MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SHOOTING TIFT DEPUTY, GETS 30 YEARS IN PRISON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A North Carolina man, who pleaded guilty Thursday in Tift Superior Court to shooting a Tift County Sheriff’s deputy in 2021, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, says Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bryce Johnson.

Justin Haley Freeman, 43, of Robbins, N.C., pleaded guilty to attempting to commit malice murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of firearm by a convicted felon.  

Chief Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt sentenced him to a total of 50 years – 30 to be served in prison and 20 years on probation.

In the early morning hours of June 4, 2021, Freeman and another man were knocking on doors in the 1400 block of Tifton Eldorado Road. Two Tift County deputies responded after several citizen reported suspicious persons in the area.  

Upon making contact with the deputies, Freeman drew a handgun and fired at the deputies, authorities said. Deputy Robert Owens was shot in the hand and leg. Deputy Chris Spradley was uninjured and returned fire, hitting Freeman, who was treated and released from a hospital after being apprehended.

“Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our community from career criminals like Justin Feeman,” said District Attorney Johnson.

“I am thankful Deputy Owens survived this senseless act and was able to be present in court today.," Johnson said Thursday. "I hope this sentence will send a clear message to those willing to harm law enforcement that such behavior will not be tolerated in the Tifton Circuit.” 

Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Warren handled the case on behalf of the state.

IRWIN JURY CONVICTS OCILLA MAN IN 2021 DEATH

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

An Ocilla man was convicted by an Irwin County jury Thursday in the death of Anthony Bryant of Ocilla.

Anthony Perez Thomas of Ocilla was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after an altercation at a convenience store led to Bryant’s death in January 2021, said Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bryce Johnson.

Tift Superior Court Judge Melanie Cross sentenced Thomas to serve 10 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

During the evening of Jan. 21, 2021, Thomas struck Bryant in the face at an Ocilla convenience store, causing Bryant to fall and strike his head on concrete. Bryant died several days later from his injuries.

“Our citizens deserve to know they are safe both in their own homes and on the streets and in businesses of our community,” District Attorney Johnson said. 

“I am thankful for Ocilla Police Chief Ashley Jones’ work investigating this matter. I hope this result will deter such violent behavior in our community.”

Assistant District Attorney Sandra Guest handled the case on behalf of the state.

Tifton tourism officials join members of the Hungarian agricultural delegation at a dinner Thursday night at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Standing at far left is Jonathan Judy, a board member of the Tifton-Tift County Tourism Association; standing third from right is Tift Tourism Board Chairman Frank Sayles Jr. Behind him is Bela Kocsy, agricultural attache from the Hungary Embassy in Washington, D.C.; with Tifton Tourism Director Tyron Spearman standing at far right. Seated second from right is John E. Parkerson Jr., a Tifton native who is honorary consul general of Hungary and an Atlanta attorney.

TIFT TOURISM HOSTS FARMERS FROM HUNGARY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

An agricultural delegation from Hungary has been visiting Tifton and South Georgia this week in conjunction with the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie.

The Hungarian farmers and agribusiness representatives came to South Georgia under the auspices of the agriculture attaché at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C.; the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture; and John E. Parkerson Jr., honorary consul of Hungary, who is an Atlanta attorney and Tifton native.

The Tifton-Tift County Tourism Commission hosted the delegation this week and coordinated tours of agricultural operations in Tift and surrounding counties.

On Thursday night, the Tift Tourism Commission hosted the Hungarian delegation at a dinner at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture.

Among the visiting Hungarian farmers was Balla Zoltan, Hungary's only peanut farmer who produces peanut butter, peanut oil, and creates fire-starters from peanut husks.

But peanuts are only a tiny blip in Hungary's agriculture; its major crops are wheat, corn, barley, and oilseeds such as sunflower and rapeseed. The European country also produces cabbages, sweet peppers, onions, and grapes and wine.

Tifton First United Methodist Church

invites everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of Family Fun as the Fall Festival returns to Tifton First on Wednesday, October 25th.

107 12th Street West

Tifton, Ga.

TURNER COUNTY ELEMENTARY RECEIVES STATE ARTS GRANT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Turner County Elementary School in Ashburn is one of 13 rural schools receiving state grants to expand students' access to the arts.

The Ga. Department of Education is awarding a total of $200,000 to rural school districts to help them expand fine-arts opportunities, said state School Superintendent Richard Woods.

The "stART" grants can be used to create or expand arts initiatives for students.

“Fine arts education is a crucial part of a well-rounded education," Woods said. “My administration continues our mission to provide every student in Georgia a high-quality arts education because we understand the academic and non-academic benefits for all students.

Music, theatre, art, and dance classes allow students to develop language and fine motor skills, creativity, and ingenuity – all skills that will help them succeed in the modern workforce."

Through the stART grants, GaDOE is taking advantage of the flexibility offered within the Every Student Succeeds Act to use some federal funds to support arts learning and other programs that provide a well-rounded education to students.

EARLY VOTING UNDERWAY;

POLLS OPEN SATURDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Early voting continues for the Nov. 7 municipal elections and SPLOST VI special election in Tift County – including special hours this Saturday.

Advance voting is available from 8 a.m.-5 pm. Mondays-Fridays through Nov. 3, said Leila E. Dollison, Tift County elections supervisor.

Saturday voting will be available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 21, and on Oct. 28.

