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USDA OK's AID FOR FARMERS HIT BY HURRICANE; DETAILS BEING WORKED OUT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

On Tuesday, a year after Hurricane Helene caused major damage to Georgia's agriculture industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the state will receive $531,236,000 in federal funds for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program to help farmers and other agriculture producers continue to recover from the storm.

The day following that announcement, the federal government shut down.

The Ga. Department of Agriculture said it and the governor's office is continuing to "work with USDA to simultaneously finalize administrative details in the state’s block grant agreement and corresponding work plan. More details about the program and how to apply will be forthcoming."

“This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene, and our team invested hundreds of hours into the negotiation process to secure the maximum possible amount of federal funding for our state and our producers,” said State Agriculture Secretary Tyler Harper of Ocilla.

Georgia's agricultural losses from Hurricane Helene totaled $5.5 billion. The state lost up to 35% of its cotton crop and up to 30% of peanut crops. More than 200 poultry houses were seriously damaged or destroyed in Georgia, and up to 50,000 acres of pecan orchards were damaged or destroyed.

Farmers in the state have already received more than $503 million from federal disaster relief programs, and the state previously offered about $300 million in emergency loans and grants, according to the state agriculture department.

ASHBURN MAN FACES CHARGE OF MURDER

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

An Ashburn man is charged with murder and associated charges in the shooting death Saturday of a Sycamore man, authorities say.

Zachary Taylor Brown-Earnest, 31, of Ashburn, has been arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the death of Sinclair Wynn, 35, of Sycamore, according to the GBI.

At approximately 12:55 a.m. Saturday, Ashburn Police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 300 block of West End Street in Ashburn, the GBI said.

According to a preliminary GBI investigation, an argument had occurred between Brown-Earnest and Wynn during a gathering at the home. Wynn was subsequently shot, then ran to his car and collapsed. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the GBI said.

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The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

ACCOUNTABILITY COURT HELPS OFFENDERS OUTSIDE PRISON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Donna Ingram, coordinator of the Tifton Circuit Accountability Court, explained to members of the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday how alternative sentencing helps drug offenders get their lives back on track.

The Adult Felony Drug Court sentences offenders to complete a five-phase program that includes them getting a job, sometimes the first job they may have held in their lives, and attending recovery meetings. Electronic monitoring and drug testing is constant in the first phase. 

They are required to get a job or go to school, Ingram said. If they don’t get a job, they have to complete 30 hours of community service.

In addition to attending Alcohol Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery, offenders must attend classes at Oasis Recovery Community Organization and participate in weekly individual counseling.

“We try to meet underlying needs,” Ingram said. “They learn how to deal with triggers.” 

They go to court every other week for status updates on how they are progressing and to talk about concerns. “It’s a more relaxed format than a regular criminal court,” she said. “They can bring family with them for support, and the family can see how they’re doing. You see the growth. You start to see the buy-in."

The participants learn, “I can be sober and have fun, get a job, raise my own kids – just to see that progression is great; this is a great program,” Ingram said.

The accountability court started in Tift County in 2016, and subsequently expanded to Worth and Irwin counties. 

“Transportation and housing are our biggest barriers,” Ingram said. She mentioned how the program is saving the state money by not having to house prisoners and how it reduces recidivism. Graduates of the program move on to better lives and don’t spend their lives in prison as repeat offenders. 

“We’re dealing with multiple substances and mental health,” Ingram said. “It’s more hands-on and personal.” The program is state and federally funded, and counties match the grant funds at 12%. The program can handle up to 50 participants and currently is working with 17, with 25-30 that recently graduated. 

“Anybody that wants to live a normal, drug-free life, we help them do that,” Ingram said.

The Tifton Rotary Club meets at noon Wednesdays at the Tifton Hilton Garden Inn, hearing programs of value and interest to the community. Guests are welcome to attend and consider joining. Members volunteer quarterly at Peanut Butter & Jesus and Keep Tift Beautiful, among other service projects

. 

The club is part of the Rotary International, which champions peace, fights illiteracy and poverty, helps people get access to clean water and sanitation, and fights disease, especially working to free the world from Polio.

TIFT RANKS HIGH WITH GRAD RATE

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Students with disabilities among Tift County High School's Class of 2025 achieved a graduation rate of 87.5%, ranking among the highest in comparable school systems within the RESA district, according to data released this week.

