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TIFTON & COCA-COLA: LEGEND OF THE LOGO

Tifton has had a long history with Coca-Cola. I was reminded of this with the 40th anniversary the other day of the debut of the short-lived "New Coke." For those old enough to remember, it was Coca-Cola's major misstep in fiddling with the soda's storied formula.

It didn't go well, and Coke was forced to reverse course a mere 79 days later. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola brought back the original soda – Coca-Cola Classic – and quietly began discontinuing the much-maligned New Coke.

This was in 1985. I remember attending a business conference in the early '90s where a Coca-Cola executive was in attendance. I asked him about the New Coke debacle; he didn't want to talk about it.

New Coke is now a part of history and merely a bitter memory, but Coca-Cola itself has a more positive history in Tifton.

Approximately 120 years ago, Coca-Cola opened a bottling plant in Tifton. It was one of the thriving industries in the young town. And according to a deceased Minnesota artist, he "polished up the Coca-Cola logo" while doing a job for the Tifton Coca-Cola bottling company in 1932.

I first came across this claim in 2017 and wrote about it then. The Hutchinson (Minn.) Leader credited Hutchinson native and artist Les Kouba with "making history" while working in Tifton.

Kouba, who died in 1998, was a renowned artist in Minnesota. In a book he wrote, Kouba claimed he created the latest iteration of the familiar Coca-Cola logo.

In the 1930s, the artist traveled around the country painting murals and bulletin boards for companies, including some for Coca-Cola. He landed in Tifton during the summer of 1932 and was contracted to paint a couple of bulletin boards.

"Since I painted so many of those bulletins, I was very familiar with the Coca-Cola logo used at that time," he said in his book. "I thought it was kind of heavy looking and it could use more slant to the letters. I explained my ideas to Mr. Holmes, the owner of the Tifton Bottling Plant.

"After listening carefully, he said to me in his slow, Southern drawl, 'Well ... good.' I accepted his approval and moved full steam ahead with my improvements. I painted the large bulletin in the ballpark in Tifton. I remember it was over 100 degrees when I tackled that project," Kouba wrote.

"Mr. Holmes was so pleased with the sign that he called the ad department at Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta," Kouba recalled. "They came out to Tifton with all sorts of cameras and technical-looking stuff to take pictures of my sign. Shortly therafter, they showed up again and this time, they wanted me to sign a release form giving them the rights to the improved logo design. It seems they liked my improvements and wanted to incorporate them into the official Coca-Cola logo.

"They gave me a sizeable check for my efforts. It was quite a big deal as I remember it."

The Coca-Cola Co.'s official website in its "History of the Coca-Cola Logo" makes no mention of Kouba or the editing of the logo in Tifton.

The Hutchinson newspaper said Les Kouba is among that city's "most famous sons. There's Les Kouba Parkway and Kouba Point, both named after him. The McLeod County Historical Museum is home to the Les Kouba Art Gallery, which houses the largest collection of his original artwork, limited-edition prints, and memorabilia."

The Coca-Cola logo, although essentially unchanged from its beginnings, did undergo some subtle editing in the 1930s. As Kouba noted, the Spencerian script logo dating back to 1887 actually was heavier, and the 1930s-'40s logo used today does have slightly more of a slant.

The "newer" Coca-Cola plant on Love Avenue, now home to a pediatric dental center, was built in 1936, and the Coca-Cola logo still visible on the building contains the more modern logo to which Kouba referred.

So, is this story true? Was Tifton the birthplace of the iconic Coca-Cola logo in its current form? Perhaps.

In the 1960s, Coca-Cola had an advertising campaign with the tagline "Things Go Better with Coke." I would update that to "Tifton Goes Better with Coke" – and maybe even "Coke Goes Better with Tifton."

BERRIEN OPERATION NETS DRUGS, FIREARM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A recent joint undercover operation in Berrien County resulted in two arrests in Enigma and recovery of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm, authorities say.

Agents with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance with the U.S. Postal Service Federal Inspectors Office, and the Nashville Police Department, served a valid search warrant April 10 at an Enigma residence which agents said is known for receiving and distributing dangerous illegal narcotics.

One individual was arrested at the residence and the other at the U.S. Post Office in Enigma.

"Both individuals are believed to be involved in the operation of trafficking Fentanyl, a dangerous and deadly narcotic," read a press release from the Berrien County Sheriff's Office.

