GBI SEEKING SUSPECT IN TIFTON DRIVE-BY SHOOTING DEATH

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Authorities have issued a "Be on the Lookout" notice for a 17-year-old wanted on a murder charge in the drive-by shooting that occurred Monday night in Tifton, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Thursday night.

Authorities are seeking Damarion Dunn, a 17-year-old black male who is wanted for murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of criminal damage to property for an incident that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday in the 1700 block of  Belleview Circle in Tifton, the GBI said.

Dunn should be considered armed and dangerous, the GBI said.

Authorities said Dunn was last known to be in the Albany area but is known to also frequent Ashburn and Tifton.

In Georgia, 17-year-olds are considered adults for criminal law purposes.

The GBI said Alex Troy Knighton, 43, died Monday in the drive-by shooting. Keymontravious De’shawn Bryant, 18, who was also shot in the incident, was hospitalized in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080 or the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132.

BOND DENIED FOR

GAS STATION

MURDER SUSPECT

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Bond was denied Thursday for a Tifton man charged with murder in the shooting death of a man recently at a South Tifton gas station.

Antavio Latrez Pierce, 43, of Tifton, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault in the death of Vincent Terrell Myers, 36, of Sylvester. 

Chief Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt of the Tifton Judicial Circuit denied bond following a standing-room-only hearing Thursday.

Pierce was arrested July 18 by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Tift County Sheriff’s Office. The shooting occurred July 17 at the Sunoco Gas Station at 3119 S. Central Ave.

Thursday’s court date involved a preliminary hearing and a bond hearing. Tyrone Taylor, the victim's uncle, said that “during the preliminary hearing, Judge Reinhardt found there was sufficient probable cause to hold over for trial.”

At the bond hearing, “the prosecution presented evidence of criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the heinous nature of the murder of Vincent Myers,” Taylor said.

“I addressed the court and stated why we believed the defendant was a danger to the community. Based on testimony presented by myself and the GBI agent working the case, along with the (store) video of the encounter, the court agreed the defendant posed a danger to the community.”

The bond was then denied, and the defendant remains in Tift County Jail.

“I was happy to speak on behalf of the family for my nephew Vincent,” Taylor said. “Today was emotional with some ups and downs. The video was hard to watch for all seeing the last moments of his life. I also made a statement about the defendant being a threat to family as he’s familiar with their home inside and out.”

Taylor thanked those who attended the hearing and those who showed support to his family. "The show of force spoke volumes to the judge,” he said.

Photo by Frank Sayles Jr.

An overturned vehicle can be seen off the road at right in front of the Tifton Police car Thursday night on North Tift Avenue.

VEHICLE OVERTURNS FOLLOWING POLICE CHASE

IN TIFTON THURSDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR. and BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A vehicle overturned on North Tift Avenue near 26th Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday after apparently being pursued by Turner County Sheriff's deputies.

Three law enforcement vehicles were seen heading north on Tift Avenue at a high rate of speed. Shortly thereafter, a vehicle was spotted overturned in the grass on the right side of Tift Avenue just past the Maple Court Senior Care facility.

Turner County deputies, Tifton Police, Tift County Sheriff's Office, and Georgia State Patrol were spotted at the scene, along with a Tift County ambulance.

Details were sketchy late Thursday night. Unconfirmed reports were that at least one person was extracted from the overturned vehicle and that a male may have absconded from the vehicle, prompting a search in the nearby area.

Some residents reported police searchlights and apparent drones over the area. Authorities could not be reached for comment.

PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT STIRS UP IRWIN COUNTIANS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Proposed solar farms in Irwin County have been stirring controversy in recent months.

The proposed Amber Meadow Solar project, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, would involve approximately 1,500 acres in Irwin County. A social-media group – Irwin County Citizens Against Solar Farms on Agriculture Land – is now about 700 members strong.

The online group was created, it states, to provide a place where Irwin County citizens "can find and provide information on the risks of solar farms. Irwin County is a beautiful farming community, and we intend to fight to protect the beauty and economy of our home."

