Friday, October 31, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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POLICE OFFER 'SCARY GOOD' SAFETY TIPS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Today is Halloween, and a variety of ghosts, goblins, and other costumed children will be taking to the streets.

The Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling and are offering advice to help keep a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.

"I want to remind everyone in Tifton to stay alert and be cautious while out enjoying the evening. This Friday night will be a busy one across our city. We have a home football game, downtown trick-or-treating, and neighborhood events all happening at the same time. That means heavier traffic, more pedestrians, and many excited children moving between activities," said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.

"I encourage all drivers to slow down, be patient, and stay focused on the road. Expect increased traffic in residential areas and downtown, especially around crosswalks and parking lots. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, reduce your speed, and be alert for children who may cross the street unexpectedly," Hyman said.

The police chief encourages parents to stay with their children when trick-or-treating and visit familiar, well-lit neighborhoods. A flashlight or glow stick should be carried, and kids should never enter a home or vehicle to collect candy and only visit houses with porch lights on.

"Before children enjoy their Halloween treats, parents should inspect everything carefully. Remove any unwrapped or loose candy, throw away open packages, and discard unfamiliar or off-brand items. Watch for small candies or toys that could pose a choking hazard for younger children," Hyman said.

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough said costumes should made of flame-resistant fabric and be brightly colored or trimmed with reflective tape. Masks should have eye holes large enough to allow full visibility and nose holes that allow for adequate breathing.

"Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening for all with some preparation, communication, and diligence. Of course, we will be on patrol and available to you and your children if you need us," the sheriff said.

Chief Hyman also noted that "our officers will be out across the community Friday night, including downtown, near the stadium, and in local neighborhoods. They will monitor traffic, assist with events, and keep an eye out for everyone’s safety.

"Let’s work together to keep our community safe," the police chief said. "I hope everyone has a fun and enjoyable Halloween. Look out for one another, slow down, and help protect our ghosts and goblins as they hunt for their sweets.”

EARLY VOTING ENDS TODAY FOR

TUESDAY ELECTION

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Early voting ends today for Tuesday's election.

In Omega, four City Council seats are on the ballot with three of them contested. 

Christopher W. Ponder is running unopposed for Post 1; incumbent Cecile L. Gilliard and Rene Christian Martinez are vying for the Post 2 seat; Rodney D. Glaze and Ryan Voris are running for the Post 3 seat; and for the Post 4 seat on Omega City Council, incumbent Charles Alvin White faces Gwendolyn C. Robinson.

On the statewide ballot, a special election will decide two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. In District 2, Republican incumbent Tim Echols, who has served since 2011, faces Democrat Alicia M. Johnson. In District 3 on the PSC, are Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson, appointed in 2021, and Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard. 

The PSC controls electric rates and statewide energy policies.

Because incumbent city councilmen in Tifton and Ty Ty are all unopposed, they have been removed from the ballot.

In Tifton, District 1 Councilman Josh Reynolds and District 3 Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. will be elected to their second terms on City Council.

In the City of Ty Ty, longtime Ty Ty Mayor J. Keith Beasley, who first was elected to Ty Ty City Council in 1989, is unopposed as are Ty Ty Council members Tony C. Randall (Post 2), Kasey Luke (Post 3), and Linda Drawdy (Post 4).

NATUREQUEST YOUTH ACTIVITY RETURNS SATURDAY IN ALAPAHA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Another NatureQuest free outdoor activity for children and youth is planned this Saturday at Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha.

"This month, we will be discussing reptiles and amphibians. We have live animals for children to see, and ABAC volunteers will be helping in learning," said Avanlee Kennedy, a natural resources student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and student coordinator of the program.

Scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday's session is free but pre-registration is required. Parents must accompany their children.

All are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, their own drinks and snacks – and to wear closed-toe shoes.

On the first Saturday morning of each month, the NatureQuest program is featuring free outdoor explorations focusing on a different topic.

Contact Heather Brasell to register or for questions: heather.brasell@gmail.com, 229-339-3966. 

Gaskins Forest Education Center is located at 3359 Moore Sawmill Road in Alapaha.

"The Brain Trust" representing Hendricks Cleaning Services won first place in the "Haunted Trivia" competition Thursday night. The event, hosted by Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County, was sponsored by The Howard Center and is a fundraiser for the nonprofit literacy organization. Members of the winning team are, from left, Chris Beckham, Mitzi Beckham, Stacey Heard, Gabi Heard, Render Heard, Mary Jo Morrison, Josh Morrison, and Kristin Morrison.

AND TIFTON'S TRIVIA CHAMPS ARE....

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Southern Regional Technical College was a spooky place Thursday night with the 25th Annual Howard Center Haunted Night of Trivia to benefit Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County.

"The Brain Trust" team representing Hendricks Cleaning Services won first-place bragging rights. Second place was the Tiftarea Academy team, and third place was last year’s champs, the Baddie Book Club.  

The Tifton Rotary Club was leading most of the night, but The Brain Trust soared into first place with the answer to the question, “Who was the first Peeping Tom looking at?” The answer was Lady Godiva. 

Trivia Master David "Big Wave Dave" Holmes, entertained the teams with creative questions accompanied by a humorous PowerPoint. His sidekick and son-in-law, Matt Lovelace, kept score with precision. 

Led by Josh Morrison, the members of the winning team included his wife and daughter, Kristin and Mary Jo Morrison, Chris Beckham, Mitzi Beckham, Render Heard, Stacey Heard, and Gabi Heard.  

The Tiftarea Academy team included Headmaster Bill Shelnutt, and his wife and son, Susan and Will Shelnutt, Trip King, and Bo Slack. The book club team consisted of Sarah Cook, Carly Fortson, Andrea McLemore, Shelly Schmeisser, Andrea Story, Chelsea Webster, and Joy Yost. 

