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Voters wait in a line that stretches out into the parking lot Thursday at the Tift County Elections Office on Chesnutt Avenue.

EARLY VOTING STEADY IN TIFT COUNTY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgians have been heading to the polls in record numbers since early voting began Tuesday for the November election, and Tift County is also seeing steady voting at the ballot box.

By the end of the day Thursday, 2,884 Tift countians have cast ballots in person, which is 11.3% of the county's registered voters, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.

On Thursday afternoon, the line for voting stretched into the parking lot at the Tift County Elections Office on Chesnutt Avenue.

Statewide as of end of the Thursday, more than 840,000 Georgians have cast ballots since polls opened Tuesday.

"We have officially broken through the quarter-million mark for the day – third day in a row," reported Gabriel Sterling of the secretary of state's office.

"We are at 252,128 (for the day Thursday). So total votes cast, including absentee, we are at 843,991. Massive turnout. Goal 1,000,000 on Friday!" Sterling wrote on social media Thursday night.

Early voting continues Mondays through Fridays through Nov. 1, four days before Election Day. Polls also will be open this Saturday and next.

For information about voting, call the Tift County Elections Office at 229-386-7915.

HEADLINER ENTERTAINMENT: Country singer John Berry, a Grammy winner and member of the Grand Ole Opry, headlines the Georgia Peanut Festival on Saturday in Sylvester.

Berry, who has had hits on the country charts, is a former Tifton resident.

Berry has performed numerous times in the Tiftarea and has many friends in the region.

SYLVESTER HOSTS GA PEANUT FESTIVAL

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The 60th Annual Georgia Peanut Festival opens tonight and continues throughout Saturday in Sylvester.

The festival's Farm Family Night today begins at 7 p.m. in Jeffords Park with the Tifton-based band Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers. Food and craft vendors will be available along with activities and games.

The Peanut Festival Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday in downtown Sylvester. Opening ceremonies are at 11 a.m., and activities continue all day along with entertainment by the Kotton Creek Band, Jay Short and the Dogwood Creek Band of Tifton, and, at 2 p.m., Grammy Award-winning singer John Berry, who lived in Tifton a decade ago.

Festivities culminate with the Pets and Pals Parade at 6 p.m. starting at the downtown train depot in Sylvester.

RELIEF FUND TO AID GEORGIA FARMERS

AFTER STORM DAMAGES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

More than 40 of Georgia's top agriculture organizations have joined to create a relief fund for the state's farmers affected by Hurricane Helene.

The "Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund" is a cross-industry fundraising initiative to provide direct assistance for agricultural losses, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure. Organizers say that 100% of funds raised goes toward Georgia farmers in need.

State officials estimate that Georgia lost up to 35% of its cotton crop and up to 30% of peanut crops. More than 800 poultry houses were seriously damaged or destroyed and up to 50,000 acres of pecan orchards were damaged or destroyed in the state. Preliminary estimates are that agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene will cost Georgia’s economy at least $6.46 billion.

Organizers of the relief fund say that contributions can make a significant difference in the recovery and in the preservation of a healthy, local agriculture industry. 

All donations will be processed through the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture and are tax deductible. Fundraising will end in December followed by an application period during which farmers can apply for funds based on need.

Donations may be made here.

The relief fund is a collaborative effort of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Dickey Farms, Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension, Georgia 4-H, Georgia 4-H Foundation, Georgia Agricultural Education, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Cattlemen's Association, Georgia Citrus Association, Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia EMC, Georgia FFA, Georgia FFA Alumni, Georgia FFA Camps-Covington and Fort Valley, Georgia FFA Foundation, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Forestry Foundation, Georgia Foundation For Agriculture, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Milk Producers, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, Georgia Wine Producers, Georgia Young Farmers Association, Lamar Pecan Co, Magnolia Loom, Stuckey's Corporation, Sunbelt Ag Expo, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Pecan Commission, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

STUDY: GA's NONPROFIT ARTS HAVE BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), the state's nonprofit arts and culture sector, delivers an economic impact of at least $1.27 billion and supports nearly 20,000 jobs.

That's according to the Ga. Department of Economic Development.