Opponents of the solar project have concerns about potential health issues that solar farms may cause, affects on property values, and the loss of prime agricultural acreage.

Representatives of Amber Meadow Solar, have said the project would create jobs, boost economic development and tax revenue, and is a safe and environmentally friendly form of energy generation.

Some Irwin residents have criticized the county's solar ordinance, whose moratorium expired July 31, and want it revised to better protect citizens. In a letter to the editor of the Ocilla Star newspaper, "Concerned Citizens of Irwin County" said there will be "a public hearing of the Irwin County Commission to vote on the solar ordinance on Aug. 7, 2023, in the courtroom of the Irwin County Courthouse at 5:45 p.m.

"If you believe citizens should have a voice in the proposed solar ordinance, your attendance at this meeting is vital."

Scott Carver, the Irwin County Commission chairman, told the Tifton Grapevine on Thursday that "the only item on our agenda concerning solar is to extend the moratorium to allow time to update the ordinance."

He didn't address details of the ordinance or comment about how he views the issue.

Photo by Ron Smith/Farm Progress

Craig Kvien of Tifton, left, a retired UGA professor, accepts the Fellow Award from UGA-Tifton Extension agronomist Eric Prostko at a recent meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society.

PEANUT RESEARCH SOCIETY HONORS TIFTON'S CRAIG KVIEN

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES) has presented Dr. Craig K. Kvien of Tifton with the organization's highest award. 

Kvien was named Fellow of the Society at its 55th annual meeting. He is a retired University of Georgia professor of crop physiology, crop, and soil sciences and was director of the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL) on the UGA Tifton campus.

Fellows are active members of the Society who have been nominated to receive the honor by other active members, recommended by the Fellows Committee, and elected by the APRES Board of Directors. The recipient has made outstanding contributions in an area of specialization, such as research, extension, or administration, and in public, commercial, or private service activities.

According to the APRES, Kvien, who retired in 2021, has had his research documented in more than 100 books and journal articles, has received more than $22 million in extramural grant funding for his research, has made 182 scientific audience presentations and more than 400 outreach presentations, and has served on 47 graduate committees, 11 as chairman.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Tifton First United Methodist Church (TFUMC) in Tifton, Georgia

(https://www.tiftonfirst.org) is searching for a full-time 

Director of Children’s Ministries / Christian Education. 

We are looking for an individual who is a solid role model and spiritual director with an energetic, enthusiastic, and creative spirit to lead these program ministries at TFUMC. The Director will work with other staff under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations committee and the Children’s Leadership Committee to develop and conduct overall children’s educational programs 

and ministries for TFUMC.

Director of Children’s Ministries:  

Primary responsibilities will be focused on Infant thru 5th Grade and include oversight of the nursery program. The Director will work with other staff members under the direction of the Senior Pastor to develop overall educational programs and ministries for TFUMC. 

The Director should possess or be pursuing a bachelor's degree; have experience working with and developing children’s ministries and/or children’s educational programs; and possess 

a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition.  

The Director should also be a vibrant, energetic person who can get TFUMC members excited about the Lord and can recruit and motivate volunteers to lead and teach under his/her direction.

The Director will:  

• plan, develop, and implement children’s ministry program (nursery through 5th grade) 
• be the day-to-day leader of children’s ministries
• recruit and train volunteers and ensure adequate volunteer support
• ensure adequate adult-to-children ratios  
• be a liaison between the church and other community organizations, people, and resources that relate to FUMC children’s ministries 
• coordinate children’s ministry curriculum 
• assist in recruiting and provide ongoing support for teachers and facilitators   
• ensure that records of participation in programs are maintained
• develop and manage the children’s educational ministry budget  
• communicate in a timely manner as effectively as possible using all available resources (email, website, social media, newsletter, bulletin board, etc.)   
• work with other staff members and maintain a teamwork mentality 
• ensure that the Safe Sanctuary Policy is observed in all children’s ministry settings 
• make themselves available on an advisory basis to leadership of other age-level educational programs
• manage social media communication for children’s ministry
• plan and facilitate children’s events such as VBS 

This is considered a Full-Time, permanent staff member of TFUMC. We expect the Director to work with, support ministries of other staff members and to be a vibrant and visible member of TFUMC staff. 

