The Heat is On

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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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HOTTEST DAYS STILL AHEAD

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

It's not your imagination: It has been exceptionally hot the past few days around the Tiftarea.

As temperatures soared into the mid and high 90s, heat indices have approached and exceeded 100 degrees in some areas.

Fortunately, Tifton should see a slight break in the heat Wednesday as afternoon showers are expected to keep temperatures in the low 90s, says the National Weather Service.

But it will only be a short respite: The weather service is calling for a return to scorching heat beginning Thursday and lasting at least through Monday. Thursday's high is forecast to be 95 degrees, followed by 96 on Friday, 98 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, and 97 on Monday.

With the air temperature that high, the heat index – the "feel like temperature" – will soar into the danger zone, well exceeding 100 degrees. Heat indices meeting or exceeding 103 degrees can lead to dangerous heat disorders with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity outdoors, the weather service says.

The Southwest Georgia Public Health District is urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illness.

"Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Whether you're working outside, commuting, or just going about your day, it's important to remember these three steps: Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, and Stay Informed," the health district says.

Limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening, wear light-colored clothing, drink plenty of water, ensure that pets have shade and plenty of water, and check on older adults to ensure they are coping OK with the excessive heat.

GA FARMER VIES FOR SE FARMER OF YEAR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The state winners vying for the title of Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year have been announced for 2025.

They are:

Kent Hamilton of Norman Park, Georgia Farmer of the Year
Dr. Issac "Nealy" Barrett Jr., Alabama Farmer of the Year
Jeremy Allen, Arkansas Farmer of the Year
James "Jim" Alderman, Florida Farmer of the Year
David "Harrell" Overman, North Carolina Farmer of the Year
Jeff Wilson, South Carolina Farmer of the Year
Steve Hopkins, Virginia Farmer of the Year

The Southeastern Farmer of the Year will be announced at the annual Sunbelt Ag Expo, scheduled Oct.14-16 at Spence Field in Moultrie.

Kent Hamilton, Georgia Farmer of the Year, is CEO of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable Inc., based in Norman Park.

Established in 1987 by sixth-generation farmer Hamilton, it has grown from a four-man farming effort into a 8,500-acre operation with farms in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.

"Because of these locations, we are able to provide year-round produce to our customers. We not only grow the product in our fields, but we also pack the product in our state-of-the-art packing shed and high-humidity forced-air cooler, as well as ship the product directly to our customers. We are a female-owned and family-operated company," Hamilton said.

Southern Valley grows green beans, cabbage, trellis cucumbers, a variety of peppers and squash, sweet corn, trellis pickles, and eggplant and owns 100 head of cows.

"What began with my mother and aunt as first-generation leaders has transitioned to the second generation of my cousins and me, who continue to guide the business forward. Alongside us are our children who constitute the present and the future.”

A Southeastern panel of judges will visit Hamilton, along with the farms of the other six state finalists, during the week of Aug. 5-8. The judges include John McKissick, retired ag economist with the University of Georgia; Charles Ed Snipes, retired seed scientist with Mississippi State University; and Kevin Morgan, retired executive assistant to the president of the Florida Farm Bureau.

HUBBARD WINS PSC DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Yes, there was a runoff election Tuesday in Georgia, and Peter Hubbard captured the Democratic nomination for District 3 commissioner on the state Public Service Commission (PSC).

In unofficial results according to the Georgia secretary of state's office, Hubbard received 51,861 votes, or 58.07%, to Keisha Sean Waites' 37,453 votes, or 41.93% of Tuesday's statewide vote.

In Tift County, Waites, a former Atlanta City Council member, edged Hubbard: Waites received 80 votes to Hubbard's 61, in unofficial results.

Hubbard will now face incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson in the November PSC election.

Hubbard works as a clean energy advocate for the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions, a nonprofit working toward an Integrated Resource Plan in Georgia to lower energy costs and reducesharmful emissions.

Among those endorsing Hubbard were former Gov. Roy Barnes and Richard Rose, former NAACP Atlanta president.

About 91,000 of Georgia’s approximately 8.4 million registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's runoff.

Hubbard and Waites were the top two vote-getters in last month's primary election for the Democratic nomination, but neither had more than 50% of the vote, so a runoff was required under Georgia law.

Waites had received 57,800 votes in last month's primary, and Hubbard had received 41,832 votes. A third candidate was eliminated.

GA AG AGENTS CHARGE TEXAS SUSPECTS IN IRWIN CBD OIL THEFT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Four suspects from Texas have been recently extradited to Georgia by the Irwin County Sheriff's Office and charged with felonies in what is being called one of the largest hemp oil theft cases on record.

According to the Ga. Department of Agriculture, the Ocilla Police Department in January alerted the ag department's law enforcement division to the theft of 3,000 liters of distilled hemp oil from the Second Century Ag warehouse in Irwin County.

Second Century Ag is a commercial hemp-oil processor in Irwin County. CBD oil produces no psychotropic effects and has multiple medicinal uses.

The stolen distilled oil was reported to have an estimated value of $3.6 million.

“I am incredibly proud of the work our officers did to ensure the perpetrators of this crime face swift justice, and we’re especially grateful to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, and the Irwin County Sheriff’s Office for their vital assistance on this case,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper, an Ocilla native.

“In Georgia we are sending a clear message, if you attempt to use agriculture as a cover for criminal activity – we will catch you and you will go to prison,” Harper said.

According to the agriculture department, two suspects – Maurice Cornelius William, 41, and Deandre Meshack, 24, traveled from Houston, Texas, to Georgia, broke into the Second Century Ag processing facility and loaded the stolen CBD distillate into a U-Haul truck.

Two additional suspects are charged with being key organizers of the burglary: LaShayla Jones, 31, and Aaron Wayne Smith, 29, both of Dallas, Texas, the state ag department said.

ABAC PLANS TWO ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) has announced the launch of two fully online certificate programs beginning this fall.

The Certificate in Workplace Interpersonal Relationships and the Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Analytics will be offered through the University System of Georgia’s eMajor/eCampus, expanding access to essential, job-ready skills for students and working professionals.

“These new certificates reflect ABAC’s commitment to equipping students with the practical, in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s job market,” said Dr. Matthew Anderson, dean of ABAC’s School of Social Sciences, Education, and Arts. “By offering these programs online, we’re expanding access to quality education that meets the evolving needs of both our students and our communities.”

The Workplace Interpersonal Relationships Certificate is designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills – competencies that employers consistently rank among the most critical for new hires.

According to the Job Outlook 2023 report, only 47% of employers believe incoming employees are adequately prepared in this area, making this certificate a timely and relevant solution.

The Fundamentals of Data Analytics Certificate equips participants with foundational skills in data science, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and data interpretation. The program addresses a growing demand for data-literate professionals across industries such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and technology.

Both certificate programs are available as stand-alone credentials for non-degree-seeking individuals and as stackable options for current ABAC students.

From left are Jose Guzman, Margaret Giddens and Ivonne Duque (both of Tifton), Stephanie Brito-Estrada, Zulmy Tapia, Maria Johnson, Carolyn Jones (advisor), Dianna Huerta (Tifton), Yaslim Mendez, Robin Osby (Tifton), Peyton Peek, Mallory Shiver, Johanna Comacho (Tifton), and Wilson Petithomme Jr.

SRTC INDUCTS 5 TIFTON STUDENTS AMONG 13 INTO NATIONAL TECH HONOR SOCIETY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

On Thursday, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) inducted 13 new members into the organization, including five from Tifton.

The formal ceremony was held at SRTC-Tifton. The 2025 Summer NTHS inductees include Margaret Giddens, Ivonne Duque, Dianna Huerta, Robin Osby, and Johanna Martinez Camacho, all of Tifton.

"It is such an honor to see so many of our SRTC students excelling in our programs and being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society," said Campus Director KaCee Holt. "Through this organization, we have the opportunity to celebrate SRTC student academic achievements and recognize their commitment to their education, program and communities. We are glad these NTHS inductees chose to start here and look forward to seeing them use their skills and education for the betterment of Southwest Georgia."

As a national organization, NTHS's purpose is to promote the ideals of honesty, service, leadership, career development, and skilled workmanship. To maintain eligibility for membership, a student must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CATS OF THE WEEK

Meet "Vanta" and "Velvet" — two beautiful black kittens full of playful energy and charm. These sisters were just tiny infants still nursing with their mama when they entered the animal shelter. They’ve grown up surrounded by love, and now they’re ready for forever homes! Visit them 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 HAS 'DIRE NEED' FOR HOUSING

~ JULY 18, 1919

The Tifton Board of Trade on July 18, 1919, said there is a dire need for more housing in Tifton. "People are prevented from coming here every day on account of their inability to secure homes," the Board of Trade said.

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