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Stuff Ltd/New Zealand news photo

New Zealand native Rachel Wagner, 51, with her daughter Lilyana Rose Wagner in an undated photo. Wagner had been living in the U.S. for nearly three decades, most recently in Tifton. Her 14-year-old daughter is charged with malice murder in Wagner's shooting death Nov. 19, at their residence on East 18th Street.

TIFTON TEEN, CHARGED WITH KILLING MOM, WAS 'BEST FRIENDS' WITH HER

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A picture is emerging about the family of the "withdrawn" 14-year-old charged with malice murder in the shooting death of her mother on Nov. 19 at a Tifton residence on East 18th Street.

Rachel Wagner, 51, was found shot to death in her head in a back bedroom of their home. Her daughter, Lilyana Rose Wagner, 14, was later charged in the death after taking her mother's car and crashing it that morning in Bibb County, authorities said.

According to several news organizations in New Zealand, the mother was a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, who had lived in the United States nearly 30 years and was separated from her American husband. She and her daughter, Lilyana, were said to be "best friends" who relied on each other.

Wagner’s sister-in-law, Christchurch resident Kiri Te Paea, told the New Zealand Herald that the family in Christchurch is devastated. Te Paea said that Lilyana was Wagner’s "whole world” and she worked two jobs to support her daughter.

“She gave her everything," the sister-in-law said. "They were best friends; she loved her baby so much.”

That sentiment is echoed by one of Wagner's friends in South Georgia. Heather Kilgore, a close friend who worked with Wagner locally, told a New Zealand reporter that the mother and daughter had a close relationship.

“They both leaned on each other. You don't understand how shocking this is for us because we knew how their relationship was. We are literally speechless,” Kilgore said, as reported on the Stuff Ltd. news website.

She said Rachel and Lilyana spent a lot of time together at gun ranges: "They would go to the gun range and shoot guns; they did that very often.”

Kilgore said that Lilyana became "very anxious and nervous about going to high school" and asked that she be home-schooled. Her mother took the girl to a doctor who prescribed medication and therapy, but the teen refused, Kilgore told the New Zealand reporter.

The mother was concerned because her daughter retreated from others and didn't make friends.

“Only her world was the gaming world,” Kilgore was reported as saying. “She'd be up all night (with) online gaming."

The mother's Christchurch family painted a similar picture of the teen. Lilyana was considered “withdrawn and anti-social” in the lead-up to the shooting, Te Paea, the sister-in-law, told the New Zealand Herald.

She said that Wagner's 74-year-old mother in new Zealand "can’t even talk about it. ... she’s really struggling to process it.”

TIFTON'S

BIG EVENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS WEEKEND ARRIVES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton's big holiday weekend is underway, culminating with the Tifton Christmas Parade and the annual Hometown Holidays Celebration on Saturday.

Today, Friday, Dec. 6., ice skating is available on Commerce Way from 4-10 p.m. for a $10 fee; children age five and under are free.

From 5:30-6:30 p.m. today, kids can meet Buddy the Elf at the Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, followed by a free screening of the family favorite film "Elf" beginning at 6:45 p.m.

On Saturday, the day begins bright and early at 8 a.m. as the “Pinch the Grinch” – the 20th Kiwanis 5K and Fun Run –– gets started at the corner of Forrest Avenue and W. Fourth Street near the Tifton Fire Station.

Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Tifton, the event raises money for local children’s programs, promotes physical fitness in the community, and highlights Tifton’s Historic District. For information, contact Tom Shoup at 229-388-2142 or tlshoup.kk58@gmail

Tifton's Christmas Parade with this year's theme of "Christmas Around the World" begins at approximately 5 p.m., with retiring state Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, serving as grand marshal.

Following the parade, the city Christmas tree lighting in front of City Hall is set for 6:30 p.m., with the Hometown Holidays celebration lasting through 10 p.m. in Downtown Tifton. Children's activities, live music, food and craft vendors, and even an appearance by Santa himself will put everyone in a festive holiday mood.

Tift County high and middle school students enter schools this week through new weapons detection systems.

TIFT SCHOOLS DEPLOY WEAPONS DETECTION SYSTEMS THIS WEEK

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tift County Schools new advanced weapons detection systems were activated this week on all middle and high school campuses.

The cutting-edge technology is designed to efficiently and effectively identify potential threats, including firearms and other weapons, without disrupting the flow of students and staff entering school buildings. By integrating the state-of-the-art security solution, the school system said it aims to create a safer learning environment.

"The rollout of the new weapons detection system at both middle schools and the high school has been a tremendous success this week," said Dana Spurlin, communications chief for Tift County Schools.

"Each day, we have seen a significant decrease in the time it takes for students to enter the building. The success of the implementation is thanks to the adaptability and cooperation of our staff and students," she said.

The school system is partnering with Xtract One Technologies. Xtract One provides entry screening that automatically detects guns, knives, and other threats more accurately than metal detectors. When the integrated school-security system detects a weapon, security is discreetly notified where the weapon is located on that person's body, allowing an immediate response.

The school system is asking students and staff to remove from bookbags any laptops, Chromebooks, three-ring binders, metal water bottles, umbrellas, and eyeglass and Air Pod cases.

"The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," Superintendent Natalie Gore said when the detection system was first announced. "We are confident that the implementation of Xtract One's weapons detection systems will significantly enhance our existing security measures and provide an additional layer of protection for our school community."

FEMA MOBILE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER NOW OPEN IN FITZGERALD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is open in Ben Hill County to give storm survivors another option to get help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on their applications, and learn about the appeals process.

The Ben Hill County mobile center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., through Saturday, Dec. 7, at  Ben Hill County Extension Services, 321 Dewey McGlamry Road in Fitzgerald.

Georgians may visit any one of FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the state to apply for assistance. To find center locations and hours, visit FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locater here or text “DRC” and your zip code to 43362.

TIFTON FRESHMAN MUSICIAN AMONG BELMONT U. PERFORMERS IN NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Scout Holt of Tifton, a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., will be among more than 600 student musicians and vocalists to perform in the annual concert tradition, "Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville."

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., this holiday spectacular will stream to a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This year marks the first time the event has been available on a global streaming platform. 

Scout Holt has been a popular performer in the Tifton area since her early teens. Her Facebook page, "Music by Scout," displays her variety of performances.

The Christmas at Belmont concert showcases the college's musical talent through traditional carols, classical masterworks, and seasonal favorites.

"It's not just a stage of choral orchestral people singing Christmas song after Christmas song," said Dr. Jeffery Ames, choral activities director. "We could have a poignant piece by a loft choir followed by pop ensemble singing the latest Christmas chart, then percussion ensemble, country, bluegrass – and then the orchestra shows their skills."

This year's performance features special guest appearances by Belmont alumni Ashley Cooke, a rising country music star; Cody Fry, who received a Grammy nomination for his orchestral version of "Eleanor Rigby;" and Dwan Hill, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner.

The "Christmas at Belmont Live from Nashville" broadcast will be available throughout the holiday season via streaming. For information, visit belmont.edu/christmas.

HOPE FOR KIDS HOLIDAY PROJECT

BRINGS CHRISTMAS JOY

TO LOCAL ABUSE VICTIMS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Hope for Kids Holiday Project to provide gifts and clothing for children clients of the Patticake House, who are victims of abuse, is still accepting monetary donations, Melissa Wood, senior forensic interviewer and Patticake House manager, told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday. 

Individuals, classes, businesses, and organizations adopted the children, donating pajamas, clothing, toys, and toothbrushes, among other essentials, which will be packed in travel bags for children who are victims of child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

Monetary donations will enable the Patticake House to shop and “even out” the donations, Wood said, to ensure no child feels slighted on Christmas Day. 

Donations may be made to Hope for Kids Holiday Project, formerly known as Suitcases for Kids, by clicking here or mailing a check to HFK, P.O. Box 2727, Tifton, GA 31793; or through through Venmo: ruthscottage_thepatticakehouse. 

Rotary Club members passed around a bucket on the spot and donated over $500 to the Hope for Kids Holiday Project.

“The children that we serve through this project are victims of abuse,” Wood said. “You can’t just call and sign your child up for this. These are children who have actually been through and received forensic interviews, whether it be for physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnesses to severe domestic violence.

“We’ve had a lot of kids witness homicides,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe. We’ve had some severe neglect cases, some of the most tragic I’ve ever seen in my 20 years doing this.”

Children staying at the Ruth’s Cottage shelter with a parent are served through Hope for Kids, as are children through the legal advocacy program, and those who have been human-trafficking victims. The Patticake House provides a safe place for forensic interviews for children referred there by the district attorney’s office.

Wood also said a limited-edition Christmas ornament depicting the Patticake House logo is available for purchase for a donation of $20. Only 150 ornaments are available, and they may be reserved by calling 229-387-9697. Payments may be made by check, cash, credit card, or Venmo. 

The donations for the ornaments will be placed into the Patticake House Savings Account to be used for the continuing education of Tifton Judicial Circuit Multi-Disciplinary Team partners.

LANGDALE FOUNDATION AIDS TIFT SCHOOLS' 'REACH' SCHOLARSHIP

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation recently supported Tift County Schools' REACH Scholarship program with a $4,000 donation.

REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) is a scholarship that begins in the eighth grade. Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach, and throughout high school they must maintain good grades (at least 2.5 GPA in core courses), good behavior, and good attendance.

Pictured from left are Beth Sellars, schools director of academic support; Donald Warren, Langdale Foundation executive director; Morris Tankersley of Commercial Banking Co., a Foundation affiliate; and Lee Watson, assistant superintendent of student services.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 

Letters must address local issues only. All letters are subject to editing for brevity, for libelous statements, and for egregious language. 

Include your name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Email letters to: IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com

LIVES SAVED; THOUSANDS MORE PREVENTED

To the Editor:

Here’s your feel-good Christmas story of 2024.

We did a spay clinic Tuesday, where over 32 cats were spayed/neutered from several counties. The veterinarian worked for hours, stopping cat overpopulation in both pet and feral cats. When you trap feral cats for a spay clinic, you have no idea they are pregnant. You have no choice but to spay them that day, pregnant or not. The alternative is you may never catch them again, and then you have the bonus of sick, wild kittens that three quarters of them will die.

So it’s sad but must be done to prevent overpopulation.

Jessica Lynn Pisciotta was there. She said, “Duran, I saw her belly move and I couldn’t stand it, so I asked if they were near to term (usually most aren’t) can I try to save them?”

Three little fur-covered kittens were brought into the world, and Jessica went to work. I was told it was a sight to see: 20 minutes of shaking, rubbing, and drawing fluid out of their tiny lungs. Others joined in and finally, tiny cries of life.

It’s been very upsetting to hear people putting down rescue, like we cause the problems of unwanted cats and dogs. We are trying to fix the problem that was caused from irresponsible people not looking into sources for reduced spay and neuter, or they just don’t care. We dream of a world where you are on a waiting list to adopt a kitten or puppy. God knows how bad the overpopulation would be without us. A potential 6,400 kittens were prevented Tuesday. Six thousand four hundred kittens wouldn’t get sick and die of starvation.

Help us. If you love cats help us. If you don’t like cats and want fewer cats, help us. We want less cat overpopulation, and that makes everyone happy.

Jessica will tell you that people think she’s crazy because she tries to save everything. I say, no, you're a healer, it's in you to save, and that’s a beautiful gift God gave you, and you should NEVER let naysayers stop you from using such a special gift.

So over 32 cats were saved from over producing, and three tiny lives were saved that day. They will now open their eyes to Jessica and grow up as loved and trusting of humans.

Be kind, keep your heart free from hate, and pray for those consumed by it, because hate makes your soul sick, and no one needs to live like that when there is so much good out there. There really is. I was surrounded by it Tuesday.

Merry Christmas!

Duran Fowler-Owen

Tifton

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Dec. 6, is St. Nicholas Day – or the "Feast of St. Nicholas" – celebrated around the world. Nicholas of Myra was a bishop in 4th century Greece known for selling off his own items and then giving the money to the poor. He would commonly leave coins in people’s shoes and dedicated his life to serving people who were suffering. As time passed, St. Nicholas Day has been celebrated in Italy with feasts, gift-giving, and festivals. In other European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, children leave their shoes or special St. Nicholas boot in front of the fireplace or front door at night and find presents in them in the morning – similar to leaving stockings for Santa to fill.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

• Tifton Ice Skating, 4-10 p.m., Commerce Way, Tifton
• Third Annual Makers Market, 5 p.m., Downtown Nashville
• Nashville Tree Lighting, 5 p.m., Connie's Children's Park, Downtown Nashville
• Meet Buddy the Elf, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton
• "Elf" the movie, free screening, 6:45 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton
• Christmas Movie Night at Storybook Park, 7 p.m., Second Street, Adel

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

• 'Pinch the Grinch' – Kiwanis 5K & Fun Run, 8 a.m., Forrest Avenue and W. Fourth Street, Tifton
• Ninth Annual Jingle Bell Jog, 9 a.m., Grand Plaza Park, 119 S. Main St, Fitzgerald
• Third Annual Makers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Downtown Nashville
• Tifton Christmas Parade, 5 p.m., Downtown Tifton
• Caroling at the Syd, 5-9:30 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, Tifton
• Magic of Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., Main Street, Adel
• Christmas Tree Lighting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Tifton
• Tifton Hometown Holidays Celebration, 6:30-10 p.m., Downtown Tifton

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

• Tifton Heritage Foundation Christmas Tour of Homes, 3-7 p.m., Tifton

YOUR YARD SALE

HERE

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IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com 

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Meet "Oreo Biscuit," who's ready to find his forever family. This lovable boy is as sweet as his name with a heart full of love and a playful personality. Come visit him and see 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).

Funeral Service for District Attorney Bryce Alan Johnson

The funeral service for District Attorney Bryce Johnson will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Tifton First Methodist Church. Johnson passed away unexpectedly earlier this week following a medical emergency.

Parking will be available in the neighborhood around the Tifton First campus, as well as at the Administrative Offices of the Tift County School System located west of Tift First on 12th Street.

Volunteers on golf carts will be available to assist transporting attendees from parking areas to the church until 2:45. Overflow seating will be available in the Tifton First Chapel, Social Hall, and Activities Center.

The service will be live streamed on the Tifton First Methodist social media platforms, TiftonFirst.org, and the Tifton First Methodist Facebook Page.

We are Grateful for Our Many Friends and Customers Throughout the Tiftarea Who Allow Us to Serve Your Real Estate Needs. We Appreciate You, and Wish You and Your Family a Warm and Joyous Christmas Season.