Qualifications include:

• having or nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of study
• experience working with and developing Christian Children’s Ministries and/or children’s educational programs 
• the ability and vision to develop and implement sustainable leadership structures and programs 
• demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills
• the ability to communicate well with children, parents, volunteers and other staff members
• possess a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition
• an understanding of, and ability to use digital technology and social media to communicate with children, parents, and staff (Remind, Canva, Google Docs, Microsoft Windows software)

Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience.

Position available August 15, 2023 – Applications accepted until position is filled.

To apply: please EMAIL a current resume; a one-page statement summarizing 

why you are interested in and qualified to fill this position; names 

and contact information for three (3) references.

 Please EMAIL the items to: jmichaelmoore57@gmail.com 

J. Michael Moore, Chairman, Staff Parish Relations Committee, 

Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 West 12th St., Tifton, GA

www.tiftonfirst.org

ABAC ADDRESSING ENROLLMENT CHALLENGES, PRESIDENT SAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Dr. Tracy Brundage, president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday that the college is addressing enrollment challenges.

One way it addresses them is by having affordable tuition. “Fifty percent of our students graduate with zero debt,” Brundage said, speaking just a day after her one-year anniversary as ABAC’s 11th president.

In-state tuition did not increase from last year’s $4,206. Adding in housing and meals brings it to a total of $18,000 a year. The "neighbor waiver" allows students from any state that neighbors Georgia to pay in-state tuition.

But, she added, “It’s not just about affordability; it’s about a quality education as well.”

ABAC's size, with an 18-to-1 student/teacher ratio, makes it unique, allowing students to have life-changing experiences that foster lifelong learning in an intimate environment, Brundage said. 

Hands-on learning laboratories for the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources include a 400-acre farm, a 100-head of commercial beef herd, a turf-grass teaching research plot, a greenhouse nursery facility, a nature study area, a 1,000-acre teaching forest, the nine-hole Forest Lakes golf course with a turf grass teaching green, Lake Baldwin with fishery opportunities, and a pitcher plant bog.

For four consecutive years, ABAC has had the most agricultural education graduates east of the Mississippi. The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources has almost 1,500 of the college’s total enrollment of 3,650 students.

Other opportunities include eight athletic programs, which will grow to 10 next year with the return of men’s and women’s basketball. ABAC has been a four-year college since 2008, but still had been offering athletics for only two years. 

“We were losing 60 students a year that were going to go chase the ball somewhere else,” Brundage said. “Those that decided to stay were giving up their athletic eligibility, which is an important part of the college experience for many young people.” 

So this year, ABAC proposed four-year athletics to the Board of Regents and received approval. 

Brundage also said student housing has been an issue for awhile. “We house about 1,350 students on campus through our modern-style residence halls,” Brundage said. “They have been filled for some time and have a wait list.

“We’re experiencing some growing pain and could use another couple hundred beds. We’re looking at doing a housing study this fall because we’ve had a couple of years now where we’ve had students that wanted to live on campus, and we’re at full capacity at this point.” 

ABAC students come from 155 of the state’s 159 counties, 18 other states, and 26 countries.

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GEORGIA – THE 'BLUEBERRY STATE' – OWES INDUSTRY

TO TIFTON'S

TOM BRIGHTWELL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgia could legitimately be known as the "Blueberry State," according to the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

"Georgia is well-known as the 'Peach State,' but since 1949, plant breeders at the University of Georgia have been on a blue streak, bringing more than 50 blueberry varieties to market," UGA CAES says.

UGA professor emeritus and blueberry breeder Scott NeSmith credits the late Tom Brightwell as "the true pioneer of blueberry breeding and helped launch the blueberry industry in Georgia.”

So, who was Dr. William Thomas "Tom" Brightwell of Tifton?

