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Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024

Tifton, Georgia

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TIFTON TEEN CHARGED IN FATAL SHOOTING

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A 17-year-old Tifton male faces murder and related charges in the shooting death Sunday of an 18-year-old Tifton man at an apartment complex on Tifton-Eldorado Road, authorities say.

Xavier Berrian, 17, has been arrested and is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

On Sunday, Oct.20, Tifton Police responded to a shooting at a residence in the Brookfield Mews Apartments. Officers found Jaquan Jones, 18, of Tifton, with a gunshot wound. Jones was taken to a local hospital where he died, the GBI said.

Jones’ body was taken to the GBI’s Crime Lab in Macon for an autopsy. Berrian was booked into the Tift County Jail.

The Tifton Police Department asked the GBI to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tifton Police at 229-382-3132 or the GBI regional investigative office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online here, or by downloading the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app.

IN TIFT, 24% OF VOTERS ALREADY HAVE CAST BALLOTS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Early voting is continuing strong both in Tift County and around the state. As of the end of the day Tuesday, more than 24% of registered voters in Tift had cast ballots; statewide, the number of voters thus far represent nearly 27% of those registered.

In Tift County, 6,067 voters have already cast ballots in person, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. When absentee ballots received are added, the total number of ballots cast in Tift are 6,228.

Statewide as of Tuesday night, 1,814,223 Georgians have already voted. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that he expects up to 70% of the votes in Georgia will be cast before Election Day Nov. 5.

Early voting continues 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Nov. 1, four days before Election Day. Polls also will be open this Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Early voting in Tift County is available at the elections office on the corner of Fourth Street and Chesnutt Avenue.

For information about voting, call the Tift County Elections Office at 229-386-7915.

GA SUPREME COURT DECLINES TO REINSTATE NEW ELECTION RULES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously declined to allow new election rules to go into effect just weeks before the general election.

The controversial rules would have required a manual count of ballots on election night, potentially delaying the reporting of results.

Also among the new rules, election workers would have had to undertake a “reasonable inquiry” before certifying results, and election officials would have to be given access to “all election-related documentation created during the conduct of elections.”

Those rules were recently implemented by the State Election Board. They were challenged in court by Democrats, some Republicans, and by the nonprofit Eternal Vigilance Action, founded by former state Rep. Scot Turner, R-Holly Springs.

Last week, a Fulton County judge decided the new election rules were “illegal, unconstitutional, and void.” The Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party immediately appealed that ruling to the state Supreme Court, requesting that their appeal be expedited and that the rules be reinstated while the appeal is under review.

But the high court Tuesday denied both matters – letting the lower court's ruling stand for now, halting the new election rules from taking effect, and declining to expedite the GOP's appeal.

"The petitioners’ motion for an expedited appeal is also denied. When the appeal is docketed in this court, it will proceed in the ordinary course," the Supreme Court said in its ruling.

In the appeal, the high court will consider whether or not the State Election Board – an unelected panel of three Republicans, one Democrat and a nonpartisan chair – superseded its authority in implementing the new election rules without legislative approval.

At the award ceremony for the Community Impact Awards are, from left, Georgia City Solutions Board Chair Kirby Thompson, Tifton Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) Chair Tyler Riddle, Mayor Julie B. Smith, City Communications Director Stacey Green, and former URA Executive Director Dr. Tonja Tift.

TIFTON RECEIVES COMMUNITY AWARD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The City of Tifton was recently honored with the 2024 Community Impact Award from Georgia City Solutions and the Georgia Municipal Association.

Tifton was recognized for its dedication and success in enhancing community well-being and fostering opportunities for all residents to flourish through "innovation, collaboration, and partnerships."

That includes efforts in youth leadership, municipal workforce development, equity and inclusion, and literacy improvement.

The awards ceremony was held Oct. 10 in Atlanta, with Ambassador Andrew Young serving as the honorary event chair. Other honorees included former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Dr. R. Kirby Godsey, and the cities of Decatur, Leesburg, and Ringgold.

GOV. KEMP PROPOSES STATE TAX REFUND

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Tuesday announced plans to return more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers through a third special tax rebate.

The proposed one-time, special refund would mirror previous rebates, returning $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers, and $500 to married couples filing jointly.

Between this latest measure and the previous tax rebates, multiple state gas tax suspensions, homeowner tax relief grant, and acceleration of the largest income tax cut in state history, the policies have saved Georgia taxpayers more than $6.6 billion, the governor's office said.

"Inflation may have fallen, but high prices are still here and weighing down hardworking Georgians every time they go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and so many other places in our daily lives," Kemp said.

The special tax refund would be the state's third rebate package in the past three years. The General Assembly will need to approve the plan.

"Under our state's strong conservative leadership, we've balanced the budget every year while lowering our income tax rate, and returning billions of dollars to taxpayers," said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. "I want to thank Gov. Brian Kemp for his leadership and for prioritizing the budgets of Georgia's families."

House Speaker Jon Burns attributed Georgia's $16 billion budget surplus to "strong conservative leadership and strategic fiscal policies."

ACCLAIMED POET TO READ AT ABAC

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Writers’ Harvest series at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) will present an evening with poet Cody Smith at 7 p.m Monday, Oct. 28.

The event, part of the annual ABAC Arts and Culture season, will be in Bowen Hall Room 100 on the Tifton Campus. The literary gathering aims to foster a connection between the ABAC community and the Tiftarea while supporting a charitable cause.

Smith, poet and author of "Gulf: Poems," will read from his recently published works. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his latest book, "River Hymnal," set to be released in early 2025.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Smith's experiences have shaped his perspective on life and literature. Having lived and written in various locations, including Spokane, Wash., and Tallahassee, Fla., he currently resides in Central Florida, where he works as an educator.

Smith's work has earned him accolades, such as the Mississippi Review Prize and the River Styx International Poetry Prize. His poems have been featured in such publications as Poetry, Prairie Schooner, and The Gettysburg Review.

Admission to the event is a single canned good or non-perishable food item. All proceeds from the Writers’ Harvest series will directly benefit the ABAC Food Pantry, supporting students in need.

Paid Political Advertisement

Save the Date: "Music Solution for Your Voting Solution" – November 1

The sound of progress is in the air, and we invite you to be part of it! Join us on November 1st for a one-of-a-kind musical event, "Music Solution for Your Voting Solution," in celebration of the re-election campaign of Commissioner Melissa Hughes.

This uplifting event will be filled with great music, community spirit, and the shared goal of building a brighter future, one step at a time.

This special evening will also feature an inspiring appearance by Stacey Abrams, a leader who exemplifies the power of hope, persistence, and the importance of every vote. Together, we’ll celebrate achievements, share our vision for the future, and renew our commitment to the causes that matter most.

Commissioner Hughes has dedicated herself to serving our county with passion and purpose. Her commitment to "One Street at a Time" has not only repaired roads but also strengthened connections between neighbors. She is a champion for fair compensation, successfully advocating for higher wages for county employees to ensure every worker is valued and supported.

But her efforts don’t stop there. Commissioner Hughes believes in uplifting every member of our community. She has secured critical resources for families and, through initiatives like her coat and sock drives, provided warmth to the less fortunate during the coldest months. These actions reflect her unwavering belief that every resident deserves care, dignity, and hope.

On November 1st, let’s celebrate this spirit of service through music. Let the rhythm of the night remind us that when we vote for leaders like Melissa Hughes, we invest in a future where compassion, opportunity, and action lead the way.

Save the date, bring your friends, and come ready to be inspired. Together, with your vote, we can continue this incredible work — one street, one solution, one song at a time.

Date: November 1, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Location: Home of Commissioner

.........Melissa Hughes, 18 Hughes Lane, Tifton, GA

Re-elect Commissioner Melissa Hughes –

Because Progress Has a Soundtrack

Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Commissioner Melissa Hughes

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT FEATURES CLASSICAL WORKS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s First Tuesday concert on Nov. 5 will feature the Georgia College and State University String Orchestra.

“This orchestra’s rich string repertoire will complete a lovely evening of classical music.”said Dr. Jennifer Huang, head of ABAC’s Fine Arts department.

The concert will feature mostly Baroque pieces, including Bach’s "Concerto in D minor" on harpsichord, which Huang will perform. Other selections include Antonín Dvořák’s “Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22” and Antonio Vivaldi’s “Concerto Alla Rustica for orchestra in G major.”

Twenty-six orchestra students will perform violins, violas, cellos and bass, conducted by Bryan Hall of GCSU's music faculty.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Howard Auditorium. The concert is free to the public.

CHRISTMAS PARADE, VENDOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner, and "Christmas Around the World" is coming to Tifton on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The annual Tifton Hometown Holidays Celebration has "Christmas Around the World" is this year's theme. Parade participants are encouraged to display the theme on parade floats and vehicles.

Applications are now available for the Christmas parade and for vendors. Vendor applications close Nov. 15; parade registration ends Nov. 29.

Information is available here.

UPCOMING TIFTON CONCERTS INCLUDE JOHN BERRY, ZZ TOP

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Some top concerts are coming to Tifton in the next few months. Grammy winner and former Tifton resident John Berry is returning to the Friendly City with his 28th Annual Christmas Tour, and "That Little Ol' Band From Texas" – ZZ Top – is heading to Tifton during its worldwide Elevation Tour.

"Christmas With John Berry" stops at the historic Tift Theatre on Dec. 3. Berry's holiday shows have become a favorite around the country during the Christmas season. He includes many Christmas classics, shares holiday memories, while sprinkling in some of his hit songs. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his biggest No. 1 hit single, “Your Love Amazes Me.”

Berry's Christmas tour this year includes several performances in Georgia, along with stops in South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

He has had 20 singles on the county charts, six in the Top 5. Berry has been inducted in the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame, the Carolina Country Music Association’s Hall of Fame, and the North American Country Music Association Hall of Fame.

ZZ Top, the iconic rock band that has sold more than 50 million albums and has been inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is coming to the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on March 26.

ZZ Top is synonymous with beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars, and bluesy rock classics that include "La Grange," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Gimme All Your Lovin'," and "Cheap Sunglasses."

For more than 50 years, ZZ Top has been rocking audiences around the world. They have performed at a Super Bowl halftime show and appeared as the outdoor dance band in the film "Back to the Future III."

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

If you’re searching for "Sweety," check the “Towels Only” section. This friendly girl has claimed the area as her cozy throne while seeking her forever home. Come visit Sweety 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).

FEDS OK NEW RADIO STATION,

WWGS IN TIFTON

~ OCT. 24, 1946

The Tifton Broadcasting Co., headed by Walter A. Graham, was notified Oct. 24, 1946, by telegram from Washington, D.C., that it has been granted a permit for a radio station in Tifton with the call letters WWGS.