Friday, October 17, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

To Subscribe, Click Here

TIFTON MAN DIES IN STABBING; SUSPECT FLEES

A man wanted in a stabbing death of a Tifton man remained at large Thursday, Tifton Police said.

Pablo Moreno has been identified as the prime suspect in the death of Darinel Noriega, 31, of Tifton, said Tifton Police detectives.

Moreno is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, first-degree burglary, and five counts of third-degree cruelty to children, police said Thursday.


Moreno is currently at large and is believed to be in Florida, detectives said.

At 5:55 a.m. Wednesday, Tifton Police were called to the 1000 block of Ferry Lake Road for a report of a person bleeding. When officers arrived, they found Noriega with multiple stab wounds.

Noriega was taken to Tift Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.

Detectives believe Noriega’s death may be attributed to a domestic dispute.

Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to contact Sgt. Greene or Detective Fulford with the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132, or to submit an anonymous tip to Tip411. To send a message to Tip411, text the keyword TIFTONPD (space) and your tip to 847411. 

FITZGERALD POLICE WARN OF EXTREME HIGH DOSES OF FENTANYL IN DRUGS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Fitzgerald Police have made an unusual public-safety request to illegal drug users: Please immediately destroy any illegal drugs recently acquired because they may be laced with potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.

Chief William Smallwood Jr. of the Fitzgerald Police Department issued the warning Wednesday evening after three Fitzgerald Police officers and two others were transported to the hospital following exposure to high doses of fentanyl.

"If you smoke crack, meth, or whatever illegal drug you use and you have purchased recently you need to dispose or destroy these drugs. We have had two calls this afternoon that dealt with possible overdoses, and we have five people, including three Fitzgerald Police Department officers, that have been sent to the ER due to fentanyl exposure," Smallwood said in a release.

"The officers were exposed by just mere presence and inhalation. We believe that there has been a delivery of drugs that has a high dosage of fentanyl mixed in. So, as I said, if you have purchased any illegal drugs, dispose of immediately. Anyone having information where or who these drugs might have come from please contact 911 or the Fitzgerald Police Department at 229-426-5000," Smallwood said.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is more potent than opioids such as morphine or heroin. As little as 2 mg of fentanyl – the amount of a few grains of salt – can be fatal.

The Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office also posted Smallwood's warning on social media, receiving several favorable comments.

"It’s nice that y'all are letting the addicts know. Just because we are addicts, we are still human beings, and as an addict breaking the addiction in itself is hard," wrote one person on social media. "I just want to say I respect this post because this is the community coming together – good people make messed up choices don’t make them a bad person."

Other posted comments include: "This is the right response to this situation; it surely saved someone's child." "I absolutely love this post. Thank you for being human and sharing with the community;" and "You know it's bad when they actually give a warning out to save people who are doing illegal drugs ... this war is real ... prayers going up for the officers and the lives they are trying to save."

The Ocilla Police Department posted its support to "Fitzgerald Police Department officers who were exposed to fentanyl while serving in the line of duty. ... Our hearts are with their department, their families, and the entire community."

Ocilla Police noted that "every day, law enforcement and first responders face dangers that go far beyond what’s visible — including exposure to toxic or hazardous substances that can cause severe and sudden medical emergencies. These invisible threats endanger not only officers, but also firefighters, EMS personnel, and others who respond to help."

In April, fentanyl exposure had also sent two Crawford County Sheriff's Office personnel to the hospital. A detention officer was searching a man brought into the Crawford County Jail for disorderly conduct when a folded dollar bill was found in his pocket. When the officer unfolded the bill, fentanyl spilled out.

Both the detention officer and a nearby deputy were exposed, and within 10 minutes began showing symptoms of exposure – numbness, gagging, and their eyes rolling back in their heads. Another deputy quickly administered Narcan to both individuals. On the way to the hospital, the detention officer required a second dose of Narcan and spent six hours being treated in the emergency room, according to press reports.

Crawford County is west of Interstate 75 between Perry and Macon.

Tasha Luke

Doug Webb

Ronald Harbin

CONTROVERSIES CONTINUE IN ENIGMA AS CITY CLERK, TWO COUNCILMEN FACE CHARGES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Berrien County city of Enigma has been roiled by political controversy during the past two years, and it continued this week as City Clerk LaTasha “Tasha” Luke was charged with felony unlawful eavesdropping and surveillance.

This is in addition to charges brought against her and two city councilman last week after Enigma Police Chief Tony Perkins found an illegal tracking device on his patrol car.

The latest charges allege that Luke concealed recording devices in private settings, secretly and illegally recording private conversations and intercepting communications among Enigma officials and others.

Luke was previously arrested Oct. 10 on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and with criminal solicitation.

