Friday, July 31, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

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A NEW YEAR BEGINS MONDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

An old song promises to "See You in September," but for Tift County school students, "See You in ... August!" is more accurate as schools open their doors on Monday.

Tift County Schools expect to welcome more than 7,000 students Monday to begin the 2026-27 school year.

Last school year, school district buses traveled more than 779,560 miles while using 151,098 gallons of fuel at a total cost of $437,988, as of last May 22. Once again, buses will take to the road early Monday.

"We ask everyone in our community to watch carefully for students loading and unloading buses, obey all school bus stop laws, and follow posted speed limits in school zones. Please allow extra travel time and help us ensure a safe start to the school year for every student," advised Dana R. Spurlin, chief of communications and community engagement for Tift County Schools.

"We are also pleased to remind families that all Tift County Schools students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost this school year," Spurlin said.

The school system said children need healthy meals to learn, and the system's food service receives support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs to provide the meals.

Tift County Schools participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program, a federal meal service option allowing schools and districts in higher poverty areas to offer free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.

The school system reminds parents to allow extra time for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, as car lines typically take longer during the first several days of school. Parents and guardians at Pre-K–5 schools may walk their children to class on Monday and Tuesday only. Beginning Wednesday, visitors will not be permitted beyond the front lobby.

Families are encouraged to visit the "Back to School" section of the school district's website to review supply lists, school arrival and dismissal times, and other helpful information. 

For grades K-5th, car-rider drop-off begins at 7:05 a.m., the tardy bell is at 7:35 a.m., and classes will be dismissed at 3 p.m.

For grades 6th-12th, car-rider drop-off begins at 7:40 a.m., the tardy bell rings at 8:20 a.m., and classes will be dismissed at 3:45 p.m.

TIFTUF TURFGRASS

A FINALIST FOR 'COOLEST THING MADE IN GEORGIA'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton product is one of two finalists for the second annual "Coolest Thing Made in Georgia" competition, sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Synovus bank, which just merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners.

TifTuf Drought-Tolerant Bermudagrass and the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus are both finalists among Georgia-made products. TifTuf was developed on the University of Georgia's Tifton campus, and Blue Bird, based in Macon, has its main manufacturing plant and electric vehicle center in Fort Valley.

The winning product will be announced during the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon on Aug. 5.

“The response to this year's 'Coolest Thing Made in Georgia' competition has been incredible," said Chris Clark, president & CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

"Congratulations to TifTuf Drought-Tolerant Bermudagrass and the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus for earning a spot in the championship round. We are excited to celebrate these outstanding finalists and announce the winner in Athens as we continue highlighting the innovation and manufacturing excellence that make Georgia the No. 1 state for business.”

TifTuf Bermudagrass is an advanced, drought-tolerant hybrid turf known for exceptional water efficiency, rapid recovery, and superior color retention. UGA's TifTuf is used worldwide for residential lawns, parks, and sports fields, including UGA’s Athens campus, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and many other fields and golf courses.

TifTuf features a fine texture and a bright, deep green color that greens up early in the spring and fades late in the fall.

In recent years, TifTuf has become one of the biggest economic drivers for Georgia’s turfgrass industry since becoming commercially available in 2016.

In 2020, the Georgia General Assembly passed resolutions recognizing TifTuf and the work of its developers, Wayne Hanna and Brian Schwartz on UGA's Tifton campus, and acknowledging that “the highly acclaimed new bermudagrass variety is taking the turfgrass industry by storm.”

Charlie Clark, head of Georgia Banking for Pinnacle Financial Partners said that “the top two 'Coolest Thing Made in Georgia' finalists are exactly why Georgia continues to stand out as a place where big ideas become real-world solutions."

GDOT TO REPLACE BRIDGES, CREATE NEW ROUNDABOUT IN REGION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently awarded five construction contracts totaling $14.3 million for the Southwest District. They include county road bridge replacements and construction of a roundabout.

Construction contracts were awarded for replacement of three bridges located on county roads. In Irwin County, the bridge on Satilla Road over the Willacoochee River overflow will be replaced. It was built in 1968 and is posted for weight restrictions.

In Turner County, the Bethel Road bridge over Hat Creek and the Legg Road bridge over Wolf Creek will be replaced. The Hat Creek bridge was built in 1958, and its load-carrying capacity is lower than current standards. The Wolf Creek bridge was built in 1946 and is structurally deficient, GDOT said. All bridges are expected to be complete in 2027.

In Ben Hill County, a contract was awarded for 2.793 miles of widening and reconstruction for realignment on the Peachtree Road corridor from Benjamin H. Hill Drive to U.S. Highway 319/State Road 107. This is a Transportation Investment Act project and is expected to be complete in 2028.

In Colquitt County, a single-lane roundabout with lighting will be built at the intersection of State Route (SR) 37 and Thigpen Trail. Both are two-lane roads, but only Thigpen Trail traffic is controlled with stop signs. Crash analysis showed 39 crashes were reported at the intersection between Jan. 1, 2013, and April 22, 2023. The majority resulted from drivers on Thigpen Trail failing to stop or yield to SR 37 traffic.

Roundabouts reduce the number of points where vehicles can cross paths and collide. The scheduled completion date is 2028.