During the operation, agents recovered approximately 2.2 pounds of suspected Fentanyl in tablet form. Also recovered was an amount of powdered Fentanyl, suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Fentanyl is a man-made opioid approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a pain reliever. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine and approximately 50 times stronger than heroin, the sheriff's office said, adding that Fentanyl is more deadly than cocaine.

JOBLESS RATE REMAINS STEADY IN TIFT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The unemployment rate in the Tiftarea remained largely unchanged last month, according to data released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL).

In Tift County, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 3.3% during March.

Tift County’s labor force – the number of people who are employed or are unemployed and seeking employment – was 20,009 during the month, an increase of 21 from the previous month, according to GDOL data.

March's unemployment rates in area counties versus the previous month's rates were: Turner, 4.1% vs. 4.3%; Worth, 3.8% vs. 3.9%; Irwin, 3.5% vs. 3.5%; Cook, 3.5% vs. 3.6%; Berrien, 3.6% vs. 3.7%; and Ben Hill, 4.2% vs. 4.2%.

Georgia's March unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.6%. The national unemployment rate for the month was 4.2%, according to the GDOL.

"Georgia's job market is full of opportunity, with nearly 5 million jobs and three openings for every Georgian," said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.

Jobs were up 6,900 statewide during the month and up 23,100 over the year to 4,979,500.

Sectors with the most over the month job gains included health care and social assistance, 3,100; information, 2,400; administrative and support services, 1,300; management of companies and enterprises, 1,100; and durable goods manufacturing, 800.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL: A TASTE AROUND WORLD

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

More than 20 countries will be represented at the 10th annual International Food Festival from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church activities center in Tifton.

The event is in the building with a driveway off 12th Street, close to Tift Avenue. Tickets may be purchased at 50 cents a “bite” or taste, or $25 for unlimited bites. It is a fundraiser for the church, located on Love Avenue and 12th Street, for necessary projects, such as refinishing the front doors. 

Representative foods of each country will be available for sampling.

“It’s become quite a community event. Everybody’s ready for something this time of year,” said coordinator Priscilla Carpenter. “We’ve been blessed by a lot of sponsors for door prizes and baskets we give out.”

A 50-50 drawing will be held, and T-shirts will be sold. 

“We’re thankful to the community and the cooks,” she said.

Most of the cooks are members of the church, with a lot of countries represented in Tifton because of the University of Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Carpenter said Dr. Bret Wagenhorst helps with obtaining additional cooks.

Cooks from the following countries are among those represented: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Congo, England, France, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Slovakia, and Sweden.

The United States' dishes will includes Cajun food and dishes from Puerto Rico.

COASTAL PLAIN LIBRARY NAMES NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Nyisha M. Key has been named director of the Coastal Plain Regional Library System (CPRL). The affiliated library system headquartered in Tifton, supports libraries across six counties: Ben Hill, Berrien, Cook, Irwin, Tift and Turner. 

CPRL Board Chair Filiberto Hernandez made the announcement.

Key has extensive experience in library leadership, community engagement, and strategic planning. She most recently served as director of the De Soto Trail Library System headquartered in Camilla.

“Nyisha has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to libraries and communities in which she has served,” Hernandez said. “Her ability to build relationships, advocate for library awareness, and build community partnerships make her the ideal professional to lead CPRL into the future.” 

Key holds a master of science in library and information studies from Florida State University and a bachelor of science in middle grades education from Albany State University. She is a graduate of Leadership Georgia.

She will begin her role June 1, following the retirement of current CPRL Director Sandy Hester.  

ABAC COMMENCEMENT SET MAY 8 AT GRESSETTE GYM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will hold two spring commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 8. The ceremonies will be held at the college’s Gressette Gymnasium.

A ceremony at 10 a.m. will involve graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences. At 3 p.m., the ceremony will involve graduates from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Stafford School of Business.

A pinning ceremony for nursing graduates begins at noon, and the agricultural education pinning will begin at 5 p.m.

“This is always the most special day of the year,” said ABAC President Tracy L. Brundage. “It is exciting to me that at ABAC, these graduates received a fantastic education at an affordable price. We know they are ready for whatever their next step will be. They’ve worked hard for this achievement, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them.”

ABAC alumnus Dr. Jeremy Paradice will be the commencement speaker at the morning ceremony, and alumnus Walter Rabon, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will be speaker for the afternoon ceremony.