Arrested last week with Luke were Acting Mayor Doug Webb and City Councilman Ronald Harbin. Webb is charged with stalking, eavesdropping, conspiracy to commit a crime, criminal solicitation, and violation of oath of office; and Harbin charged with stalking, eavesdropping, conspiracy to commit a crime, and violation of oath of office, authorities said.

All three city officials currently remain in office.

These events are merely the latest in a series of controversies involving Enigma city officials in the town of approximately 1,100 residents:

• On Dec. 20, 2023, the GBI charged Enigma Mayor Cecil Giddens, 79, with simple battery, two counts of simple assault, two counts of battery, and two counts of disorderly conduct. The charges stemmed from an assault on a city councilman that occurred during a council meeting on June 12, 2023, and an assault on another city councilman on Oct. 27, 2023.

• At Enigma City Council's first meeting of the year in January 2025, Mayor Giddens and Councilman Ronald Harbin got into a heated argument that elevated into a scuffle with police physically separating the two men.

• Later this past January, reports surfaced that Enigma city officials found between $7,000 and $10,000 in uncashed checks dating to 2016 in a bin at City Hall. The checks were reportedly payments for such items as business licenses, traffic citations, and utilities.

• At the Jan. 29 Enigma City Council meeting, Councilman Doug Webb was escorted out of the meeting and arrested for disorderly conduct after a heated exchange with Councilman Donald Franklin. After being told to calm down, Webb allegedly stood up and shouted vulgarities, according to authorities.

• For nearly two weeks beginning in late January and early February, the City of Enigma was essentially shut down as all of the city's bank accounts were frozen because of financial issues, and city employees were told to stay home. The state said the city’s financial audit had not been completed.

• On July 23, City Council accepted the resignation of Mayor Giddens, who had served for 38 years. Doug Webb became acting mayor.

TIFTON DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF TELLS ROTARY CLUB HOW DEPARTMENT OPERATES

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

With October being Fire Safety Month, Tifton Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Kiefer Daughtry told members of the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday that this is a good time to avoid the risks that cause most fires in the fall and winter – extension cords and space heaters.

“Anybody using an extension cord at home right now, unplug it,” Daughtry said. “Extension cords are for temporary use only.” He said they do short out and cause fires. Space heaters cause most of the fires in winter months, along with fires in vacant houses caused by homeless people camping out and burning material inside to keep warm. 

October was designated as Fire Prevention Month to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which started on Oct. 8. Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the annual Fire Prevention Week during October to educate the public about fire safety and reduce fire-related deaths and injuries. The observance serves as a reminder to practice safety measures, especially as colder months with increased heating use approach.

October is very busy because schools do field trips or the department visits schools. Halfway through the month, Daughtry said, they have already seen 17 organizations and 1,005 students.

“We teach them how to call 911, and we put on our equipment and teach them not to be afraid of us,” Daughtry said.

Tifton city fIrefighters work a schedule of 48 hours on, and 96 hours off, and have done so since the 1960s. He said Tifton used to be the only unit in the state and one of very few in the country with that schedule, but now 20 Georgia fire departments – including Jesup, Perry, and most recently Valdosta – have switched to that schedule.

Established in 1892, the Tifton Fire Department employs 60 people, 59 of whom are cross trained as EMTs, and the one that isn’t is completing EMT training. Each shift has 13 firefighters. In 2024, they received 11,000 hours of training and went on 1,400 calls. They inspect 1,100 fire hydrants twice a year, putting hands on them, operating and testing them, and painting them.

They inspect 1,500 buildings to check for fire safety and to train on. The risk reduction department includes fire inspectors to make sure buildings are in compliance.

Daughtry said the 911 call center dispatcher has 90 seconds to answer the phone, get all the information, and make a call to the appropriate first responder. If it’s a fire, the firefighters have 90 seconds to get dressed and get on the truck, and be moving.

The first fire engine has to be on site in four minutes, and the second truck must be there within eight minutes. Most fires seem to happen at night, he said.

Nowadays, fires burn hotter and burn faster, because of so many synthetic materials in house construction. It can be fully involved in 11-14 minutes. Previously, it would take 30 minutes with standard construction.

A decade ago, Tifton had one female firefighter; they have eight today, Daughtry said. All firefighters must pass the same rigorous physical agility test to qualify for employment. 

Tifton has a mutual aid agreement with the Tift County fire department to provide assistance as needed.

Daughtry said he has the best job working for the best fire department with all the latest technology to get the job done.

ABAC students staff the information kiosk this week inside the ABAC building at the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie. The college is preparing to open its basketball season Saturday with all home games to have free admission.

ABAC BASKETBALL OPENS

WITH FREE ADMISSION

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Get out your green and gold: ABAC basketball returns to the court at Gressette Gymnasium this Saturday with men's and women's exhibition games against NewRock Prep Sports Academy, a private independent school from Conyers.

