Friday, January 9, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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NEW STATE PROGRAM AIMS TO REDUCE ATV DEATHS, INJURIES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgia continues to see deaths and serious injuries involving off-road vehicles such as ATVs, and a new state education program hopes to reduce those incidents.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has received $157,000 from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to launch a public outreach and training program focused on improving the safety of ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) on rural roads. 



Since 2022, Georgia has had more than 40 deaths and 300 serious injuries from off-road vehicles such as ATVs, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

From Jan. 1-June 20, 2025, the most recent statistics available, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 42 crashes involving multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHVs) and ATVs. Of 14 fatalities across the state during the period, eight involved MPOHVs and six were ATVs. There were a total of 114 serious injuries statewide, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported.

In ATV accidents just in the past year, a 22-year-old man died on Wiley Branch Road in Tift County and a 12-year-old died in Coffee County.

“These vehicles can be fun and useful on trails, private land, and designated county roads. But they come with serious risks — especially when not operated safely,” said Col. William W. Hitchens III, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

The new state initiative aims to address rising concerns related to off-highway vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities across rural communities. With many Georgia residents relying on ATVs and UTVs for farming, recreation, and transportation, the program will provide targeted education and training in hopes of reducing preventable crashes. 

“Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of the century,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Each life saved is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.”

Glen Rains, UGA professor and agricultural engineer, said "We are grateful for the support of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. This grant allows us to deliver much-needed safety resources and hands-on training that can save lives. Our goal is to ensure that riders of all ages understand the risks and adopt safer practices on and around rural roads.”

The program will launch immediately, with training events and outreach efforts scheduled throughout the upcoming year.

Drugs and drug paraphernalia seized during a traffic stop in Ashburn.

SEATBELT VIOLATION LEADS TO ASHBURN DRUG SEIZURE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A routine traffic stop Sunday morning in Ashburn resulted in the seizure of several illegal drugs and subsequent charges against the driver, authorities said.

At approximately 11:40 a.m. Sunday, Ashburn police stopped a vehicle for a seatbelt violation. Officers said the driver's "suspicious behavior" then led to the discovery of illegal drugs, according to the Ashburn Department Of Public Safety.

Officers seized more than 11 ounces of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia, including scales, and baggies, authorities said. The driver was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of ecstasy.

Ashburn authorities released no further details about the incident or the identity of the driver arrested, only saying, "We are committed to helping keep drugs off the streets in our community."

CARE FOR YOURSELF

SO YOU CAN CARE FOR OTHERS, THERAPIST SAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Alexia Tanner, a licensed clinical social worker and mental health professional, told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday about the importance of self-care in the workplace and at home.

“You have to sustain yourself as a leader,” Tanner said. It is very important she said for employees and business owners to “reflect on how we work, how we live, and the things that we do to connect the two.”

Tanner has worked for 20 years with a primary focus in trauma and mental health advocacy. Currently, she works as a mental health therapist in Southwell’s outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health department.

“What does working well mean?” Tanner asked. “It means that you are present in your job, taking breaks, lunch breaks, shortening meetings, these are things that sustain you.” 

She said that a Johns Hopkins University study showed that people who took a one-hour lunch break are able to work harder, faster and accomplished more than those who worked through lunch.

“Even a 30-minute break gives you a chance to refocus," Tanner said, "The days that I take a break, I’m not as exhausted as the days I work through lunch.”

She suggested tabling things in your office when something causes a stressful reaction, such as an upsetting email. “Let it rest for a minute,” she said. Setting it aside and coming back to it is good for mental health, “and it’s also good for the team that you’re leading,” she said.

Tanner suggested taking physical stretch breaks, such as raising the shoulders to the ears and tilting the head to one shoulder then the other.

“You really need to be moving every 30 to 45 minutes,” she said. “Set an alarm on your phone, and take a meaningful break. You are rejuvenating yourself.”

Tanner said it’s important to set boundaries in your job and your personal life. Also, an emotional release allows us to let things go and allow positive things to come in.

“What are we putting our energy into?” she asked. “Are we putting our energy into things that do not serve us, or are we putting our energy into working toward our goals?”

If we wake up at 3 a.m. thinking of our to-do list, she said, “write it down, then tell your brain to go back to sleep. Your brain is telling you, ‘we cannot forget this,’” so paper and pen by the bedside helps.

Also she suggested “quit doom-scrolling before bed.” Looking at our phones in the bedroom before sleeping, Tanner said, prevents the production of melatonin and may cause sleep issues.

“Your brain is activated. It makes your brain thinks it’s daytime,” she said. “For self-care, come off of that phone an hour before bedtime.” She also suggests not looking at the phone first thing in the morning, because it causes the body to produce cortisol, the stress hormone.

Finally, Tanner reminded listeners, “Care for yourself as carefully as you care for others.” 

The Tifton Rotary Club is a service organization that meets weekly at noon Wednesdays at the Hilton Garden Inn. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization may email Tifton Rotary President Dr. Tonja Tift at rotariantonjatift@gmail.com.

WORTH COUNTY BUSINESSES CITED FOR UNDERAGE SALES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A recent undercover operation in Worth County found that seven of 17 businesses violated state and local laws by selling alcohol, vapor products, and/or THC-related items to underage individuals.

On Dec, 30, the Worth County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, conducted an underage alcohol and vape-sales compliance operation to ensure local businesses are complying with the law.

The operation used supervised underage operatives who attempted to purchase alcohol and vapor products at licensed establishments throughout Worth County, including the cities of Sumner, Poulan, Warwick, and Sylvester.

