross opened a shelter Thursday at the Tift County Recreation Department as the storm approached.

On Wednesday, Gov. Brian P. Kemp requested a federal pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for Georgia in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. Kemp’s request asked for immediate assistance to save lives, protect property, and public health and safety, and lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

On Thursday, the White House issued an Emergency Declaration for the State of Georgia providing direct federal assistance to supplement response efforts because of emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene.

HURRICANE HELENE DISRUPTS AREA EVENTS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Hurricane Helene has caused many area events to be postponed or canceled.

Among them:

• The A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show originally scheduled tonight at the Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts has been canceled.
• The Matt Stone as Elvis concert scheduled Saturday night at the Tift Theatre will be rescheduled in December.
• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has rescheduled its Bulls & Broncs Rodeo to Saturday, Oct.19.
• Tonight's scheduled Tift County High Blue Devils football game at Richmond Hill High has been moved to 2 p.m. Saturday at Wildcat Stadium in Richmond Hill.
• Area schools, colleges, and government offices remain closed today.

Market Night will be held as long as electrical power remains available.

STUDENT STABBED DURING INCIDENT AT TCHS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Tift County High School student was stabbed Wednesday morning during "an altercation in a bathroom," school officials said.

At approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, several students at Tift County High School were

involved in the incident that resulted in one student being stabbed. The school was placed on lockdown, and emergency medical technicians were called to the scene.

“We can confirm that a suspect, also a student at Tift County High School, is in custody. The weapon involved has been confiscated, and no other students were injured during this incident. At this time, we do not have additional information regarding the condition of the injured student,” the school system said.

The lockdown was lifted at 11:45 a.m., and parents were notified that the

school had resumed normal operations. Parents who wished to check out their child

could do so, following normal check-out procedures.

For students who were not picked up, the instructional day resumed. Procedures were put in place to minimize student movement throughout the building for the remainder of the day, and students were fed lunch in their classrooms "to ensure no further escalation as a result of the incident" officials said.

TIFT'S JOBLESS RATE RISES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tift County's unemployment rate rose during August from the previous month, according to data released Thursday by the Ga. Department of Labor (GDOL).

Tift County's jobless rate increased to 3.8% in August, up from 3.6% in July. One year ago in August, Tift recorded a 3.3% unemployment rate, according to the GDOL.

Tift County’s labor force – the number of people who are employed or are unemployed and seeking employment – was at 21,002 during the month, which is a increase of 173 from the previous month, according to GDOL data.

August's jobless rates in area counties versus the previous month's rates were: Turner, 5.4% vs. 5.2%; Worth, 4.3% vs. 4.1%; Irwin, 5.1% vs. 5.4%; Cook, 4.0% vs. 3.8%; Berrien, 5.1% vs. 5.5%; and Ben Hill, 5.8% vs. 5.8%.

Statewide, the August unemployment rate rose to 3.6% from 3.4% said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. The national jobless rate for August was at 4.2%.

S.GA WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP GROUP BEGINS SECOND CLASS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The second cohort of the South Georgia Women’s Leadership Initiative (SGWLI) with 16 women from eight communities across the region recently got underway.

Designed to create clarity of voice and intentionality for female leaders across the region, SGWLI’s goal is to build support for women’s leadership to help the region grow. With an emphasis on unique experiences of female leadership, SGWLI provides women with a platform to discuss the challenges they face in business, education, local government, and non-profit management in South Georgia.

Sessions rotate around the region, culminating in an empowerment celebration in March in recognition of Women’s History Month.

“We are thrilled to have another full class of extraordinary women ready to take full advantage of resources, knowledge, and information to make a difference in the Southwest Georgia region,” said Program Coordinator Toni Reid, Georgia Power's Tifton area manager.

“By the end of our program year, March 2025, these ladies will have expanded their networks and will be ready to be involved in critical decision making and strategies to progress our region,” Reid said.

Among members of the 2024-2025 class are, from Tift County, Dr. Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and Jill Coogle of Reynolds Foodliner; from Turner County, Tracy McCann-Edwards of Asa Healthcare Solutions; and from Brooks County, Heather Pye of Servpro of Tifton.

As Commissioner Hughes and Former Vice Chairman Melton stand side by side, they represent the spirit of leadership that puts people first. In a powerful display of unity and shared vision, Former Commissioner Daughtry B. Melton III has officially endorsed Commissioner Hughes in her bid for re-election this November. This endorsement signifies not just the passing of the torch but a united effort to build on a legacy of progress.