Dinner was provided by Chicken Salad Chick, Chicago Pizza, The Local Graze, Logan’s Roadhouse, Olive Garden, and Taqueria Bertha, with spirited desserts by the Tifton Junior Woman’s Club and beverages by Coca-Cola United. 

The Event Sponsor is The Howard Center for Women, and their teams won the costume contest with the "Toy Story" theme. Prizes were donated by Hilton Garden Inn, Tift County Lanes, Wild Adventures, SRTC Cosmetology, and Aero Boutique. 

Funds raised at the event allow Literacy Volunteers to recruit and train tutors to work with individuals wanting to improve their reading, writing, math, and English speaking abilities. 

Literacy Volunteers also has provided transportation to qualified Adult Education students attending GED classes at SRTC's Tifton Campus.

GA PARK PASSES TO INCREASE NEXT YEAR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Parking passes at Georgia state parks will increase for the first time in 16 years, says the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 

The department blamed the increase on “rising maintenance and repair costs.”

The increases are:

• Daily passes and stay use passes will go from $5 to $10
• Georgia veteran daily passes will go from $3.75 to $7.50
• Van daily passes will go from $30 to $50
• Bus daily passes will go from $70 to $100
• Annual passes will go from $50 to $70
• Senior annual passes will go from $25 to $35
• Veteran annual passes will go from $37.50 to $52.50
• Senior disabled veteran passes will go from $18.25 to $26.25
• Van annual passes will go from $75 to $90
• Bus annual passes will go from $250 to $275. 

Disabled veterans can receive a 25% discount on individual accommodations and recreation fees in addition to the parking discounts. 

Georgia seniors get a 20% discount on cottages December-March, and a year-round 20% discount on campsites and yurts.

The new rates are expected to become effective in the new year.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Oct. 31, is Halloween, the spookiest day of the year. The word "Halloween" dates from before the 16th century and draws from its early Christian past. In old Scottish, Hallowe’en translates as “All Hallows’ (holy) Even” referring to “All Hallows’ Evening,” the day before All Hallows Day, a solemn occasion in which all of the Catholic Church’s heavenly saints were honored. But Halloween’s roots go back thousands of years to the Celtic Fire Festival of Samhain, which recognized the end of the harvest season and the start of their new year on Nov. 1. During this festival, pagans wore costumes and lit fires to keep the bad spirits away. By the 12th century, the Christian influence marked All Hallows Evening before All Saints Day. Trick-or-treating is said to stem from the practice of “souling,” which is a Medieval practice where churchgoers would go between different parishes and ask the rich for pastries known as "soul cakes." In return, they would pray for their souls. While “souling,” people would carry with them lanterns made of hollowed-out turnips. Today, of course, we use pumpkins instead of turnips.

Born on Oct. 31: John Keats, poet, 1795-1821; Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts founder, 1860-1927; Dale Evans, singer-actress & Roy Rogers' wife, 1912-2001; Michael Collins, Apollo 11 astronaut, 1930-2021; Dan Rather, TV journalist, 1931- Michael Landon, TV actor, 1936-1991; Jane Pauley, TV host, 1950- ; John Candy, actor, 1950-1994; Nick Saban, football coach, 1951- ; Rob Schneider, comic actor, 1963- ; Vanilla Ice, rapper, 1967- .

FRIDAY, OCT. 31

• Homeschool Hangout: Happy Halloween, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• Homeschool Hangout: Whodunit Mystery!, 11 a.m., Victoria Evans Memorial Library, 605 North St., Ashburn

• Trick-or Treat Downtown, visit participating downtown businesses; children must be accompanied by an adult, 5-6 p.m., Downtown Tifton

• Tift County High Blue Devils football vs. Camden County High Wildcats, 7:30 p.m., Brodie Field, Tifton

• Turner County High Titans football vs. Charlton County High Indians, 7:30 p.m., Ashburn

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football vs. Jeff Davis High Yellowjackets, 7:30 p.m., Fitzgerald

• Irwin County High Indians football @ Brooks County High Trojans, 7:30 p.m., Quitman

• Berrien County High Rebels football @ Thomasville High Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m., Thomasville

• Cook County High Hornets football vs. Crisp County High Cougars, 7:30 p.m., Adel

• Haunted Theatre, 8 p.m.-until, Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

SATURDAY, NOV. 1

• NatureQuest: Reptiles and Amphibians, 9 a.m.-noon, Gaskins Forest Education Center, 3359 Moore Sawmill Road, Alapaha

• Tifton Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-Noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• Arts Affair Festival, festival through 4 p.m./evening concert 4-8 p.m. with Relapse Party Band: Art demonstrations, Artist Market, Authors Row, Bakers Row, Crafters Row, Children's Art Alley, live music all day, food trucks; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 255 Love Ave., Tifton

• Clothing Drive, hosted by Tifton Youth Council, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center, 511 W. 17th St., Tifton

• ABAC Cattle Classic, registration begins at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., ABAC Arena, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

• Battle of Irwinville Civil War Re-enactment, hosted by 12th Georgia Co. C & 26th Wisconsin Co. C, battle at 2 p.m., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site, Irwinville

• Irwinville Fall Festival, 11 a.m., 1937 Highway 32 West, Irwinville

SUNDAY, NOV. 2

• Battle of Irwinville Civil War Re-enactment, hosted by 12th Georgia Co. C & 26th Wisconsin Co. C, battle at 2 p.m., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site, Irwinville

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

Happy Halloween from "Meyer," one of the longest residents at the Tift County Animal Shelter who is awaiting his forever home. This sweet boy has so much love to give and is hoping that this spooky season brings a little magic his way. Visit Meyer 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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