The Worth County Sheriff's Office said such compliance checks are a standard enforcement tool designed to promote responsible sales practices and protect public safety.

Businesses found to be non-compliant were issued citations, which may result in fines, license action, or additional penalties as prescribed by law. Warrants were also issued for the responsible individuals, the sheriff's office said.

Establishments that passed the compliance checks properly verified identification and refused the sale.

“Preventing underage access to alcohol, vapes, and THC products is critical to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Sheriff Don Whitaker. “These compliance checks are not intended to punish businesses, but to ensure accountability and encourage responsible practices.”

Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla and President Tracy Brundage, both at front center, lead a group effort by ABAC’s Stafford School of Business to earn a 10-year accreditation.

ABAC GETS 10-YEAR ACCREDITATION FOR BUSINESS DEGREE PROGRAM

Dr. Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla, interim dean of ABAC's Stafford School of Business, is calling recent college news “the greatest retirement exit ever,” as she prepares for her retirement.

The Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners recently announced that the bachelor of science in business at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The accreditation is valid for 10 years.

“Students are the No. 1 beneficiaries, as the accreditation enhances credibility and reputation, thereby increasing employability,” said Mathis-Pertilla. “For the school, it will help boost enrollment and attract faculty. More broadly, the appeal strengthens our ability to cultivate strategic partnerships, expand internship pipelines, and advance workforce development initiatives.”

ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage emphasized the significance of the accreditation for both students and employers.

“This accreditation is a powerful affirmation of the quality of education our students receive at the Stafford School of Business,” Brundage said. “It tells our students and their future employers that ABAC graduates are prepared, competitive, and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”

In its "basis for decision," ACBSP praised Mathis-Pertilla’s leadership, noting, “The leadership process demonstrates strong engagement through initiatives by the interim dean.” The committee also commended the school’s organizational structure and processes.

Proud New Member of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce

PIGGLY WIGGLY COMING TO FITZGERALD, TIFTON BUSINESSMAN TELLS FITZGERALD ROTARY CLUB

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tom Coogle, president and CEO of Reynolds Foodliner, an independent retail management company based in Tifton, was the featured program guest of Rotarian Sue Smith on Tuesday at the Rotary Club of Fitzgerald.

Coogle shared his beginnings in the food-service industry and spoke about his commitment to customer service and his passion for servant leadership.

Reynolds Foodliner owns and/or operates stores in Tifton, Hazlehurst, McRae, Jesup, Valdosta, Montezuma, and Adel.

Of special interest to the Fitzgerald community, Reynolds Foodliner has also purchased the Harvey’s Supermarket in the city and plans to reopen it in early February as a Piggly Wiggly.

Coogle told Rotarians that he wants the new Piggly Wiggly and its staff to be active and engaged business partners in the Fitzgerald community.

Pictured above, from left, are Fitzgerald Rotarian Sue Smith, Reynolds Foodliner Human Resources Director Laurel Gamage and Promotions Director Brian Phiel, Tom Coogle and his wife Jill.

THREE PEOPLE CITED FOR HUNTING DUCKS AFTER HOURS, EXCEEDING HUNTING LIMITS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Officers with the Law Enforcement Division of the Georgia Department of Natural

Resources (DNR) have apprehended three individuals hunting ducks after hours and exceeding hunting limits in Worth County.

On the evening of Jan. 2, DNR Sgt. Greg Wade, Game Warden Tyler McKay, and K-9 Cuff caught the three hunters and issued citations.

The three hunters had also taken 21 wood ducks, exceeding their limit by 12, the DNR said. All three hunters received citations for hunting waterfowl after hours and taking waterfowl over the legal limit, the DNR said.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Sunday, Jan. 11, is National Milk Day, marking the first delivery of milk in sealed glass bottles in 1878, a huge step for hygiene. The day is also a reminder of milk’s enduring role in public health — from the safety assured through modern pasteurization to the benefits delivered through the dairy matrix, where nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, and B vitamins work together to support whole-body health.

Born on Jan. 9: Richard M. Nixon, 37th U.S. president, 1913-1994; Bart Starr, NFL quarterback & coach, 1934-2019; Bob Denver, actor – "Gilligan," 1935-2005; Joan Baez, singer-songwriter, 1941–; Jimmy Page, musician, Led Zeppelin, 1944–; J.K. Simmons, Academy Award-winning actor, 1955–; Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, 1982 –.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

• 38th Annual Frontier Festival Heritage Days, hosted by Flint River Frontiersmen & Camp Osborn - Boy Scouts of America, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 480 Camp Osborn Road, Sylvester

• Home School Club: Vision Board Bash, 11 a.m., Victoria Evans Memorial Library, Ashburn

SATURDAY, JAN. 10

• 38th Annual Frontier Festival Heritage Days, hosted by Flint River Frontiersmen & Camp Osborn - Boy Scouts of America, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 480 Camp Osborn Road, Sylvester

• Tifton Second Saturday - Winter Wonderland, free ice skating, sip & stroll, storewide sales, free tree giveaway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown Tifton

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

• 38th Annual Frontier Festival Heritage Days, hosted by Flint River Frontiersmen & Camp Osborn - Boy Scouts of America, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 480 Camp Osborn Road, Sylvester

• Kraken Pro-Wrestling, 4 p.m., Chino & Letty's Place, 102 W.Third St., Tifton

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Zuzu" is about one-and-a-half years old and has been at the animal shelter for six months. He’s one of those dogs who wins over everyone he meets — staff, volunteers, visitors, dogs, and people. He’s friendly, affectionate, and brings joy wherever he goes. Visit Zuzu 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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