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TIFT EDUCATION FOUNDATION TAPS TOP TEACHERS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Ten Tift County public school teachers were tapped last week as recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award by the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence. 

Foundation representatives, school officials, and recipients' family members surprised the teachers with the honor at their schools. Students in the classrooms joined in to congratulate their teachers.

The teachers honored are: Caitlin McFarland – Annie Belle Clark Elementary, Kaitlin Tucker – Annie Belle Clark Elementary, Randy Meadows – Annie Belle Clark Elementary, Amy McClendon – Matt Wilson Elementary, Savannah Harvin – G.O. Bailey Elementary, Robert Bullington – Len Lastinger Elementary, Leanne Westberry – Eighth Street Middle School, Trisha Bridges – Northeast Middle School, MeLisa King – Northeast Middle School, and Johanna Coley – J.T. Reddick Elementary School.

The teachers are nominated by a student, parent, peer, or administrator. In early 2025, the Rotary Club of Tifton will honor the recipients with an awards banquet, and the Foundation for Educational Excellence will present the teachers with an honorarium. 

The Foundation has been recognizing teachers of excellence in Tift County public schools for more than three decades.

TIFTON EVENT TO SPOTLIGHT ADDICTION, OPIOID EPIDEMIC

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, will join a "Conversation on Addiction and the Opioid Epidemic" on Monday in Tifton.

The free public event is hosted by the American Addiction Recovery Association in partnership with the Georgia Council for Recovery and OASIS Recovery Community Organization of Tift County.

It will be held from noon-2 p.m. Monday at the Tift County Recreation Department, 401 Victory Drive in Tifton.

The meeting is open to all residents of Tift County, as well as surrounding communities. The audience will learn about the opioid epidemic, how it is affecting local communities, and what steps are being taken to address the issues.

Attendees will be encouraged to participate in the conversation by offering suggestions as to what can be done to assist those with a substance-use disorder, as well as how to support their families and loved ones. 

OASIS is a Tift County recovery community organization whose purpose is to assist individuals with a substance-use disorder, as well as to offer support to their families and loved ones. OASIS is located at 902 South Main St. in Tifton, 229-396-5900.

Winners of Nashville Main Street's art contest are, from left, second-place winner Reaghen Burns, first place winner Kylee Hughes, and third-place winner Avri McMillan.

NASHVILLE MAIN STREET, CITY COUNCIL HONOR YOUNG ARTISTS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The winners of Nashville Main Street's Harvest Festival Art Contest at Berrien High School were recognized Monday at the Nashville City Council meeting.

Originally planned as part of this year’s Harvest Festival, the art contest was postponed when the event was canceled because of Hurricane Helene. All submitted artworks were then presented to the Main Street board for review and voting.

The students recognized for their artistic achievement are: Kylee Hughes (1st Place), Reaghen Burns (2nd Place), and Avri McMillan (3rd Place).

The Berrien High School Art Department aided in organizing the contest.

COOK PROBATE JUDGE

SWORN IN FOR FIFTH TERM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Alapaha Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Chief Judge Clayton A. Tomlinson, pictured left, on Monday swears in Chase Daughtrey to serve a fifth term as the Probate Court judge of Cook County.

Daughtrey has served in the judge’s office for 16 years and was re-elected in May after running unopposed.

Daughtrey is a graduate of Kennesaw State University and Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College with degrees in arts and political science.

Pictured with Daughtrey are his children, Cranford and Keaton, and wife Rachel.

PEANUT LEADERS PUSH FOR END-OF-YEAR PRIORITIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to advocate for assistance needed before the end of the year.

USPF representatives met with members of Congress and senior agricultural staff to discuss economic and disaster assistance, as well as the Farm Bill, whose extension has expired.

Many commodity organizations are asking that a new Farm Bill be enacted rather than approving another extension.

“We had great visits on Capitol Hill and were glad members of Congress took the time to hear the concerns of the peanut industry,” said Chris Chammoun, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association. “We look forward to continuing to work with members to address the current needs of the industry.”

Joe Boddiford, president of the Georgia Peanut Commission, attended the trip and noted that “times are hard back on the farm, and we haven’t seen an economic crisis like this since the early1980s. If financial assistance is not prompt, many farmers will be forced out of business and not be able to farm again.”

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RIBBON CUTTING

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189 Virginia Ave S., Tifton

Nov. 21

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Saturday, Nov. 30, is Small Business Saturday, a day to remind us of the importance of our local, small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities. Sure, it's nice to sometimes shop at the big chain stores or online, but think about finding that item at a locally owned business run by our friends and neighbors. Shopping "small" helps keeps dollars within our community, helps keep us strong and vibrant, and locally owned small businesses support numerous projects and organizations in our town. Let's be thankful for the many local businesses, without whom we would be a lesser place.

FRIDAY, NOV. 29 ~ Black Friday

• Santa Arrives at Mall, 11 a.m., Tifton Mall, Virginia Avenue, Tifton

SATURDAY, NOV. 30 ~ Small Business Saturday

• Market Night, 5-9 p.m., Donatello's, Myon Courtyard, Downtown Tifton

YOUR YARD SALE

HERE

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Meet "Cobblestone," a heartthrob ready to steal your heart. With his striking looks and playful spirit, this smart boy is on the hunt for his forever home, and he can’t wait to bring loads of fun into your life. Come visit Cobblestone 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).