A Tennessee native, he began working at UGA and the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton in the 1940s, ultimately developing and releasing 10 varieties of blueberries.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once contacted Brightwell to acquire blueberry plants for the Onassis privately owned Greek island of Skorpios. Brightwell sent her five plants each of the 10 varieties.

When he retired in 1973, Brightwell was a professor emeritus with the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; professor of horticulture at the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; and assistant director of continuing education at the Rural Development Center in Tifton.

Brightwell was a founding member of the Georgia Blueberry Growers Association and was honored for his contributions leading to the growth of the state blueberry industry. He also received the Big Blue Award from the Florida Blueberry Growers Association and the Pioneer Award from the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.

Brightwell died in 2007 in Tifton at age 91.

“It was some years after his retirement before the industry actually took hold, but they did so by using the varieties that he developed,” UGA's Scott NeSmith said.

Georgia's blueberry crop is now only second in the nation to Washington state's.

“Our industry is now at a stage where we can produce, given cooperative weather, well in excess of 150 million pounds per year in a good year,” NeSmith told a UGA writer. “That’s a long way from the 5 to 10 million pounds of the 1990s.”

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

3^rd & Main Antiques

230 Main St., Tifton

Aug. 3

Justin Hand, Tift County Extension coordinator, from left; with Michael Brooks of Brooks Cotton; Brian Ponder and Ken Ponder, Quality Cotton Award winners; Mary Jones; and Lee Powell of Omega Gin Co., the winning ginner. 

TIFT COUNTIANS WIN REGIONAL COTTON AWARDS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The 2022 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were recently presented, and Tift countians received regional honors.

Winning Region 3 in the greater than 1,000-acre producer category was Tift County's Brian and Ken Ponder, along with the winning ginner, Omega Gin Co.

The awards are given in each of three cotton acreage categories: Less than 500 acres, 500 to 1,000 acres, and greater than 1,000 acres within the state's four regions. Winners are determined by their cotton's loan value and premiums. The Ponders won with a loan value of 55.39 cents per pound and a premium of 3.39 cents per pound.

The awards recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and identify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque, and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. Each winner's UGA county extension agent was also recognized, as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.

The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine, and administered by the UGA Cotton Team.

COVID-19 data released from the 

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of Aug. 2:

TOTAL TIFT COUNTY CASES: 6,993 ....................................... TOTAL TIFT DEATHS: 178

CONFIRMED TIFT CASES - 2 weeks: 21 ....................................... DEATHS - Past week: 0

CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES: 82

TIFT CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks, per 100K population: 201 

_______________________________________________________________

GEORGIA TOTAL CASES: 2,372,894

GEORGIA CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks: 8,521

TOTAL GA DEATHS: 35,518 ....................................................... GA DEATHS - 2 weeks: 25 

YOUR GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES THIS WEEKEND IN

THE TIFTAREA

Saturday, Aug. 5, is National Disc Golf Day, celebrated on the first Saturday of each August. If you've visited Tifton's Fulwood Park recently, you no doubt saw teams of disc golfers playing the sport, said to be the fastest-growing in the world (although pickleball appears to be the fastest-growing in the U.S. right now). A form of disc golf allegedly began in the 1920s in Canada. By 1959, there were "Frisbee Golf" tournaments in California. In 1976, the Disc Golf Association was established.

SATURDAY, AUG. 5

• Casting Out Cancer Benefit Fishing Tournament, 6:30 a.m.-noon, Paradise Public Fishing Area, Enigma
• Tifton Paranormal Reveal, 2 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tifton
• Skate Day at the Park, 6 p.m., Fitzgerald Skate Park, Fitzgerald
• It's Showtime Live @ the Grand Apollo: Talent + Comedy Show, 7:30 p.m., Grand Theatre, Fitzgerald

ADVERTISE

YOUR

YARD SALE HERE!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR

RESIDENTIAL YARD SALE,

CONTACT US at 

yardsales@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

"Vino," a male pooch, is ready to become part of a new family. Come see Vino 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).