Tift County is part of the Coastal Plains RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) district, a collaborative entity that serves multiple counties. RESAs are designed to support school systems in their member counties through various services and professional learning opportunities. 

Tift school officials said the graduation rate for students with disabilities "reflects the commitment of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the strong support of our families and community. Together, we are ensuring that every Blue Devil has the opportunity to cross the graduation stage prepared for the future."

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, holds the Scouting Distinguished Citizen Award presented last week by the South Georgia Council of Scouting America. Standing with him is Sonny Perdue, former governor and chancellor of the University System of Georgia, who was guest speaker at the dinner presentation.

SCOUTS HONOR CONGRESSMAN SCOTT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The area Boy Scout organization presented its Distinguished Citizen Award last week to U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton.

Scott received the award from the South Georgia Council of Scouting America at a dinner in Tifton. Sonny Perdue, former governor and chancellor of the University System of Georgia, was guest speaker.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the qualities and ideals of scouting and who selflessly serves the greater community.

"I was honored to be awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award last week by the South Georgia Council for Boy Scouts," Scott said. "Scouting America is a storied institution in our country, raising generations of our young people as servants to their communities and our country.

"I was blessed and honored to receive this award and look forward to seeing what these fantastic young folks are able to accomplish in the future.," the congressman said.

LADY DEVILS REGION CHAMPS IN SOFTBALL

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift County High School Lady Devils Softball Team secured the Region 1-6A Championship Tuesday with a 5-2 victory over Colquitt County High.

It's the Lady Devils' first title in 13 years.

"We are so proud of your hard work, determination, and Blue Devil spirit. Way to go, ladies!" Tift County High posted on social media.

Dr. Douse, center, and his surgical team at Tift Regional Medical Center after performing the first cochlear implant surgery in Southwest Georgia.

SOUTHWELL SURGEON DOES FIRST COCHLEAR IMPLANT IN REGION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Dr. Dontre’ Douse recently performed the first cochlear implant surgery in Southwest Georgia.

Douse, a Southwell ear, nose and throat specialist and head and neck surgeon, did the surgery at Tift Regional Medical Center.

Cochlear implant surgery is a procedure that involves implanting an electronic device into the inner ear. It is designed to restore the ability to perceive sounds and understand speech by individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss.

The procedure is usually performed at hospitals in bigger metropolitan areas.

“We are pleased to offer this advanced procedure right here in Tifton, close to home, work, and family for local residents,” Douse said. “Thanks go to the skilled and talented TRMC operating room team for their assistance and support during this first procedure. They did a great job.”

Douse recently joined Southwell. Originally from the Savannah area, he earned his medical degree from the Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah. He followed with residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

SOUTHWELL NAMES MEDICAL STAFF

Southwell recently announced its medical staff officers for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2026. Southwell includes Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton and Southwell Medical in Adel.

Chief of staff for FY 26 is Dr. William Kaiser, (photo at left) a board-certified vascular surgeon who practices with Tift Regional Vascular. The vice chief of staff is Dr. Jonathan Tronolone, a board-certified interventional cardiologist who practices with Southwell Cardiology.

The Southwell medical staff officers represent the physicians and advanced practice providers who have privileges at Southwell’s hospitals, skilled nursing facility, outpatient centers, and clinics. Along with department chairs and vice chairs, the officers manage the medical staff’s governance and advise Southwell’s executive team and board of directors on credentialing, staffing, and policy.

In addition to the appointments of Kaiser and Tronolone (photo at right), other department chairs and vice chairs are:

• Southwell Medical (Adel) – Dr. Thomas Fausett, chair; and Dr. Eric Ward, vice chair.

• Emergency Department – Dr. Olakunie Aina, chair; and Dr. Dennis Williams, vice chair.

• Medicine – Dr. Jonathan Tronolone, chair; and Dr. Richard Haring, vice chair.

• Obstetrics/Gynecology – Dr. Shannon Price, chair; and Dr. Donald Menya, vice chair.

• Surgery – Dr. Andrew Nackashi, chair; and Dr. Keith Phillippi, vice chair.

• Pediatrics – Dr. Nikkia Johnson, chair; and Dr. Nicholas Webster, vice chair.

LEGACY CHAMBER PLAYERS PERFORM AT 'FIRST TUESDAY'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will welcome back The Legacy Chamber Players to Howard Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. 

The ensemble will present solo and chamber works for clarinet, saxophone, and piano, showcasing a range of styles that cross genres and time periods.