This season, admission will be free for all home games.

The ABAC Stallions and Fillies are playing their second season after the basketball program was revived last year following a 15-year hiatus. The return was part of a larger move to transition the college's athletic programs to a four-year status.

The return of basketball also marked the men's program's debut in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and entry into the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). 

Stallions Head Coach Calvin Sinkfield said his team is still young, but the season looks more promising than their 6-20 (2-16 in the SSAC) record last year. Sinkfield said the Stallions have learned much from their first year of competition.

This Saturday, doors open at noon at Gressette Gym. Fillies and Stallions players will participate in a meet-and-greet starting at 12:30 p.m. The first 20 kids under age 18 will receive a free poster of the teams. More entertainment is planned at 1 p.m.

The Fillies women's squad will play at 2 p.m., with the Stallions following at approximately 4 p.m.

Besides being the season debut for the basketball teams, Saturday will also be the debut of the ABAC Golden Girls, the new cheer and dance squad bringing excitement to the games.

After the exhibition, ABAC's regular season starts Oct. 31 against Webber International in the Brewton Parker Classic in Mt. Vernon. ABAC hosts its first regular-season home game on Nov. 8 against Beacon College, part of a consecutive five-game home schedule.

TIFTON ARTS AFFAIR:

A FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Art will fill the streets when the Tifton Arts Affair returns to Tifton on Saturday, Nov. 1.

The free, family-friendly festival promises a full day of color, creativity, and community spirit from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Library Lane, next to the Tifton-Tift County Public Library, and inside the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, 255 Love Ave. 

Produced by the Tifton Council for the Arts (TCA), the Arts Affair has become one of the community’s fall traditions, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy art, music, food, and fun for all ages, said TCA Director Bruce Green.

Dozens of regional artists and craftsmen will line Love Avenue and Library Lane with displays of painting, pottery, photography, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, and textiles. Festival-goers can meet the artists, watch live demonstrations, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

“But the event isn’t just for art collectors,” Green said. “The Arts Affair is designed with families and children in mind, featuring a dedicated Kids’ Art Alley filled with hands-on art activities, crafts, and creative play. Young artists will have the chance to paint, draw, and explore their imaginations in a welcoming, interactive environment.”

Musicians and professional entertainers will perform throughout the day, and food vendors will offer local favorites, snacks, and sweets.

“The Arts Affair is truly a celebration of the creativity that thrives in our community,” said Steve Woodham, Arts Affair chair and TCA president. “It’s a day to enjoy the arts in every form — to be inspired, to connect with others, and to have fun with the whole family.”

Admission to the Tifton Arts Affair is free. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs, stay for the day, and enjoy the popular band "Relapse" from Albany, starting at 6 p.m.

For information, visit www.tiftonarts.org

TIFTON URBAN FORESTERS TO LEAD

DOWNTOWN TREE WALK ON SATURDAY

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

They’re doing it again! The Urban Forestry Department of the City of Tifton is hosting another tree walk, this time a Downtown Tifton Tree Walk, a free public event at noon Saturday beginning at Jack Stone Veterans Park, adjacent to the Cato Knight Parking Lot. 

Stone Nicholson, the Tifton urban forestry professional, and Reese Mahoney, urban forestry technician, will lead participants along sidewalks, identifying trees that enhance Tifton’s downtown.

Besides the educational aspect, the purpose of the walk is to encourage the community to experience nature. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Nicholson, originally from Plainville near Rome, graduated with a degree in forestry from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He is in his fourth month of employment with the city, having worked previously in consulting utility companies on tree trimming around electric wires. 

He works in tree planting in Fulwood Park and around the city, interacting with the community.

The Urban Forestry Department is funded through a Trees Across Georgia grant, applied for by the Tifton Tree Board, headed by Dr. George Vellidis. 

Earlier Saturday, at 8 a.m., Nicholson and Mahoney will lead residents in an invasive species removal event at the Keep Tift Beautiful Community Garden, 1417 Central Ave. Volunteers are needed and are asked to bring garden shears or loppers and wear gloves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes for the project.

J.T. Reddick Elementary School Principal Willie Dean, from left, Brooke Hancock, Kimberly Onyeri, Heather Waldrop, and Superintendent Natalie Gore celebrate the school being named a National Beta School of Distinction.

J.T. REDDICK ELEMENTARY NAMED

NATIONAL BETA SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

J.T. Reddick Elementary has been named a 2024-2025 National Beta School of Distinction, Tift County Schools announced.

The National Beta School of Distinction is an honor for Beta Clubs that strive toward academic achievement, exemplary character, demonstrated leadership, and service to others. The award is designed to recognize schools that show an increase in membership for the current school year.

