Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

OCILLA HONORS 'SOUL MAN' THIS WEEKEND

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

This weekend, Ocilla once again honors its native son the late Dave Prater, the original “Soul Man,” with a multi-day festival.

This is the 10th year of the Prater Music Festival celebrating the legacy of Prater, one half of the Grammy-winning R&B duo Sam & Dave, who had such hits as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’."

An Ocilla native, Prater grew up singing in his church’s choir. The Prater Festival opens Thursday night with a gospel sing at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, the music continues with the Irwin County High School Jazz Band at 6:30 p.m., followed by Tifton’s Jerry Moss & the Southern Soul Band. The winner of the Prater Music Scholarship will be announced during Friday night’s activities

All events are held on the grounds outside the old elementary school at 301 W. 4th St. in Ocilla. Folks are reminded to bring a lawn chair.

On Saturday, vendors will sell such foods as BBQ, hot dogs, and hamburgers, and assorted beverages. Children's activities will include train rides around the walking track, an inflatable obstacle course, and a foam party.

Activities begin at noon Saturday with more live music provided by the Fitzgerald High School Show Choir, and a talent show from 1-3 p.m. sponsored by Irwin County High School; entry is $5 for the talent show for a chance to win $100.

Music during the day will be provided by former Prater Scholarship winner Ahmad Mack, as well as all-day entertainment from DJ Roland Lott. The evening ends with the Lavish Band of Albany.

Alcoholic beverages will be available for adults with ID. Anyone wishing to consume alcoholic beverages must purchase a commemorative cup and wristband from the volunteers. Ice chests or open containers will not be allowed onto the festival grounds.

ABOUT DAVE PRATER

Sam & Dave were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Prater had met Sam Moore in Miami and they formed Sam & Dave in 1961. They had several Top 10 hits in the late ‘60s, but disbanded in the ‘70s.

The duo briefly got back together for a series of concerts after the success of the John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd film "The Blues Brothers” in 1980, which featured some of Sam & Dave’s songs.

Prater died in April 1988 when the car he was driving went off Interstate 75 near Sycamore in Turner County and hit a tree. He was 50 years old.

For more information about the Prater Music Festival, contact Mona Wright MacKenzie at mwmackenzie22@gmail.com

CITY OF TIFTON SCAMMED OUT OF MORE THAN $49,000

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The City of Tifton is the victim of a financial scam in which criminals impersonated a legitimate business vendor and received an electronic payment of more than $49,000.

“While we already had safety measures in place, this incident has caused us to tighten our security practices even more,” said City Manager Emily Beeman. “It’s a shame we have to look at every email, transaction, and interaction suspiciously, but that’s simply what we have to do.”

The city said it was attacked when a vendor with which the city does business was targeted. The criminals impersonated the business, requesting a legitimate invoice be paid electronically instead of by check.

"The invoice was paid, and the scam was discovered when the business notified the city they had not received the money," the city said in a statement. "The electronic payment of $49,370.65 had been sent to the scammer’s account instead. Several of the business’s customers, including the City of Tifton, were affected."

Tifton is working with local and federal law enforcement agencies in the cyber-attack investigation.

“Fortunately, larger entities such as the city have insurance that covers financial scams,” said Mayor Julie B. Smith. “Individuals aren’t typically that lucky.”

The City of Tifton is cautioning residents to be hyper-vigilant regarding electronic transactions and to report cyber crimes to law enforcement.

“These types of incidents show that truly anyone can be a victim,” Beeman said. “Cyber criminals are incredibly sophisticated with spoofing legitimate companies and individuals. No one is completely immune.”

SOUTHWELL GETS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DIALYSIS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tift Regional Health System/Southwell is receiving $600,000 in federal funds to improve dialysis services, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said Tuesday.

Ossoff said the funding will help upgrade health-care services with state-of-the-art equipment for traditional and peritoneal dialysis. Southwell serves 12 counties in the region.

The money is in this year’s bipartisan government funding package.

“I’ve appropriated funds to expand dialysis services for patients in South Georgia. I thank (Southwell) President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Dorman for bringing this proposal to my office and for his leadership in the community," Ossoff said.

Claire Byrnes, Southwell's senior vice president for ambulatory services, thanked Ossoff for "securing this federal funding that will allow us to expand and upgrade health care for families in South-Central Georgia. While Tift provides both inpatient and outpatient dialysis, the outpatient volume has risen 20% over prior year, stretching us beyond our current capacity.

"This equipment will allow us to more than double our capacity and is needed in order to continue to provide effective care with state-of-the-art clinical care machinery,” she said.

Chris and Jorjanne Paulk in the Paulk Vineyards Tasting Room. Wine is only one of the products that the Paulk family's Muscadine Products Corp. produces.

IRWIN COUNTY FIRM A 'SMALL BIZ ROCK STAR'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

An Irwin County muscadine company is being recognized by the state as a "Small Business Rock Star" for 2024.

The Ga. Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on Monday named the Muscadine Products Corp. in Wray as one of five 2024 Small Business Rock Stars as part of the state’s celebration of Georgia Small Business Week.

“Georgia’s small businesses are the bedrock of Georgia’s economy and communities,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “From Georgia Grown products on grocery shelves to popular hobbies, this year’s Small Business Rock Stars demonstrate the diverse ways small businesses touch our everyday lives."

The Muscadine Products Corp. is owned by the Paulk family, which has been farming in Irwin County for more than six generations. For a half century, the Paulks have been selling fresh muscadine grapes in groceries and farmer’s markets. Now they own the world’s largest muscadine vineyard with 800 acres and are also "combining innovation and tradition to create health products that are shipped across the country and beyond," the state says.

Muscadine Products Corp. (MPC) processes muscadines into food products such as juices and jellies, began its own winery – Paulk Vineyards – in 2017, and now also offers a line of ingredients for health-food formulations and a line of bottled products, including juices, extracts, concentrates, powders, and oils for the beverage, food, health, and cosmetics industries, all extracted from muscadines.

“Through the UGA grant research, we learned that muscadines support healthy aging, cardiovascular health, the immune system, and digestive system,” said MPC's CEO Chris Paulk. “The skin and seeds, the byproducts of the wine-making process, have great antioxidant benefits, so we started producing extracts and incorporating them into products people use. That’s a unique part of our business.”

Every year, in honor of Georgia Small Business Week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association present a few outstanding small businesses with the title of Small Business Rock Stars. The awards acknowledge the risks taken, innovations, outreach, and impact of the small businesses founded in Georgia.

The other "Rock Stars" honored this year are Seeds II Seams in Swainsboro,

Grace Graffiti in Brunswick, West Georgia Cornhole in Villa Rica, and KEH Camera in Smyrna.

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, presents Tift County High student Antron Johnson with the Second Place Award in the Congressional Art Competition.

TCHS STUDENT WINS AWARD IN CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Antron Johnson, a Tift County High School student, received second place in the Congressional Art Competition for U.S. Rep. Austin Scott's district.

Antron was recognized for his work “A Search for Peace.”

Congressman Scott, R-Tifton, presented awards to competition participants Sunday at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center in Tifton during an exhibit of their works.

The first place prize went to Coffee County High School student Ariella Ramos for her piece “La Bestia.” It will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for a year alongside artwork from students in every congressional district across the country.

Third place went to Houston County High School student Harley Tye Mitchell for her artwork entitled “Empathy.” The People’s Choice Award, which goes to the most liked photo of submissions on Facebook, was awarded to Lowndes High School student Daniela Galindo for her piece “Miamiga Camila.” That work will be displayed in Scott's Washington, D.C., office for one year.

"The talent among these young students in our district always blows me away, and I thank everyone for participating," Scott said.

Resident Services Advocate

Vacancy Announcement

The Tifton Housing Authority is now accepting applications for the position of Resident Services Advocate. Applications may be obtained from and returned to the Administration Office located at 1425 N. Tift Building 15, Tifton, GA, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. beginning Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Applications accepted until position is filled. Applications may be mailed to the Tifton Housing Authority, P.O. Box 12, Tifton, GA 31793 or emailed to info@tiftonhousing.org.

This is responsible work related to the Authority’s resident services functions. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating services for residents, recruiting volunteers for resident services and conducting needs assessments for residents. The incumbent exercises judgment and initiative in carrying out the responsibilities of the position subject to established procedures, practices, and standards. Duties include interviewing residents to assess resident social service needs and making referrals to social service agencies. Work involves considerable and constant public contact, often under trying circumstances.

This position requires graduation from high school supplemented by 2 years work experience, certifications, courses, and training. Degree in Human Services field preferred. Drug screen and criminal history check required. GA Driver’s license required. Full benefits. Salary negotiable.

The Tifton Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/V/D

CAT TORTURED; NAILS, TEETH PULLED, OWNER SAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A female cat was maliciously tortured but left alive to come home in a neighborhood across Tift Avenue from Fulwood Park, its owner says.

Smokey is a cat belonging to Lynn Marie Goodburn-Maness, who lives on Tift Avenue with her husband, dogs, and several cats.

“Had an emergency this morning involving my cat Smokey,” Goodburn-Maness wrote on social media Monday: "I thought she was hit by a car to find out that she was tortured by someone. All her back claws have been pulled out and all but three on her front paws. She has stitches in her jaw line because her front canines (teeth) have been removed, and her jaw skin was fileted.”

Goodburn-Maness said it must have happened Sunday, probably at Fulwood Park.

“She was fine Saturday, and she was in the house early Monday morning when I noticed the blood from her nose. I thought she was hit by a car, but with all her nails and canine teeth pulled; it was not a car.”

She took the cat to the veterinarian, and they could not understand the injuries.

“I wanted people to know that this happened, to keep an eye out for their pets, especially cats that do tend to wander," Goodburn-Maness said.