Early voting in Tift County is conducted at the Board of Elections headquarters at 222 Chesnutt Ave., Building B, at the corner of Fourth Street and Chesnutt Avenue.

On the ballot throughout Tift County will be the continuation of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). In the county's municipalities, city council elections will also be held.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVALENT

IN SOCIETY, COUNSELOR SAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Severe physical domestic violence affects one in three women and one in four men during their lifetimes, Lori Stubbs with Valdosta Premier Counseling told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday.

“Think about that," Stubbs said. "You’ve probably come into contact with someone who has been in an abusive or domestic violence situation.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, now often called intimate partner violence, she said. It is defined as a pattern or behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain control over an intimate partner.

Stubbs said 30-60% of women with mental health problems are likely to have experienced domestic abusive situations. Domestic abuse causes mental health problems, and people with mental health issues are more likely to be in domestic abusive situations.

Trauma can cause physical problems such as gastrointestinal issues and fibromyalgia.

Help is available through a shelter, such as Ruth’s Cottage in Tifton, and through counseling services. 

“There’s the national domestic violence helpline, which is 1-800-799-SAFE,” Stubbs said. The local Stop the Hurt 24/7 Hotline is 229-388-1541.

She said that people who listen to a friend may be able to help just by acknowledging that they are in a scary situation. 

“Never judge someone for going back to a domestic violence situation because it can be really hard for that person to acknowledge their situation and get out of it,” Stubbs said.

“It also can be very dangerous for them, and it’s generally a place where they need professional help. A trauma-informed therapist can help them develop a safety plan and help them get to places where they can get the professional help that they need.”

For information, call 229-848-2366

GDOT COMPLETES U.S. 319 RESURFACING

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently completed resurfacing U.S.

Highway 319 south/State Route 35 south in Tift County from the Colquitt County line to U.S. Highway 82/SR 520 in Tifton.

"Hope you enjoy the smooth ride and those night, bright road stripes and raised pavement markers to help keep you in your lane, on the road, and safe," GDOT said on social media.

SPOTLIGHTING EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The U.S. Department of Labor has declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Diversified Enterprises is spotlighting Tift County employers who hire people with disabilities.

Tift County UGA Extension Office: Lance Smith

Lance has been with the Extension Office for two years, always with a smile on his face, and is always eager to make friends. Lance takes care of the building and ensures it is clean for the many people who use the office. Cathy Williamson is Lance's supervisor.

Tift County Emergency 911: DeWitt Jones

DeWitt started work earlier this year with Tift county Emergency 911. He has received rave reviews for his custodial work from his coworkers. Public Safety Director Joey Fowler is on record in saying DeWitt is doing a phenomenal job.

Tift County Road and Public Works Department: Wayne Mead 

Wayne has been with the county road department for five years. He has grown to be a loved and much-cared for figure. Wayne is a custodian and enjoys keeping it clean. Jason Jordan is his supervisor.

These workers are all examples of how people with disabilities make positive impacts in the workplace, said Diversified Enterprises.

To Subscribe, Click Here!

Your free subscription allows you to receive our MidWeek and Weekender editions in your in-box, along with occasional Sponsored Editions.

Your subscription is free because of the support of local advertisers.

Please support the businesses and organizations who make this possible.

To Contact Us, Call 478-227-7126

COVID-19 data released from the 

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of Oct. 18:

TOTAL TIFT COUNTY CASES: 7,122 ....................................... TOTAL TIFT DEATHS: 181

CONFIRMED TIFT CASES - 2 weeks: 5 ....................................... DEATHS - Past week: 0

CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES: 16

TIFT CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks, per 100K population: 39 

_______________________________________________________________

GEORGIA TOTAL CASES: 2,402,817

GEORGIA CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - Past week: 2,775

TOTAL GA DEATHS: 35,776 ..................................................... GA DEATHS - Past week: 20 

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE TIFTAREA

Saturday, Oct. 21, is National Apple Day, celebrating the ubiquitous fruit that has come to be as American as, well, apple pie. The United States, however, plays only a small role in the worldwide history of the apple. The only native variety to the U.S. is the crabapple, often dismissed as too bitter to enjoy naturally. The earliest known wild apple trees were in central Asia more than 10 million years ago. Today, more than 7,500 varieties of apples are grown across the globe.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

• Roy Hart Jr., motivational speech by former NFL player & Tift Blue Devil, 2 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tifton
• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football vs. Brookwood School Warriors (homecoming), 7:30 p.m., Panther Pit, Chula
• Tift County High Blue Devils football @ Veterans High Warhawks, 7:30 p.m., Kathleen

SATURDAY, OCT.21

• Stepping Out for Your Heart 5K/1M, 8 a.m., TCHS Northeast Middle School, Tifton
• Wiregrass Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Georgia Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
• Georgia Peanut Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jeffords Park, Sylvester
• Adel-Cook County Cook Off Classic barbecue competition, 11 a.m., Reed Bingham State Park, Adel
• Essence Music Festival on Main, 4-10 p.m., Downtown Tiffton
• Cross the Line Paranormal Experience, 6, 8, 10 p.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

ADVERTISE YOUR

YARD SALE HERE!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR RESIDENTIAL YARD SALE,

CONTACT US at 

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

His name is "Bond" – "James Bond," and this adventurous fellow is seeking a good home. Visit James Bond and 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).