This year, only 2,946 Beta Clubs across the country received this award.

“This national award speaks highly of your commitment to academic excellence and illustrates your dedication to preparing students for their future,” said Bobby Hart, CEO of National Beta, in a congratulatory letter to the school.

“We are incredibly proud of the students and staff at J.T. Reddick Elementary for this recognition," said Tift Superintendent Natalie Gore. "Their commitment to building leadership, character, and a spirit of service reflects the very best of what we strive for in Tift County Schools. Achievements like this demonstrate the positive impact of providing our students with opportunities to grow both academically and personally."

Principal Willie Dean said he “couldn’t be prouder of our kids and teachers. They’ve worked hard, stepped up as leaders, and shown what it means to serve others. This award is really about them and the great things happening at J.T. Reddick every day.”

REACH THOUSANDS OF FOLKS IN THE TIFTAREA ~ 

ADVERTISE IN THE TIFTON GRAPEVINE!

Call Us at 478-227-7126

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com

Your Locally Owned Digital Newspaper!

e-published late every Tuesday night & early every Friday morning

To Subscribe, CLICK HERE!

Our MidWeek Edition includes 'This Week in Tifton History'

Our Weekender Edition includes Recent Local Deaths

Please Support Our Advertisers: 

They Allow You to Receive the Tifton Grapevine Free of Charge

www.tiftongrapevine.com

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Saturday, Oct. 18 is National Chocolate Cupcake Day. The concept of the cupcake can be traced back to 1796, when Amelia Simmons included a recipe for "a cake to be baked in small cups" in her book, "American Cookery." The term cupcake itself first appeared in an 1828 cookbook by Eliza Leslie. Originally, these cakes were baked in individual pottery cups. Today, bakers have a wide array of tools, though the most common is the muffin tin. Interestingly, cupcakes have gone by other names through the years, including "Fairy Cakes" and "Patty Cakes."

Born on Oct. 17: Arthur Miller, playwright & screenwriter, 1915-2005; Rita Hayworth, actress, 1918-1987; Montgomery Clift, actor, 1920-1966; Evel Knievel, motorcycle rider & stuntman, 1938-2007; Gary Puckett, singer-songwriter, 1942- ; Margot Kidder, actress, 1948-2018; Alan Jackson, singer-songwriter, 1958- ; Norm Macdonald, actor & comedian, 1959-2021; Ziggy Marley, singer-songwriter,1968- ; Eminem, rapper & producer, 1972- .

FRIDAY, OCT. 17

• Homeschool Hangout: Mystery Manors, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• Homeschool Hangout: Surprise, 11 a.m., Victoria Evans Memorial Library, Ashburn

• Handcrafted, social hour for unfinished crafts, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• Cards of Fate, a spooky literary workshop, 4:45-5:45 p.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• "Toy Story" Movie Night at Fulwood Park, free hotdogs & popcorn, kids games, 5:30 p.m., meet & greet "Woody & Jessie" from the film; 7 p.m., movie begins, Fulwood Park, Tifton

• 61st Annual Georgia Peanut Festival, opening entertainment: Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Jefford's Park, Sylvester

• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football vs. Brookwood Warriors, 7:30 p.m., Panther Pit, Chula

• Turner County High Titans football @ St. Anne-Pacelli High Vikings, 7:30 p.m., Columbus

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football vs. Berrien County High Rebels, 7:30 p.m., Fitzgerald

SATURDAY, OCT. 18

• 61st Annual Georgia Peanut Festival, 8 a.m.-4 p.m (parade at 10 a.m.), Jefford's Park, Sylvester

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

• Adel Autumn Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., corner of 5th Street and Parrish Avenue, Adel

• Berrien County Harvest Festival, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Downtown Nashville

• ABAC women basketball season opener, ABAC Fillies vs. New Rock Prep, 2 p.m., Gressette Gym, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

• ABAC men basketball season opener, ABAC Stallions vs. New Rock Prep, 4 p.m., Gressette Gym, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

While the Tifton Grapevine news may be free, journalism is not. If you enjoy reading the Grapevine, please consider donating to keep local journalism alive. Any amount is appreciated. 

Just click HERE!

Thank you very much. Everyone who contributes to the Tifton Grapevine will be entered in a monthly drawing for a Grapevine coffee mug.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

Meet "Burton," a handsome 2-year-old who came to the shelter as a stray, but you’d never guess it from his loving personality. Burton is a gentle, friendly boy who adores people and gets along well with other dogs. He’s calm, affectionate, and always happy to be around friends — human or furry. Visit Burton and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

Subscribe to the 

Tifton Grapevine

Use the QR code at left

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com | 478-227-7126 | tiftongrapevine.com

A Service of Sayles Unlimited Marketing LLC, Tifton, Georgia

See what's happening on our Facebook site: