Homeowners, renters and business owners in Tift and Turner counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance for losses from Hurricane Michael, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Thursday.

Tift and Turner are among s even additional Georgia counties approved for individual disaster assistance . President Trump amended a major disaster declaration Thursday to include Calhoun, Clay, Laurens, Randolph, Sumter, Tift and Turner counties, FEMA said in a press release.

Baker, Crisp, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Mitchell, Terrell, Thomas and Worth  counties were previously designated for individual assistance. Calhoun, Laurens, Sumter and Turner  counties were already designated for debris removal and emergency protective measures .

To be eligible for disaster aid, damages and losses must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Michael , beginning  Oct. 9 .

"If you have a homeowner's or flood insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately before applying for disaster assistance . Get the process started quickly. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin," FEMA said.

"Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure.  FEMA  assistance also may provide temporary help with a place for you and your family to stay while you build your own recovery plan ."

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For disaster assistance , FEMA said applicants may apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 .

TIFTON SEEKS TO BECOME HOME OF USDA AGENCIES

Tifton is among 136 sites around the country applying to be the new home of the U.S. Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received the "expressions of interest" from locations in 35 states.

The Tift County Development Authority and the Ga. Department of Economic Development made the application for Tifton.

In August, Perdue  announced that most ERS and NIFA personnel would be relocated as the agencies are moved outside Washington, D.C . USDA hopes to select the new location or locations by January.

“The interest from across the country has been overwhelming as localities, universities, private entities and elected officials realize the potential for their communities in becoming the new home for these two agencies,” Perdue said. 

“It is an old saying that not all wisdom resides in Washington, D.C., but it is gratifying to see so many folks step forward wanting to prove that to be the case."

Tift County High athletics officials are expecting a large crowd tonight at Brodie Field as the TCHS Blue Devils football team takes on the Colquitt County High Packers at 7:30 p.m.

The game, which is Senior Night, was delayed a week when the football schedule was adjusted because of Hurricane Michael.

Here's how you can get tickets for tonight:

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TRHS CEO DORMAN GIVES TALK

AT CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

Tift Regional Health System (TRHS) President and CEO Chris Dorman addressed the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce at its October Membership Meeting Thursday at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture .

Dorman discussed the hospital’s significant economic impact on the region as well as its’ plans for expansion .

Men from all walks of life squeezed into high heels on Tuesday to “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" – Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House's annual "Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence.”

In the photo above, the Golden Stallions’ baseball team at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the defending Georgia state baseball champions, participate in the event in front of ABAC's Tift Hall.

During the month of September, the Tift County Sheriff's Office arrested 116 people, some on multiple charges, says Sheriff Gene Scarbrough.

He said that 39 charges of parole/probation violation were filed, 28 drug violations, 23 domestic reports, 19 crimes against persons charges, 33 suspended or revoked driver’s license, 11 obstruction charges, 23 property crimes charges, seven charges of driving under the influence, five fraud charges, four child support violations, three arrests of wanted persons, along with 13 other non-traffic charges made.

Deputies conducted 652 business and property checks, 2,001 mobile home park and subdivision checks, 76 school checks and answered 3,063 calls for service. Scarbrough said deputies served 139 warrants, 77 civil papers and 195 subpoenas.

He added that deputies completed 541 reports, 23 accident reports, issued 1,084 traffic citations, 190 traffic warnings and patrolled 62,959 miles and verified the home addresses of 63 registered sex offenders living in Tift County .

The sheriff also reported that deputies provided 54 transports, totaling 162 hours and 6,258 miles.

DUNN NAMED AMBASSADOR OF MONTH

Ronnie Dunn , left, from Century 21 Smith, Branch and Pope was honored as the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce’s October Ambassador of the Month at the Chamber’s monthly Membership Meeting on Thursday .

Chamber Membership Services Chairman Chris Cutts, pictured at right, presented Dunn with the award for his work in helping to make the Chamber’s annual golf tournament a success earlier in the month.

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Music educators from five counties will take the stage at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 for the First Tuesday Concert at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College .

Dr. Susan Kirby Roe , head of the Department of Fine Arts and director of the First Tuesday series, said the performers are teaching or have taught in school systems in Ben Hill, Colquitt, Irwin, Tift and Worth counties.

“Some of our most talented vocalists and instrumentalists in this area are right here in our schools,” Roe said. “Our audience at First Tuesday is going to love this performance.”

Now in its 17th season, the First Tuesday Performance Series offers concerts on five selected months from October through April . Each concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of All Faiths on the ABAC campus. All the concerts are open to the public at no charge.

Vocalists at the event will include Jake Alley, Daniel Gibson, Katelyn Gibson and Stan Smith . Instrumentalists are Jonni Snyder and Marcia Staub on violin; Betsy Jones on cello; Lesli Holton and Sheri Wyles on flute; Charlotte Cook on oboe; Jonathan Kelly on bass clarinet; Andy Ballard and Michael Staub on alto saxophone; Kaycee Johnson and Stan Smith on trumpet; Miki Hutchinson on French horn; Woody Leonard , Scott Rains and Johnny Folsom on trombone; Jake Alley , Drew Ellis and Ricky Savage on percussion; Stan Smith on guitar; and Dr. Jennifer Huang and Zoe Hobby on the piano.

Tift Regional supports Donate Life Rose Parade Float

Tift Regional Health System (TRHS) has partnered with LifeLink of Georgia to honor and remember those who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. 

On Jan. 1 , the Donate Life Rose Parade Float , entitled Rhythm of the Heart, will include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital CEOs across the country, including Chris Dorman , president/CEO of TRHS . 

“With this rose dedication , TRHS publicly recognizes our staff’s dedication and commitment to organ and tissue donation,” Dorman said. “We are excited to be a part of this celebration of life during the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. , watched by millions on New Year’s Day .”

Dorman is pictured with Carol Smith, TRHS chief nursing executive and senior vice president, acute care.

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