Featuring Lisa Oberlander, Joe Girard, and Esther Park, The Legacy Chamber Players come to ABAC from Columbus State University, where they serve as professors in the Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music.

The group is part of ABAC’s First Tuesday Concert Series, which continues with Jeremy Avalo on Nov. 4; the Trillium String Quartet on Feb. 3; the Faure Requiem by ABAC’s community choir on March 3; and Songs of Broadway on April 7.

For information about the First Tuesday series, contact Dr. Jennifer Huang at zheng.huang@abac.edu.

KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL DESIGNATES OCTOBER'S 'BEAUTY SPOTS'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB), a citizens advisory board, has named the residential and commercial "Beauty Spots" for October.

The Huggins family home on Rainwater Road, pictured above, is this month's residential Beauty Spot. 

From the Fields on South Ridge Avenue, pictured below, is October's commercial Beauty Spot.

Keep Tift Beautiful promotes recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

CeCe CPR

206 N. Central Ave., Suite D, Tifton

Sept. 23

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Saturday, Oct. 4, is National Taco Day. Tacos, of course, are tortillas stuffed with such items as meats, fish, beans, and a variety of savory fillings. In fact, many believe that the word taco derives from the Spanish “ataco,” meaning “to stuff.” Tacos have been a popular food for centuries. In the United States, it first appeared in a cookbook in 1914 published in California. Taco Bell restaurants were founded in 1962, popularizing tacos and Mexican-American food across the country. By the way, in Mexico, Día del Taco (Day of the Taco) is celebrated on March 31.

Born on Oct. 3: Thomas Wolfe, American novelist, 1900-1938;  James Herriot, British veterinarian & novelist, 1916-1995; Gore Vidal, American author, 1925-2012; Ken Berry, American actor, 1933-2018; Eddie Cochran, rock vocalist & guitarist, 1938-1960; Chubby Checker, singer-songwriter, 1941- ; Dave Winfield, baseball Hall of Fame outfielder, 1951- ; The Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist, 1954- ; Stevie Ray Vaughan, blues guitarist, 1954-1990; Tommy Lee, Motley Crue drummer, 1962- ; Gwen Stefani, singer-songwriter, 1969- ; Ashlee Simpson, singer, 1984- .

FRIDAY, OCT. 3

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

• Homeschool Hangout: Spooky Spiders, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• 3D Ghost Painting, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

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

• ABAC AET Truck and Tractor Pull, 7 p.m., Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

• Tift County High Blue Devils football @ Lowndes High Vikings, 7:30 p.m., Valdosta

• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football @ Valwood School Valiants, Valdosta

• Turner County High Titans football @ Irwin County High Indians, 7:30 p.m., Ocilla

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football vs. Brantley County High Herons, 7:30 pm., Fitzgerald

• Worth County High Rams football vs. Thomasville High Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m., Sylvester

• Berrien County High Rebels football vs. Jeff Davis High Yellowjackets, 7:30 p.m., Nashville

• Cook County High Hornets football vs. Pierce County High Bears, 7:30 p.m., Adel

SATURDAY, OCT. 4

• Pink Up the Pace, 5K run/walk for breast cancer awareness, 5:45 a.m., Train Depot, Adel

• Stepping Out for Your Heart Pickleball Tournament, benefitting Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation, 8 a.m., Tiftarea YMCA, 1823 Westover Road, Tifton

• Pink Out Loud: Women's Wellness & Breast Cancer Event, hosted by Southwell, 9 a.m.-Noon, Northside Baptist Church Worship Center, Tifton

• NatureQuest, free program for youth, 9 a.m.-Noon, Gaskins Forest Education Center, 3359 Moore Sawmill Road, Alapaha

• Tifton Farmers Market, fall grand opening; 9 a.m.-Noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• South Georgia Reptile Expo, 9 a.m., American Legion Fairgrounds, Tifton

• Adel Main Street BBQ Competition, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 112 S. Parrish Ave., Adel

• Pumpkin Porch Sitter, painting class for adults, 2-4 p.m., Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, Love Avenue, Tifton

• ABAC AET Truck and Tractor Pull, 7 p.m., Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

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"Rocky Balboa" has the looks of a champion and the heart of a fighter. He was picked up as a stray and is ready for a true comeback story. He is good with people and other dogs, but this tough guy says no thanks to cat friends. If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and handsome sidekick, Rocky Balboa is ready to go the distance with you. Come meet this champ today 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

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