Construction contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidder., GDOT said. Start dates for the contracts have not been determined.

JOBLESS RATES RISE THROUGHOUT AREA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Unemployment rose throughout the Tiftarea during June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL).

Tift County's jobless rate was 3.5% in June; it was 2.9% in May, the GDOL reported.

Tift County's labor force – the number of people who are employed or are unemployed and seeking employment – was down in June, at 19,152, a loss of 328 from May, according to GDOL data.

June's unemployment rates in area counties versus the previous month's rates were: Turner, 4.4% vs. 3.8%; Worth, 3.8% vs. 3.3%; Irwin, 3.9% vs. 3.5%; Cook, 3.8% vs. 3.2%; Berrien, 3.5% vs. 2.8%; and Ben Hill, 4.3% vs. 3.9%.

Georgia's unemployment rate for June held steady at 3.4%. The national unemployment rate in June was at 4.2%. It was 4.3% in May.

The GDOL reported that Georgia reached new all-time highs in both its labor force (5,477,859) and employment (5,294,229) during June.

"Georgia's labor force and employment have reached new all-time highs for the sixth month in a row, proving the strength of a modern, adaptable workforce ready to grow, compete, and lead," said state Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "Georgia's economic success is built by the people who show up every day to build, serve, create, and strengthen the communities they call home."

BLUE DEVILS PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON, NEW REGION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift County High Blue Devils football team will enter Brodie Field next Friday for a scrimmage against Bainbridge High.

The season gets fully underway Aug. 21, when the Blue Devils face Luella for the home opener.

The Blue Devils are competing in a new region this season following state reclassifications.

Tift County is now in Region 2 of Class 6A, which includes Coffee, Thomas County Central, Northside Warner Robins, Lee County, Houston County and Veterans High.

This is the third season for Head Coach Jeff Littleton. After rebuilding years – last year ended with a 3-7 record – the Blue Devils hope to have a better showing this year.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Whistle Stop Thrift Depot

104 E.Third St., Tifton

July 29

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

ATTEMPTED CHILD ABDUCTION IN PELHAM

The Pelham Police Department said it is investigating an attempted child abduction that occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday at the Dollar General store in Pelham.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 229-294-6001 or 229-336-2007. Anonymous tips may be directed to 229-336-2078.

TIFTON POWERBALL PLAYER WINS $50,000

A Georgia Lottery player won $50,000 in the Powerball drawing July 22 with a ticket purchased from Flash Foods at 1002 W. 8th St. in Tifton, according to the Georgia Lottery Corp.

The winner's identity has not been publicly released.

PEANUT INNOVATION AWARD FOR NEW PEANUT PRODUCT

The Georgia Peanut Commission has created a new $10,000 award for the most unique and viable new product concept inspired by Georgia Peanuts. The contest is open to any new and unique application of peanuts, whether the product is in the prototype phase or has been on the market for less than a year. It can be intended for either human or animal consumption.

Peanut product innovators may enter the Georgia Peanut Innovation Award contest by visiting gapeanuts.com and submitting an entry by Aug. 20.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, July 26, is National Avocado Day celebrates the beloved, nutrient-packed avocado. This superfood brings healthy fats, vitamins, and a creamy texture to countless dishes. Whip up some fresh guacamole, add slices to your toast, or experiment with new avocado-based recipes to join the festivities. In 1696, the avocado received its name from naturalist Sir Hans Sloane, who called it “the avocado or alligator pear-tree" in his catalog of Jamaican plants. In 1833, horticulturist Henry Perrine planted the first avocados in the United States – in Florida.

Born on July 31: Sebastian S. Kresge, merchant & entrepreneur who founded Kresge's and Kmart, 1867-1966; Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-winning economist, 1912-2003; Hank Bauer, MLB infielder & manager, 1922-2007; Ted Cassidy, actor: "Lurch" in "The Addams Family," 1932-1979; Norm Snead, pro football quarterback, 1939-2024; Gary Lewis, singer with Gary Lewis & the Playboys, 1946–; Bill Berry, drummer with the band R.E.M., 1958–; Mark Cuban, businessman & entrepreneur, 1958–; Wesley Snipes, actor, 1962–; J.K. Rowling, writer: Harry Potter series; 1965–; Dean Cain, actor, 1966–; Zac Brown, singer, 1978–; B.J. Novak, actor & screenwriter, 1979–.

SATURDAY, AUG. 1

• Community Garden Volunteering, hosted by Keep Tift Beautiful, 9:30-11 a.m., 1413 Central Ave. S., Tifton

• Back to School Bash, water slides, DJ music, face painting, prizes, food & snacks, 2-6 p.m., Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center, 511 17th St. W., Tifton

• Deep Deliverance Book Signing & Deliverance Class, with Pastor Mark Rice,

4 p.m., Fig Leaves Christian Bookstore, 134 E. Third Street., Tifton

SUNDAY, AUG. 2

• Power Service, with the Significant Revelation Ministries team, 10:30 a.m., Holy Land Farms, 1048 Holy Land Road, Enigma

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Tabitha" has the sweetest face, the cutest little snorts, and enough love to fill a house. She is affectionate, loves people, gets along well with other dogs, and is always ready for cuddles. Come meet Tabitha and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

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