Friends and relatives recommended that she report the action to Tifton police. She was told that she needed to call Tift County Animal Control.

“The police do not handle these calls,” Goodburn-Maness said. “I have not reached out to animal control today because work was hectic and time got away from me.”

Vets said it will take a few weeks to see improvement, she said. “Smokey is now our inside kitty. She is not going to like the adjustment.

“I feel a certain kind of way about this. Tifton has a psychopath in its midst. This behavior is signs of a potential serial killer,” Goodburn-Maness said.

'SOUTHERN LIVING' NAMES TIFTON AMONG BEST SMALL TOWNS FOR 'QUAINT ESCAPE'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Southern Living magazine has named Tifton as one of "28 Best Small Towns In Georgia For A Quaint Escape."

"We are honored for this recognition and hope you will visit our little town that is filled with unique finds, lots of love, and fun things to do," the city's downtown page noted on social media.

Although they are numbered in the article, the 28 towns cited are listed alphabetically and are not ranked, a Southern Living spokesman told the Tifton Grapevine.

On its website, Southern Living wrote that Georgia has "countless small towns that are as welcoming as they are beautiful; we had a hard time picking our favorite places."

The magazine added that "small towns are where you'll find festive holidays, quirky traditions, friendly neighbors, and warm welcomes (all of our favorite things). Due to their size and close-knit community atmosphere, small towns bring all the charm. They're our favorite destinations for a weekend trip, and we've found more than a few hidden gems while exploring their quiet streets and cozy sidewalks all across Georgia."

Southern Living said that "Tifton comes by its moniker, 'The Friendly City,' honestly. " The magazine notes that Tifton is "surrounded by quiet stretches of Georgia farmland" but has "a lively small-town feel."

From left are M. Jay Hall and Judge Larry Mims, accepting the Liberty Bell Award on behalf of Joyce Mims, and luncheon speaker Judge Tabitha Ponder.

LATE JOYCE MIMS RECEIVES LIBERTY BELL AWARD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

At its Annual Law Day luncheon May 1, the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association posthumously bestowed its Liberty Bell Award to the late Joyce L. Mims.

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes people outside of the legal profession who have contributed significantly to the greater understanding of the of the legal system, engaged in the betterment of their communities, or helped to strengthen and improve the American system of justice.

The Liberty Bell Award is the most prestigious award given by attorneys to a non-attorney.

Mims, who died earlier this year, served as a board member of Tift Regional Health Systems, Southwell, and the ABAC Foundation as well as a community liaison for Southern Regional Technical College. She was co-founder of Mims Kids Inc., and was known throughout the legal community "for getting things done."

Tifton Bar members knew her affectionately as "Mama Joyce."

BLUE DEVILS MAKE CLEAN START WITH 'SOAP BOWL'

Tift County High football fans will get a chance to see the Blue Devils in action under "Coach Lit" in the "Soap Bowl," a scrimmage that's been rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Brodie Field. Initially scheduled for Friday, the scrimmage has been moved because of the chance of inclement weather. Admission will be a bottle of laundry detergent, preferably OxiClean, to be used to help keep the team's uniforms clean. The upcoming season will be Jeff Littleton's first as TCHS head coach.

TCHS WINS 'ALL SPORTS TROPHY': Tift County High School is the winner of this year's Region 1-6A All Sports Trophy. "With an outstanding 10 region titles won this year, our athletes have truly excelled," the school said on social media. Pictured are TCHS Interim Principal Jerry Baker at left and Athletic Director Chris Martin with the All Sports Trophy.

HUGHES REAPPOINTED TO COUNTY ASSOCIATION BOARD: Tift County Commissioner Melissa Hughes has been reappointed to the Board of Managers for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, which is Georgia’s county association. Hughes is a past president of the association and is currently serving her fifth term on the Tift County Commission.

TIFTON ROTARY CLUB GETS SILVER AWARD: The Rotary Club of Tifton received a Silver Award for its activites during the year at the Rotary District 6920 annual convention recently in Jekyll Island. At the convention, from left, are Antonia Platzbecker, an ABAC student that the Tifton Rotary Club sponsored from Essen, Germany; and Tifton Rotarians Renata Elad, Toni Reid, President Bonnie Sayles, and Frank Sayles Jr.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Spark by Hilton

1199 Highway 82 W., Tifton

May 7, 2024

KTB NAMES 'BEAUTY SPOT OF MONTH'

Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB) has awarded the residential "Beauty Spot of the Month" to the home of Tom and MaryBeth Hunt at 17 Creekside Road.

Keep Tift Beautiful is a city-county citizens advisory board promoting recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Chill Bill" is a laid-back cat awaiting a new home. Come visit Chill Bill and 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).

TIFTON BOARD OF TRADE

RELOCATES OFFICE

~ MAY 9, 1924

The Tifton Board of Trade finished moving on May 9, 1924, to its new offices in the Scarboro Building across the street from the Myon Hotel. Ralph Puckett had retained his office in the rear of the building for his insurance business.