Paradice received his doctor of medicine degree in 2023 and serves as chief resident in internal medicine at Atrium Health Navicent. He plans to return to Tifton to practice medicine with Southwell.

Rabon started with DNR in 1993 and has served in various roles there throughout his 32-year career. He was appointed as the seventh commissioner in 2023 and oversees approximately 1,700 employees who carry out the department’s statewide responsibility for the management and conservation of Georgia’s natural, historic, and cultural resources, including fish and wildlife, land conservation, and coastal resources.

Jenna Williams, president of the Student Government Association, will also address students at both ceremonies.

The commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed by visiting watch.abac.edu or the ABAC Facebook page.

Ruth's Cottage administrative assistant Kathy Kerst (from left) joins Tifton Rotarians Israel Martinez-Franco, Nancy Bryan, speaker Fran Kinchen-Moss, and Rotarian Bonnie Sayles.

PROFESSIONALISM, EXCELLENCE VITAL IN WORKPLACE, ROTARY TOLD

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Fran Kinchen-Moss, a former president of the Tiftarea National Secretaries Association, offered an inspirational message at the Tifton Rotary Club meeting Wednesday, Administrative Professionals Day. 

She was first inspired by the secretaries who worked at the old Farmers Bank in Tifton when she was in eighth and ninth grades, helping her godmother clean the bank. The former bank president, Butch Davis, caught her sitting in a chair at a desk and acting like she was on the phone. 

“He said, ‘Whatcha doing?’” Kinchen-Moss recalled. “I said, ‘Practicing.’” That's when she knew her career choice.

Kinchen-Moss graduated from Thomas Area Technical School in the field of secretarial science and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in business administration. She served as secretary to Dr. David Bedell at the Rural Development Center, administrative assistant to the vice president of Academic Affairs at ABAC, and then secretary to ABAC's president.

After 35 years in the University System of Georgia, she retired before going to work for the City of Tifton, ultimately serving as director of the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. She is currently interim executive director of Tifton’s Downtown Development Authority. 

Kinchen-Moss said that the administrative assistant position is often the role that goes unnoticed. “However,” she said, “behind every successful executive, smooth-running office, and efficient business operation, there is an administrative professional, all making it happen.”

She said professionalism in the workplace must be a constant in a changing world. 

“Success is based on professionalism, having a good attitude, and treating everyone the way you want to be treated,” Kinchen-Moss said. “Times may change, but office etiquette and professionalism should never change. 

“You must have a passion for what you do,” she said. “When you love what you do, when you work hard, and follow the rules, you can be like an eagle and spread your wings and soar as high as you want.” 

Nothing of consequence is ever achieved without enthusiasm, Kinchen-Moss said. “Do away with the fear. Go for what you want, but love what you do. Keep your eyes on the prize.” 

She said that one must have a mission, a goal, and determination. “If you are just in a job just to be there, you’re not benefitting yourself nor your company,” Kinchen-Moss said. “We must apply the three C’s” – be capable, congenial, and consistent. 

“You can always be kind to everyone,” she said. “I encourage everyone to take pride in whatever chosen profession you have. You have to embrace the excellence. Autograph your work with excellence.”

Proud New Member of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce

OCILLA POLICE ASKS RESIDENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR RECENT PHONE SCAMS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

An individual is contacting Ocilla residents and attempting to scam or intimidate them regarding a fake federal court subpoena, the Ocilla Police Department says.

Police said someone calling himself James Williams is falsely claiming to work for Ocilla Police Chief Ashley Jones and the Police Department. No legitimate law enforcement agency will ever call about a federal subpoena or demand personal information or payment over the phone, police said.

Authorities remind residents to not give out personal or financial information over the phone to anyone claiming to be law enforcement or government, to hang up immediately if something feels off or threatening, and to report suspicious calls or messages to your local law enforcement agency right away.

TIFT CHAMBER HOLDS BUSINESS EXPO

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

More than 30 local businesses and organizations showcased their products and services at the 2025 Business Expo on Thursday at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Sponsored by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, the event attracted hundreds of local residents.

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH KICKS OFF THURSDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton, Tift County, and surrounding communities will begin observing Older Americans’ Month (OAM) at 11 a.m. next Thursday, May 1, with the official Kick-Off Luncheon at Leroy Rogers Senior Center. 

