Tifton OK's Garbage Rate Hike

Share This Edition

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

To Subscribe, Click Here

CITY COUNCIL OK's GARBAGE RATE HIKE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton residents will see a $1 hike in garbage collection fees beginning Jan. 1 after Tifton City Council approved the increase for Ryland Environmental, which contracts with the city for trash pickup.

Acting City Manager Larry Lawrence told council last week that Ryland has not had an increase in two-and-a-half years while inflation during the period was 10%.

"They've been getting hit," Lawrence said.

He explained that about 50% of the increase would be to help Ryland recoup landfill tipping fees. During last week's meeting, council agreed to increase landfill tipping fees by $2, from $42 to $44.

Lawrence thanked Ryland for its efforts to clean up the city after Hurricane Helene. Ryland has collected 2,500 tons of debris from the storm and taken it the inert landfill; "that's a monumental task in itself," he said.

Also at last week's meeting, City Council OK'd a one-time pay incentive to city employees to help lessen the impact of inflation in recent years. Lawrence told council that inflation's impact on city workers has been 22% during the past three to four years.

"Inflation kind of whittled away at their paycheck," the acting city manager said.

The pay incentive will be similar to last year's for employees affected by the pandemic and accompanying inflation. Lawrence said the pay incentive last year was 2% to 3%; it was based on employees' length of service.

The pay incentive is funded through federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, which can be used for public workers. During the pandemic, the city had to continue operations, and city employees had to continue working during lockdowns.

A VERY HAPPY

THANKSGIVING IT IS A WONDERFUL WORLD

At times, bad news seems to be the only news we hear. Every week, there appears to be a mass shooting. Every other day, a bomb explodes somewhere in the world. Every day, there are examples to be found of man's inhumanity to his fellow man.

Yet, there is far more good than evil in our world. Every day, someone risks his own life to save another. Every day, a person lends a helping hand. Every day, someone quietly commits a good and honest act that may go unnoticed but has an effect throughout a community.

There may be numerous problems in the world and within our own country, but that has always been and always will be so. Humans throughout history ultimately and collectively rise and overcome adversity.

When we stand tall and really open our eyes, we can see the innate beauty in the world.

More than a half century ago, Lous Armstrong released a song, "What A Wonderful World," that comes to mind in this time of Thanksgiving, reminding us that we are truly blessed:

"I see trees of green, red roses too,

I see them bloom for me and you,

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

"I see skies of blue and clouds of white,

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night,

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

"The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky,

Are also on the faces of people going by;

I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do,

They're really saying I love you.

"I hear babies crying, I watch them grow;

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know;

And I think to myself what a wonderful world."

Sometimes, we need to be reminded that it is, always, a wondrous and beautiful world. Let's be thankful for it and for all that is true and good.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving.

VANDALS DAMAGE PARK DISPLAYS; LIGHTS FEST TO GO ON AS SCHEDULED

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Vandals during the weekend damaged some of the holiday light displays in Fulwood Park, but Wednesday's Festival of Lights Celebration there will still go on, says Hillery Culpepper, Downtown Tifton Main Street manager.

"This Wednesday, we were excited to offer a brand new event for our community to enjoy, Fulwood's Festival of Lights Celebration, where we light the night sky and offer fun activities free for our community to enjoy," Culpepper said. "We are committed to continuing with our plans and have many people in the park ... working to make this possible."

On social media, Culpepper noted that the City of Tifton made an investment in Fulwood Park, in partnership with the Main Street program, to purchase new holiday decor and lights this year.

"Many hands have worked around the clock to decorate and bring joy to our community. Planning for our holiday events have been months in the making. We are saddened to share this, but hopeful we can work together to make this better and to be better," Culpepper said.

She asked for the community's help to report any suspicious activity at Fulwood Park, to not touch the lights and holidays displays, and to be respectful of the decorations to "help us keep and preserve this magic for many generations as we strive to start new traditions. For some, this may be all the joy, magic, and hope they receive this holiday season."

Unfortunately, this is not the first year that vandals have damaged lights and holiday decorations in the park. Since past instances, cameras have been set up around the park to record nefarious activities.

ABAC HOLIDAY CONCERT BRINGS SEASONAL SOUNDS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Sounds of the season will ring throughout the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 when the Department of Fine Arts presents its annual Holiday Music Christmas Celebration.

The concert, featuring students, faculty, and community musicians, begins at 6:30 p.m. in Howard Auditorium, located on ABAC ‘s main campus.

“The entire community is invited to join ABAC faculty, staff, and students as we celebrate this Christmas through holiday favorites, such as 'The Polar Express Medley,' 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' 'A La Nanita Nana,' and more,” said Dr. Jennifer Huang, head of the fine arts department.

“This free concert is perfect for every member of the family.”

Huang said that the concert is free to attend, but any donations to the Department of Fine Arts are appreciated.

SRTC NAMES TIFTON MAN

NOMINEE FOR STATE'S TOP TECHNICAL ED STUDENT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) student from Tifton has been selected SRTC's "GOAL" student representing excellence in technical education.

David Covington, an air conditioning technology major from Tifton, is SRTC's nominee for the statewide Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The annual GOAL competition begins during the fall semester when technical college instructors across Georgia identify their most promising students and nominate them for the GOAL competition based on academic achievement and personal leadership. SRTC instructors nominated 16 outstanding students who met with a faculty and staff selection committee.

That committee selected four nominees, who then interviewed with a panel of local business and industry leaders. That panel selected SRTC's GOAL student from the four nominees.

After each state technical college selects their college winner, competition among the students moves to the regional level. Selection committees made up of business and industry representing each college, select three winners from each of the Technical College System's three regions. Then, these nine finalists move on to compete at the state level in Atlanta.

The overall winning GOAL student serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. He or she will make public appearances throughout the year, including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor, and the Technical College System of Georgia Leadership Conference.

SRTC named its GOAL student along with its nominee for Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) – Jalisa Gonzalez of Moultrie, and highlighted the accomplishments of two instructors: Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education recipient Benjie Nobles, a criminal justice instructor in Moultrie, and Adult Education Teacher of the Year LaDonna Delk of Camilla.

RINGING IN SEASON

WITH RED KETTLES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton Police Officers Chris Spires and Katie Barton (pictured at right) are among the community volunteers ringing the bell this season for The Salvation Army of Tifton.

Volunteers are ringing bells all over town for donations to help neighbors in need during the holidays and beyond.

This year, The Salvation Army's red kettles have also gone digital. Donors may also contribute to the local organization by Clicking Here.

In front row from left are Alexia Norman, Doris Roberlo, Garcielita Lopez, Cristal Palma, Lexie Taylor, Hannah Ashley, Annabelle, Roberts, Marcadies Haynes, Noemi Velasco, Gabriela Castillo, Isabel Roberlo, and Samyia Jackson. Back row from left are Hannah Pearce, Ashley Trevino, Rebekah Nalls, Branson Curles, Jordan Hicks, Hailey Pratt, Ryan Hall, Brittney Taylor, and Esteban Cruz Garcia.

SRTC HONORS GRADUATING RADIOLOGIC TECH STUDENTS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) recently honored graduating SRTC-Moultrie radiologic technology students during a banquet.

Twenty-one seniors were recognized at the awards ceremony and received pins to mark the completion of their program requirements. They are: Hannah Ashley of Moultrie; Gabriela Castillo of Tifton; Esteban Cruz Garcia, Tifton; Branson Curles, Sylvester; Ryan Hall, Moultrie; Marcadies Haynes, Berlin; Jordan Hicks, Valdosta; Samyia Jackson, Valdosta; Gracielita Lopez, Camilla; Rebekah Nalls, Tifton; Alexia Norman, Moultrie; Cristal Palma, Ashburn; Hannah Pearce, Adel; Hailey Pratt, Sumner; Anabelle Roberts, Moultrie; Doris Roblero, Moultrie; Isabel Roblero, Moultrie; Brittney Taylor, Tifton; Lexie Taylor, Meigs; Ashley Trevino, Moultrie; and Noemi Velasco of Ashburn.

The program also presented pins to members of the junior class: Summer Barry of Moultrie; Stephanie Brito-Estrada, Norman Park; Kaley Burgess, Moultrie; Ivonne Duque, Tifton; Lauren Elizondo, Sylvester; Margaret Giddens, Tifton; Dianna Huerta, Tifton; Maria Johnson, Moultrie; Danielle McHan, Moultrie; Yaslim Mendez, Pearson; Peyton Peek, Baconton; Francisco Perez Lopez, Moultrie; Anna Perry, Lenox; Diana Rojas, Omega; Mallory Shiver, Arabi; Zulmy Tapia, Douglas; Areli Vazquez, Moultrie; Andrienne Vickers, Ocilla; and Chad Wentworth of Ashburn.

GA PEANUT FARM SHOW SET FOR JANUARY 16 AT UGA TIFTON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The 48th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference is scheduled 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Jan. 16, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.

The one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives.

Approximately 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry will be in attendance. Farmers can earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments.

“I encourage farmers to attend this one-day show in Tifton,” said Farm Show Chairman Rodney Dawson. “The knowledge they will gain from industry representatives and seminars is an investment in the future of their farm.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive during the conference. Attendees will be eligible for nearly $10,000 in door prizes, vendor products, certificates, and equipment.

For more information, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

The Monument Company

402 Seventh St. W., Tifton

Nov. 20

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

Meet "Fuzz," a little fluffball with a lovable personality. Fuzz is looking for his forever home where he can snuggle, play, and grow. Come visit him 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).

SCHOOL BUILDING SITE CHOSEN

OFF PARK AVENUE

~ NOV. 26, 1905

At a special meeting of Tifton City Council on Monday, Nov. 26, 1905, a site was selected for a new school building to be constructed in the block at Park Avenue and Fourth Street. Capt. H.H. Tift agreed to sell the block to the city for $2,500 and specified that it was for public purposes only. The red brick building opened in January 1907 –initially housing all grades until the high school was built in 1917 – and was named the first Annie Belle Clark School in 1943 until the building was condemned in 1960. Today, Tifton's Post Office sits on the site.