Teacher/Ex-Fitzgerald Football Star's Drug Charges

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Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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TEACHER-COACH CHARGED WITH DRUG DISTRIBUTION

WARNER ROBINS TEACHER IS FORMER

FITZGERALD HIGH FOOTBALL STAR

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A former Fitzgerald High School football star and current teacher and assistant defensive line coach at Veterans High School in Warner Robins has been arrested and charged with transporting drugs for distribution in Ben Hill County.

Kierron Lashawn Smith, a Fitzgerald native, is one of three men arrested Sunday following an investigation begun in January by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division.

Kierron Smith was arrested Sunday along with Charles Shelton and Carlos Smith, authorities said. All three face charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of public housing, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, authorities said.

The Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office said it had received tips that Kierron Smith was allegedly transporting pounds of marijuana for distribution throughout Ben Hill County and from a residence on West Orange Street.

A search warrant was executed Sunday at the residence by the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division, its Uniform Division and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Along with the three arrests, deputies seized approximately 1.28 pounds of marijuana, two vehicles, $4,816 in cash, and three handguns. Authorities said the residence is within 1,000 feet of the former Fitzgerald High School campus, which students and staff still use for various activities.

As a football player, Kierron Smith was a two-time all-state selection at Fitzgerald High for Coach Tucker Pruitt and a three-time all-region selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith then played football at Georgia Southern University, where he made the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll during 2020-2021 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He did some post-graduate studies at Tennessee State University.

Smith is in his first year at Veterans High School as an assistant defensive line coach and interrelated math teacher. After his arrest, the Houston County School District released a statement that read: “We are aware of reports regarding the recent arrest of a VHS teacher. Because this is an active legal matter and a personnel issue, we are limited in what we can share at this time; however, we can confirm that this individual is not currently at the school. The Houston County School District takes all matters involving employee conduct seriously. We are following established district procedures in accordance with board policy and employment laws.”

“We have an individual who is expected to be an example for the young kids that he has contact with, and he’s trusted in that regard. And to us, he was totally violating that trust that’s been placed in him," Col. Chris Stephens of the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

RETIRED ABAC VP, PROVOST RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 6 SEAT ON TIFT SCHOOL BOARD

DR. JERRY BAKER WAS INTERIM TIFT SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, INTERIM TIFT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Dr. Jerry Baker, an experienced educator, administrator, and community volunteer, has announced his candidacy for the Tift County School Board.

Baker retired as provost & vice president for academic affairs at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he oversaw all academic and student affairs, and promoted faculty leadership. He previously was dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where he managed programs to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders, secured resources, and cultivated partnerships.

Following his retirement from ABAC, Baker served in several part-time and interim roles, including interim dean and provost at ABAC, interim principal at Tift County High School, interim superintendent for Tift County Schools, and as a volunteer interpreter at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village. He currently works part-time at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.

Baker said he pledges to advocate for academic excellence, responsible stewardship, and innovative solutions for Tift County Schools.

“Our schools are the heart of our community,” he said. “I want to serve on the Tift County Board of Education to ensure every student has access to a quality education, our teachers are supported, and our district remains a place of innovation and integrity. My background in academic leadership and community service has prepared me to be a strong voice for Tift County’s families.”

Baker has held national leadership roles, including chief executive officer of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, where he advanced strategic initiatives and member engagement. He has also served as CEO of the Federation of Animal Science Societies and as executive director of the American Society of Animal Science.

“If elected, I will prioritize open communication, transparency, and meaningful collaboration with parents, teachers, and students,” Baker said. “My goal is to support innovative programs and maintain safe, inclusive learning environments. Together, we can ensure our schools continue to foster academic excellence and prepare our children for a bright future. I appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community.”

Baker is running for the District 6 seat on the Board of Education (BOE) currently held by Rusty Harrelson, who told the Tifton Grapevine that he is not seeking re-election. Harrelson has served on the BOE since 2019.

REMAINS FOUND IN BERRIEN, MAY BE MISSING ENIGMA MAN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Authorities believe that human remains found in Berrien County are those of a missing Enigma man who disappeared nearly a year ago.

Remains believed to be Manuel Camargo Zavala, 88, were discovered on property adjacent to Sapps Lake Road in the area where Zavala was last seen on March 25, 2025, authorities said Tuesday.

On March 31 of last year, the Berrien County Sheriff's Office was contacted about Zavala, who had been missing for several days. After the case was publicized, a hunter came forward last April 1 with a photo on his game camera from March 25 showing Zavala walking south of Enigma in a wooded area off Edgar Drew Dorminey Road.

“That was the last time that we know of that he was seen," Berrien Sheriff Ray Paulk said at the time. An extensive search followed assisted by Georgia State Patrol Aviation, the Ga. Department of Natural Resources, and the Ga. Department of Corrections K-9 unit.

Sheriff Paulk said Tuesday that no foul play is expected at this time, pending further investigation.

MOSQUITO SPRAYING RESUMES THURSDAY IN TIFTON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Monthly truck mosquito spraying will resume in Tifton on Thursday evening, the city says.

The City of Tifton entered a two-year contract last April with Astro Exterminating Services to spray every street monthly in Tifton. This year, monthly spraying will continue through October.

Each of Tifton’s City Council districts will be sprayed monthly under the following monthly schedule:

• Week 1 of the Month – District 1

• Week 2 – District 2

• Week 3 – District 3

• Week 4 – District 4

Spraying typically will be on Thursday evenings, but it is subject to change based on weather conditions, the city said. Evening spraying is estimated to be from 7-10 p.m. to be closer to "dusk dark."The times may vary depending on numerous factors.

In the event of inclement weather on evenings of scheduled spraying, Astro may spray at dawn the following day.

The City of Tifton said it will make a strong effort to communicate any changes in spraying schedules, however, some instances – such as quickly changing weather conditions – may impede the ability to spread the information ahead of spraying changes.

Thus, weekly spraying notifications and changes, as needed, will be noted on the Tifton Facebook page, City of Tifton Main Website Calendar, and the City of Tifton X Account.

Citizens can learn more about Tifton’s Mosquito Control program by Clicking Here.

Gov. Brian P. Kemp signs the amended budget Tuesday surrounded by legislators and state constitutional officers at the capitol in Atlanta.

KEMP SIGNS STATE BUDGET WITH INCOME, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed the amended fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday with $2 billion in income and property tax relief.

Besides the tax relief, Kemp said the budget makes "historic investments in transportation, mental health services, and public safety."

Income tax rebates total $250 for single taxpayers and $500 for married couples and families. The Homeowner Tax Relief Grant is expected to save homeowners about $500 on 2026 property taxes.

Among other items in the budget are a one-time $2,000 pay supplement for teachers, state law enforcement, and other state employees; $15 million for rural site development to assist local governments in attracting businesses with "shovel-ready" sites; and $1.68 billion for the expansion of Interstate 75 express lanes in Henry County where traffic regularly bottlenecks.

The budget also allocates $409 million to design and construct a new Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta and significantly expand state mental-health bed capacity and another $325 million to establish an endowment and provide seed funding for the DREAMS Scholarship program, the first needs-based scholarship in Georgia history.

The General Assembly session ends April 2.

FATAL FIRE CLAIMS MAN IN WORTH COUNTY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Authorities are investigating a fatal house fire Monday in Worth County.

One man died in the fire in Bridgeboro, southwest of Sylvester, officials said. The victim's identity has not been released. The fire began at approximately 4:15 p.m. Monday at the residence located on SR (State Route) 112 South, officials said.

The investigation is continuing into the fire's origins.

M. JAY HALL NAMED TO GA HUMANITIES BOARD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton Vice Mayor M. Jay Hall has been named to the Board of Directors of Georgia Humanities.

Referred by Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, Hall will serve a three-year term alongside other members chosen for their knowledge, expertise, and dedication to the humanities.

In addition to his service on Tifton City Council, Hall serves as executive director of Mims Kids Inc., a nonprofit committed to youth life skills training and arts enrichment. Hall sits on the boards of the Tifton Arts Council, Tift County Homeless Coalition, and Tifton Urban Redevelopment Agency, among others. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Georgia State University and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia.

Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to encourage understanding and inspire hope. Through grantmaking and public programs, the organization engages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore what shapes us as individuals and what binds us as Georgians.

KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL NAMES 'BEAUTY SPOTS'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB), a citizens advisory board, has named the residential and commercial "Beauty Spots" for March.

The home of the Campbell family on Sixth Street, pictured above, is this month's Residential Beauty Spot.

South Georgia Banking Co. at 729 W. Second St., pictured below, is March's Commercial Beauty Spot.

Keep Tift Beautiful promotes recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Cleghorn Tax & CPA

407 N. Ridge Ave., Tifton

Feb. 26

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Sharky" is a friendly, young, female tuxedo cat who was a stray discovered in a Tifton neighborhood. Her name is from a shark fin-shaped white marking on her upper lip. She is lively, playful, and will make an entertaining companion to the right owner. Come visit her 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).

TIFTON INSTALLS PARKING METERS IN CITY'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

~ MARCH 4, 1948

The Tifton City Commission on March 4, 1948, voted to install parking meters in the central business district on a trial basis, and the meters later became permanent in some locations. Meters were added at additional sites during the 1950s. However, in succeeding years, the parking meters became controversial and ultimately raised the ire of some merchants, one of whom took matters into his own hands in 1964 by repeatedly cutting down the meter in front of his business property. By 1966, the city decided to remove the meters.

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