All residents age 55 and older are invited, and lunch will be provided. The Kick-Off Luncheon is sponsored by Cypress Pond Senior Care, Legacy Village, and Maple Court Senior Care communities, according to the Tifton OAM chairman Tonya Payne. Desserts are provided by Abide Home Care and Traditions Health.

OAM is celebrated every May, with a yearly theme set by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

This year's theme is "Flip the Script on Aging." The theme encourages people and communities to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about aging.

“This gives us, as a community, a wonderful opportunity to spotlight our seniors while also showing how they are still an important and functional part of our communities,” Payne said. “Each year a committee of volunteers work diligently to not only sponsor and schedule fun activities throughout the month of May, but we also try and raise money to offset the cost and offer a more broad range of options.” 

The calendar of events for the month will be announced next week, she said. “Please check back to plan your month and attend as many events as possible. All events are free to seniors 60 or older.”

There are sponsorships and marketing opportunities available for businesses, Payne said. Contact Payne, 229-560-0716; Shane Martin, co-chairman, 229-507-4723; or Natasha Patrick, treasurer, 229-256-1328.

LOCAL AUTHOR'S BOOK LAUNCH ON TUESDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Horseman Press is sponsoring a book launch for local author and artist Brenda Sutton Rose and her latest work, “A Wiregrass Childhood,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Peanut Museum at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton. 

“This heartfelt collection offers a nostalgic look at life in the Wiregrass region, capturing the beauty and challenges of growing up in rural Georgia,” according to the publisher. 

Tuesday's event includes storytelling from the book, a showcase of Rose’s artwork, live music by Abe Culbreath, and hors d’oeuvres.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Saturday, April 26, is National Pretzel Day. The pretzel's origin dates to 7th-century Catholic churches. The rules of abstinence and fasting during Lent were much stricter than today, forbidding Catholics from consuming dairy, eggs, or meat. This led to the creation of pretzels, which were the perfect food to eat without violating any rules, and they were easy to prepare. The unique knotted shape of pretzels became a symbol of union in Switzerland in 1614, with weddings of royal couples featuring pretzels to represent the bond of matrimony. According to legend, this may also be where we get the phrase “tying the knot.” The shape of a pretzel is also thought to signify joined hands during prayer. Hard pretzels are a relatively new invention, considered to have been first created in Pennsylvania by German immigrants. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

• 10th Annual Glenn Roberts Memorial Blood Drive, 7 a.m., Dill's Ace Hardware, Ocilla

• ArnFest South, vintage American-made wood- and metal-working machine enthusiasts, 8 a.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton

• Final Friday Fair, fair games, lawn games, dunking booth, free concert in the park, 3 p.m., Connie's Children's Park, Nashville

• Crime & Coffee: True Crime Discussion, Irwin County Library event, 5:30 p.m., 310 South Beech S., Ocilla

• "IF" free movie, Cities Week, 6 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

• Talent Show, 7 p.m., The Depot, Downtown Sylvester

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

• Champions of Hope Sporting Clays Tournament, benefitting Ruth's Cottage & The Patticake House, 7 a.m., Big Creek Plantation, Irwinville

• Free Clinical Breast Exams, 9-11 a.m., Anita Stewart Oncology Center, 1623 Madison Ave., Tifton

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

• Adel Spring Farmers Market, live music by The Page Brothers and Hootin' Annie & the Holler Back Boys, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., The Depot, Downtown Adel

• Autism & Neurodiversity Awareness 9th Annual Walk/Fun Run, 9 a.m.-Noon, Blue & Gray Park, Fitzgerald

• Healthy Kids Day, 10 a.m.-Noon, Tiftarea YMCA, 1657 S. Carpenter Road, Tifton

• ArnFest South, vintage American-made wood- and metal-working machine enthusiasts, 10 a.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton

• Farmers Market Kids Club, 10 a.m., 503 E. Marion Ave., Nashville

• Night Market in the Courtyard, local vendors, wine tasting, live music by Laura Wiley, 5-9 p.m., Donatello's, Myon Courtyard, Tifton

• International Food Festival, 6-9 p.m., Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church, Tifton

• Tribute to Lucy & Ricky Musical Comedy Show, live show, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

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"Paw Patrol" is on a mission to patrol your heart and steal your snacks. He is charming, affectionate, and fully equipped with tail wags and big puppy eyes. Paw Patrol loves people, gets along great with other dogs, and is always ready to lend a paw. Come visit him 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).

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor