Friday, May 29, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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TIFTON MAN GETS LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE IN MALICE MURDER

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man found guilty of malice murder and felony murder was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without parole plus 10 years.

Ernest Alexander Branner, 37, was sentenced in Tifton by Superior Court Judge Melanie B. Cross. On May 14, a Tift County jury found Branner guilty of malice murder, felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a crime.

Branner was found guilty in the shooting death of Adarius Dennard, 24, of Tifton on Aug. 21, 2021.

At approximately 11:20 p.m. on that date, Tifton Police responded to an apartment in the 600 block of E. 6th Street in reference to a gunshot victim.

There, officers found Dennard with gunshot wounds. Tifton Police Officer Taylor Greene attempted life-saving measures and, during that interaction, asked the victim who shot him. Dennard identified Ernest Branner as shooting him with an AR-15, according to evidence gathered, said Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney Patrick Warren.

Dennard then lost consciousness and was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center, where he ultimately died from his injuries, officials said. The interaction with Officer Greene was captured on body camera video, Warren said.

Branner fled Tifton to Little Elm, Texas, in a white van. A family member notified law enforcement that Branner was armed and dangerous and headed to her residence in Texas, officials said. Law enforcement responded and located Branner and searched the van, finding multiple firearms, including an AR-15 that was sent to a ballistics laboratory that matched it to the evidence recovered from the Tifton murder scene.

According to evidence at trial, there had been ongoing tensions between Branner and Dennard with several prior instances of violence and gunfire between them.

Judge Cross, in making her sentencing decision, noted that Branner had three previous felony convictions, including a 2006 Tifton death in which the victim was shot in the head and died. Branner, being only 17 years old at the time, was allowed to plead to the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to serve 11 years in the Ga. Department of Corrections.

The second felony was for a 2021 aggravated assault and firearms charge just three months before Dennard's murder. The third conviction was in federal court for illegal possession of a firearm, in which Branner was sentenced to serve 57 months. 

“This case reflects the collective efforts of multiple partners within the criminal justice system working together to protect the community from a dangerous offender. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes and appreciates the work of (Tifton Police) Officer Ryan Kelly, Investigator Chris Luckey, and all those who contributed to the jury trial that resulted in the defendant’s conviction and sentence of life without parole," said District Attorney Warren. "The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to pursuing significant prison sentences for violent offenders who harm members of our community.”

Warren and Chief District Attorney investigator Melissa Luke successfully prosecuted the case.

FRANK T. NIXON

SOLOMON NIXON SR.

GA HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HONOR NIXON FAMILY WITH MARKER

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Georgia Historical Society is placing an historical marker honoring the contributions to Georgia's black community by the late father-and-son Frank T. Nixon and Solomon Nixon Sr. of Tifton – the first historical marker awarded to African-Americans in Tifton and Tift County.

The marker dedication will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Frank and Solomon Nixon Funeral Home, 2700 S. Park Ave. in Tifton.

The historical marker reads:

Frank T. Nixon (1895-1996) and Solomon Nixon Sr. (1928-1993) 

"Frank T. Nixon and Solomon Nixon Sr., father and son, used their businesses and influence in Tift County to serve Southwest Georgia’s black communities. In 1925, Frank co-founded Nixon-Parson-Wilson Undertaking Co., now Frank and Solomon Nixon Funeral Home. The home also provided ambulance service to rural black residents starting in the 1930s until the 1973 federal Emergency Medical Services Systems Act ended segregated services.

"Frank established Nixon Motel, Sunset Market, and Nixon Pool Room, raising access to public accommodations for South Tifton black residents. Frank co-founded the Citizens Burial League, a regional membership-based burial insurance organization. During the Civil Rights movement, Solomon supported black-only schools, sheltered activists at the motel, and aided youth who then created the SCLC Tifton Youth Chapter. After the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Solomon founded STAC, which organized voter registration drives.

"Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Magnolia Lodge #87 F&AM Prince Hall Affiliated, and White Star Chapter #11, OES Tifton, Georgia"

The SCLC is the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and STAC was the Student Tift Area Civil Rights organization that promoted voter registration during the 1960s.

Frank T. Nixon served in the U.S. Army in World War I. An entrepreneur, he purchased his first piece of real estate in Tift County in the early 1900s as a teen, which was the catalyst for him to own and operate a number of rental properties. His son Solomon followed in his footsteps, helping expand family businesses to serve the growing needs of the community in Tifton and throughout South Georgia.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the library building.

NASHVILLE CITY MANAGER

CHARGED WITH DUI

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Nashville City Manager R. Hayden Hancock has been charged with driving under the influence and related charges, according to the Cook County Probate Court.

Hancock is charged with DUI, possession of an open container, failure to maintain lane, and speeding, according to Suzanne Bennett, court administrator for the Cook County Probate Court.

The Georgia State Patrol filed the misdemeanor traffic charges regarding an incident that occurred at approximately 10 p.m. May 25 on Georgia Highway 76 at Lumby Smith Road in Cook County.

The case is pending arraignment in the Probate Court of Cook County.

Hancock has served as Nashville city manager since August 2022.

PHONE SCAM TRICKS RESIDENT OUT OF $3,000

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Ben Hill County resident has been tricked out of approximately $3,000 in a phone scam involving a false bond, authorities say.

"Please be advised that the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office will never call you requesting money in order for someone to be released from jail. If you contact our office regarding bond information, we may provide you with the status of a bond, but we will never ask you to send money, transfer funds, use gift cards, cash apps, or any other form of payment over the phone," the Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office said.

Another scam being used is someone claiming to be an officer and calling residents telling them they have missed federal court and a warrant will be issued or they may be fined if payment is not received immediately.