The data stems from Georgia’s first custom economic analysis of the nonprofit arts and culture sector, gathering insights from more than 400 participating organizations that provide a snapshot of the sector’s portion of state revenue. Also, a new tool will allow local organizations and communities to determine their unique impacts within the sector.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 national study conducted by Americans for the Arts and facilitated by Georgia Council for the Arts, reinforces how arts and culture deliver meaningful direct economic and societal benefits. Expenditures by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and event-related spending by their audiences generated $49.4 million in state and local taxes, according to the study.

Nonprofit arts and culture events in the state attracted 16.6 million attendees in 2022. Beyond directly boosting local economies, more than 90% of attendees surveyed agreed that the activity or venue where they were surveyed was “inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community.” Others said they would feel great loss if the activity or venue were no longer available.

“Arts and creativity are an economic engine for Georgia,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson of the state Department of Economic Development. “Employers seek creativity and problem solving as a critical skill set, and the arts strengthen economic health by creating jobs in multiple industries, driving tourism, and providing workforce solutions. Georgia’s thriving arts sector means the state is not only the best place to do business, but also an amazing place to live and visit.”

Supported by grants from Georgia Council for the Arts, nonprofit arts organizations in Georgia are revitalizing dormant downtowns and helping create vibrant communities.

WHODUNIT? ABAC PLANS MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s School of Arts and Sciences is planning an evening of intrigue and suspense.

On Friday, Nov. 8, the "Murder Mystery Dinner – A Death on Campus" fundraiser includes ABAC’s famous fried chicken, interactive entertainment, and a chance to put one's detective skills to the test.

"Please join us for this fun-filled evening and help us raise money to support ABAC's School of Arts and Sciences and the excellent high-impact educational experiences we provide our students," said Dr. Matthew Anderson, the school's dean.

During the event, attendees will dive into a game to solve the murder of Derek Terr, a Hollywood film director murdered in Edwards Hall.

As the night unfolds, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the cast members, portrayed by faculty and friends, and examine evidence to unravel the mystery and identify the culprit.

Was it the director’s estranged and angry daughter who is an ABAC electrician? Or was it ABAC's coffee shop manager whose lifelong dream was to be in the movies?

“During this fun, interactive evening, attendees will review the murder scene, read detective profiles, evaluate clues, and question the six suspects,” said Dr. Cyndy Hall, English and communication department head.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Luminaries light up the Tift County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday to show community unity in supporting Tift County's youth.

TIFT 'LIGHTS UP WORLD' IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL YOUTH

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

For the 11th consecutive year, Tift County schools, churches, and organizations lit up the town with luminaries Wednesday night, showing Tift County cares for children and youth. 

An idea of the late Dave Hetzel, a former Tifton city councilman and chair of the Tift County Commission on Children and Youth, the "Go Light Up Your World" event was marked with luminaries in several locations around Tift County.

Participants that posted their photos on Facebook included Annie Belle Clark Elementary School, Called to Care, Cross View Church, the Holy Temple Church of the Trinity, Light House Worship Center, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Southern Regional Technical College, Tift County Schools, Tift County Recreation Department, Tift West and other neighborhoods, Tifton Woman’s Center, and the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. 

The Tift County Commission on Children and Youth -- Family Connection is a nonprofit collaborative that works to improve the conditions for children, families, and communities by working with the community to address serious challenges that face children and their families.

Paid Political Advertisement

An Open Letter to the Voters in School Board District One

Dear School Board District 01 Voters, 

My name is Marilyn Rosier Burks, a full-time resident of Tifton. I am your incumbent vying for re-election to continue to serve as your representative on the Tift County Board of Education, District 01. 

I want to share a message that truly embodies my heart and purpose. I choose joy each day. For more than 32 years, this mantra has been the driving force behind my commitment as an educator, as an advocate for student success, and as your representative on the Tift County Board of Education. It’s a mantra that inspires me, but it also holds a deeper meaning. In choosing joy, I have chosen to dedicate my life to empowering the next generation and to serving the community with passion, purpose, and unyielding determination.

As an English teacher for more than three decades and department chair the last seven years before I retired, I have had the privilege of working in the classroom, guiding students toward becoming high achieving learners who embody a missionary spirit of helping others to succeed. My joy has always been in the moments when I see students discover their potential, their voice, and their individual path. It is in these moments that I find the greatest fulfillment. This same joy is what propelled me to continue my service beyond the classroom to the Board of Education.

When I was initially appointed to the Board seven years ago, and subsequently re-elected by you, it was not simply a position. It was and remains a mission to ensure that the values of our district reflect the best interests of our students, our teachers, and our community.