As Commissioner Hughes stands for another term, she calls upon the constituents of District 2 to extend their vote of confidence in her leadership, dedication, and relentless pursuit of progress. Commissioner Hughes has been a steadfast leader for the past 16 years, serving with dedication, integrity, and a relentless drive to uplift District 2. Her devotion to her constituents is evident in her daily efforts to improve infrastructure, foster community engagement, and provide opportunities for all. With her re-election campaign in full swing, she remains committed to the mission she began years ago: building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Securing the endorsement of Former Vice Chairman Daughtry B. Melton III is evidence of the impactful work Commissioner Hughes has accomplished during her tenure. A respected leader in his own right, Former Commissioner Melton’s support is not just a nod to Hughes’ past achievements but a powerful affirmation of her future potential. Melton, who served the district with distinction, expressed his excitement and confidence in Hughes, praising her as a leader who understands the heartbeat of the community and works tirelessly to address its needs.

“Commissioner Hughes is a beacon of hope and progress,” Melton said, reflecting on their years of collaboration and shared commitment to District 2. “Her servant leadership is not just a campaign slogan; it’s a way of life. She listens, she acts, and she delivers. I am proud to support her re-election because I know she is the right person to continue leading us forward.”

Hughes’ approach has always been grounded in action. Whether it’s filling potholes, delivering coats and socks to those in need, enhancing public safety, or creating spaces where neighbors can connect, her focus remains on tangible improvements that enhance everyday life. She doesn’t just talk about change; she makes it happen, one project at a time. From upgrading local parks to expanding community services, Hughes’ initiatives have touched every corner of District 2, reflecting her belief that every street, every neighborhood, and every voice matters.

As Hughes steps up to the podium for her re-election, she does so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit fired by purpose. She acknowledges that the work is far from over but remains undaunted, driven by the trust and support of her community. Hughes invites all District 2 voters to join her in continuing this journey, to keep pushing forward, and to believe in the power of collective action.

“I am honored to have Former Vice Chairman Melton’s endorsement,” Hughes stated. “It means the world to me to have the support of someone who knows what it means to serve this community. I promise to keep working hard, to keep listening, and to keep fighting for the values that make District 2 great.”

As the election draws nearer, Commissioner Hughes’ message is clear: She’s not done yet. With the backing of leaders like Melton and the unwavering support of her constituents, Hughes is ready to keep moving District 2 forward — one street, one neighborhood, one success at a time.

This year let’s come together and ensure that the progress continues. Vote for Commissioner Hughes, and let’s keep building a brighter future for District 2!

Paid for by Campaign Committee to Re-Elect Melissa Hughes

Vascular surgeon Dr. William Kaiser, fourth from left, with his operating room team at Tift Regional Medical Center.

TRMC SURGEON PERFORMS REVOLUTIONARY PROCEDURE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Dr. William Kaiser, vascular surgeon with Tift Regional Vascular, recently performed a revolutionary new procedure at Tift Regional Medical Center.

The procedure enhances the level of treatment for below-the-knee (BTK) chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The Esprit BTK system was just received FDA approved in April.

“This is a first-of-its-kind procedure that involves the placement of a drug-eluding stent that dissolves over time after it has opened blocked arteries below the knee,” Kaiser said.

“The stent device is implanted during a catheter-based, minimally invasive procedure via a small incision in the leg. Once the blockage is open, the Esprit BTK scaffold helps heal the vessel and provides support for approximately three years until the vessel is strong enough to remain open on its own.”

Until recently, there were no stents or drug-coated balloons approved for use below the knee in the U.S.

“The standard of care has been balloon angioplasty, which relies on a small balloon delivered via a catheter to the blockage to compress it against the arterial wall, opening the vessel and restoring blood flow,” Kaiser said.

“However, blockages treated only with balloon angioplasty have poor short- and long-term results, and in many instances the vessels become blocked again, requiring additional treatment.”

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers

1430 U.S. Highway 82 W., Suite 103, Tifton

Sept. 24

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Sunday, Sept. 29, is National Coffee Day – and that's an eye-opener! In recorded history, coffee first appears in 15th century Yemen. Europeans got their first taste about 100 years later with Venice leading the way. But some Venetians looked askance at coffee, calling it the "bitter invention of Satan;" local clergy condemned coffee in 1615. But Pope Clement VIII found coffee satisfying and gave it papal approval. Europe’s first official coffeehouse opened in Venice in about 1645.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

• Be Safe!

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

• 23rd Annual Tift Invitational Cross Country Meet, 7:30 a.m., ABAC Lakeside, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton
• Tift County High Blue Devils football @ Richmond Hill High Wildcats, 2 p.m., Richmond Hill
• Market Night, live music & vendors,7 p.m., Donatello's, Myon Courtyard, Downtown Tifton

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"Evie" is a sweet girl who has had a rough past. She is looking for a loving home. Come visit her 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).