"Scammers may change names, courts, or even counties, but please be aware: The Sheriff’s Office will never call you demanding money or threatening arrest over the phone for missing court," the Sheriff's Office said.

If you receive such calls, officials advise to hang up immediately and contact your local enforcement agency.

Officials say the elderly and people who do not use social media regularly could be more vulnerable to such scams.

TIFT'S MARLOWE NAMED LEAGUE'S PLAYER OF WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton's Cade Marlowe, outfielder for the Las Vegas Aviators professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), was named the league's Player of the Week for May 18-24.

The Aviators are a Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Athletics.

Marlowe, a 2015 graduate of Tiftarea Academy who also played ball at the University of West Georgia, appeared in six games against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Las Vegas Ballpark between May 19-24 and batted .538 with five doubles, triple, two home runs, 13 RBI's, and nine runs scored.

He had five multiple-hit games during the period. Marlowe has appeared in 41 games for the Aviators and is batting .325 with 16 doubles, six triples, four home runs, 30 RBI's and 12 stolen bases in 12 attempts. He leads the team with 26 extra-base hits.

Marlowe has played professionally for seven seasons in the Seattle and Athletics organizations. He has played in parts of two major league seasons with the Mariners (2023-34). He made his major league debut vs. Minnesota on July 20, 2023. He recorded his first major league hit vs. Minnesota on July 24, 2023, and his first major league home run vs. Minnesota on July 25, 2023. He also has a career grand slam vs. the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 3, 2023.

Marlowe has appeared in 42 career major league games. He was originally selected by Seattle in the 20th round of the 2019 first-year player draft. In 2025, he appeared in 46 games with Triple-A Tacoma and batted .316.

He is the son of Brian Marlowe, president & CEO of the Tift County Development Authority, and Marla Marlowe.

MEMORIAL DAY 2026

TIFTON HONORS VETERANS WHO DIED IN MILITARY SERVICE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton marked Memorial Day this week with the local American Legion Post leading residents in placing flags on veterans' graves and with a solemn ceremony Monday reminding everyone of the day's significance and the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.

Tift County Commission Chairman Tony McBrayer offered the keynote address at Tifton's Jack Stone Veterans Memorial Park. The Tifton Fire Department presented the colors.

Tifton Mayor Julie B. Smith and former state Rep. Clay Pirkle also made remarks.

Tyron Spearman handled the master of ceremonies duties.

TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS EXPANDING ELEMENTARY ARTS EDUCATION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County Schools is launching its first phase of its elementary fine arts expansion, beginning with four schools in 2026-2027: Charles Spencer Elementary, Matt Wilson Elementary, G.O. Bailey Elementary, and Omega Elementary School.

While a few elementary schools currently include art as part of their specials rotation, this expansion represents the district’s next step in increasing access to visual arts instruction through the addition of certified art teachers.

As part of this initial phase, the district has added two certified art teachers to serve these four schools and expand opportunities for elementary students.

“This effort represents work aligned to the system’s five-year strategic plan, which calls for the system to expand fine arts opportunities available to our students,” said Superintendent Natalie Gore.

Dr. Michael Slaven, assistant superintendent beyond the core, emphasized that “the expansion centers on providing students with greater access and opportunity.” He said the "goal is for every student to benefit from a fine arts education that integrates visual arts alongside the music instruction Tift has long offered elementary students.” He said the “initial phase serves as a focused and intentional starting point for that mission.”

For the past two years, a collaboration with Tifton Council for the Arts has integrated community-led art instruction into various schools.

"Participation in the arts, especially in children, can improve self-confidence, provide a therapeutic outlet, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. With our continued partnership, we are thrilled to play a role in bringing more art opportunities into the schools for all students," said Chelsea Webster, the arts council's children's engagement and education director.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, May 29, is National Alligator Day to raise awareness of the importance of alligators to our ecosystem. Alligators are one of the largest and most ferocious types of lizards. They have been in existence for more than 35 million years. Gators are native to only three areas in the world — the United States, Mexico, and China. Despite a large number of alligator species, only two have not yet gone extinct – the American and Chinese alligators, which are also the oldest species of alligators. In America, alligators can be found in the Southeast, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Floridians can be accredited with the name alligator as the first settlers in the state anglicized the word from the Spanish term for "the lizard."

Born on May 29: Charles II, king of England, Scotland, & Ireland, 1630-1685; Patrick Henry, U.S. founding father & first governor of Virginia, 1736-1799; Bob Hope, actor & comedian, 1903-2003; Stacy Keach, actor, 1914-2003; John F. Kennedy, 35th U.S. president; 1917-1963; Al Unser, auto racer, 1939-2021; LaToya Jackson, 1956–; Annette Bening, actress, 1958–; Melissa Etheridge, singer-songwriter, 1961–; Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) singer, Spice Girls, 1975–.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

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

• Community Garden Volunteering, hosted by Keep Tift Beautiful, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1413 Central Ave. S., Tifton

• Books on the Block, summer reading kickoff: Books, activities, inflatables, foam party, games, food, community-partner activities, & more; 7-9 p.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, 245 Love Ave., Tifton

UPCOMING

YARD SALE

Church of God Yard Sale

Tift Avenue COG, 2220 Tift Ave. N., Tifton

June 6: 7 a.m.-Noon. All items are donation only,

with the exception of a few priced items.

All proceeds go to our R.C. Youth group.

________________________________________________________

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Maisy Mouse" has the kindest eyes, the gentlest heart, and enough love that it’s impossible not to fall for her. She is soft, snuggly, happy to be loved, and just wants to be close to her people. Come meet Maisy 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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