As Vice Chair, a position I have held for the last four years, re-elected by my colleagues each year, I have been able to reaffirm the power of quality collaboration, listening, learning, and leadership. However, I know my work is not finished. The challenges we face in education today are numerous, and they require a strong, experienced, and dedicated leader who can make well-reasoned, sound decisions. I am that leader, equipped with the qualifications needed for this role. I know what teachers need to succeed and get the best from each student.

My work is not done! I am running for re-election because I believe in the potential of every student who walks through our doors, I believe in the power of education to transform lives, to build stronger communities, and to create a brighter future for all of us. I am dedicated to continuing to serve as your representative on the Board of Education, advocating fiercely for all students, teachers, and schools.

I ask for your vote of confidence, not only because of what I have accomplished, but also because of the vision I have for our future. I will continue to provide quality, shared policy leadership and oversight that prioritize the well-being and success of students and teachers. I will continue to work to ensure that all students and teachers have access to the resources and support they need, not just to succeed, but to succeed at the highest level possible. I will never stop choosing joy because joy is what fuels my passion, my perseverance, and my promise to you. 

Together, we can continue to help build and maintain a school system that reflects our highest values where all students are empowered to be their best. Let us work together with joy in our hearts and augment the ongoing process of creating a legacy of excellence, compassion, and opportunity. 

Cast your vote for me, Marilyn Rosier Burks, Tift County School Board - District 01. All voters in School Board District 01, regardless of their political party, can vote for me as well as choices in other political parties by requesting the Democratic ballot. Continue to take advantage of advanced voting, which started October 15th and ends November 1st. Voters will also be able to vote on two Saturdays, October 19th and October 26th. The General Election date is November 5th. 

Sincerely, 

Marilyn R. Burks 

Paid For By the Candidate

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Tifton's Best Running

218 Main St., Tifton

Oct. 9

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

DDA THANKS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS & FIRST RESPONDERS FOR HURRICANE ACTIONS

To the Editor:

The Downtown Development Authority of Tifton would like to express its gratitude and admiration for our local governments during the recent hurricane. Through their prompt cooperative and competent actions, the storm’s local devastation was handled in the best possible manner.

We would especially like to thank our County Manager Jim Carter and the County Commission headed by Chairman Tony McBrayer, as well as the City Council headed by Mayor Julie Smith and Interim City Manager Larry Lawrence.

We know that many city and county employees and first responders went above and beyond their normal responsibilities to see to the enormous needs of our community. Each of you were made more effective by the cooperative leadership of our local governments. 

Thank you for being there when needed and representing our citizens so well. 

With gratitude, 

Downtown Development Authority of the City of Tifton

Dr. Steve Rigdon, Chairman

W. Ray Cross, Vice Chairman

Mary Glynn Hendricks

Jared Ross

Jay Mullinax

Dr. Margaret Richardson-Nixon

Hal Baxley

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Oct. 18, is National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Research has shown potential cardiovascular health benefits from the main flavonoids found in cocoa because of their anti-inflammatory properties. When eaten in moderation, chocolate functions as an anti-platelet (similar to aspirin), increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol, decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and contains polyphenols that help prevent DNA damage. So go ahead and enjoy that chocolate cupcake. Just don't have too many!

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

• Movie Fright Night in Fulwood Park, free movie: "Hocus Pocus," free hot dogs & balloon animals while supplies last, 5-9 p.m., Fulwood Park, Tifton
• Georgia Peanut Festival Farm Family Night, music by Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers, food & craft vendors, activities & games, 7-10 p.m., Jeffords Park, Sylvester
• Tift County High Blue Devils football vs. Colquitt County High Packers, 7:30 p.m., Brodie Field, Tifton
• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football @ Brookwood School Warriors, 7:30 p.m., Thomasville

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

• Downtown Tifton Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-Noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton
• Georgia Peanut Festival, parade, 9 a.m.; opening ceremony, 11 a.m.; Jeffords Park, Sylvester
• Essence On Main Music Festival, sponsored by Jake's Hands, 5-10 p.m., Downtown Tifton
• Donatello's Market Night, local vendors, wine tasting, live music by Laura Wiley, 7-10 p.m., Myon Courtyard, Downtown Tifton

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At 68 pounds of love and loyalty, Timber is as solid as his name suggest. This handsome brown and black shepherd was found as a stray, and now he's ready to put down roots in a forever home. Come visit Timber 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).