Tifton Under 'Major Heat Risk'

Share This Edition

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

To Subscribe, Click Here

The "HeatRisk" map from the National Weather Service places Tifton and the Tiftarea under a Major Heat Risk on Wednesday, with some areas under an Extreme risk. Major Heat Risk means that the heat is dangerous to anyone who does not have proper hydration or adequate cooling with little to no nighttime relief. An Extreme HeatRisk is for long duration, extreme heat with no overnight relief affecting anyone without cooling and hydration.

TIFTON UNDER 'MAJOR HEAT RISK'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Tiftarea, and nearly all of Georgia, remains under heat advisories Wednesday as Tifton is facing what the National Weather Service calls a "Major Heat Risk," while some nearby areas are under an "Extreme Heat Risk."

Because of the dangerous heat, the City of Tifton has opened a Heat Wave Relief Area this week at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center. The center off Second Street is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., through Friday with air-conditioned space for residents to get out of the heat.

"We are grateful to be able to provide this relief station to our area residents to use," said city spokesman Caroline Abbott. "We are hopeful more residents will take advantage of the air-conditioned space as the word spreads. Citizens can greatly help us and each other by sharing that this resource is available to anyone who may be in need of relief from the heat."

As of Tuesday afternoon, only a few residents had used the city's Heat Wave Relief Area, Abbott said.

The weather forecast for Wednesday is mostly sunny and hot in Tifton with a high near 95 degrees and heat index values up to 107. Some parts of the Tiftarea could see the heat index reach up to 112 degrees Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The heat index is calculated by combining air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the human body.

The dangerous heat has prompted some local outdoor activities to be curtailed. Tifton's Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center’s Back to School Bash has been rescheduled for 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, in the interest of safety.

Abbott said city departments are also taking all precautions to help prevent heat-related issues for personnel. "I have spoken with multiple departments, and no heat-related issues have been reported," she said. "The safety of our residents and employees is crucial."

The Georgia Department of Public Health recommends that anyone outdoors during excessive heat should wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and plan outdoor activities early in the morning or during evening hours.

On Wednesday, Tifton has a good chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. While the expected rain will temporarily cool down the town, it will be short-lived; the weather service is forecasting high temperatures of 96 degrees both Thursday and Friday with heat indices continuing over 100.

TIFTON, ADEL MEN GUILTY ON FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man and two Adel residents involved in an armed drug trafficking organization have been found guilty of federal drug and weapons charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Middle District of Georgia.

In a trial in U.S. District Court last week, Calvin James Smith Jr., 36, of Tifton, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Smith faces a maximum of life in prison.

Eddie Lee Hardley, 36, of Adel, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Hardley faces a maximum of life in prison.

Yardley Payne, 57, of Adel, was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user. Payne faces a maximum of 15 years in prison per count.

The trial concluded Thursday. Sentencing dates will be determined later.

According to court documents, the FBI in December 2020 began investigating an armed drug trafficking organization centered in Adel. The drug ring was led by co-conspirator Calvin James “Rollo” Smith Sr., 56, of Adel, who, in January, was found guilty at trial of all 23 counts charged in a 44-count indictment.

The investigation determined that Smith Jr. – the son of "Rollo" Smith – along with Hardley and Payne conspired with others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

Federal agents discovered 13 locations that the drug organization was using. Search warrants executed at those locations in November 2022, resulted in the seizure of meth, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and 15 handguns and rifles, authorities said.

Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than 10 pounds of marijuana, and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine.

“This case highlights the commitment of our law enforcement partners alongside our office to combat armed drug trafficking organizations and hold those connected to them accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are thankful for the strength of the collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Middle District of Georgia as we work together to make the communities we serve safer for everyone.”

.....About the State Bar of Georgia

.....The State Bar of Georgia exists to foster among the members of the Bar of this state the principles.... .....of duty and service to the public; to improve the administration of justice; and to advance the science .....of law. All persons authorized to practice law in this state are required to be members. The South .....Georgia Office plays a vital role in extending this mission to communities across the region through .....programs, resources, and responsive public engagement.

COOK AMNESTY PROGRAM CLEARS 187 WARRANTS, COLLECTS $103,000

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Cook County Probate Court's warrant amnesty program for defendants with traffic and misdemeanor offenses has cleared 187 warrants resulting in the collection of $103,000 fines and fees, says Probate Judge L. Chase Daughtrey.

“Through a public-relations campaign and utilizing up-to-date technology, the court was able to work with defendants to clear their warrant and close their case with very few defendants being incarcerated. It is the court’s goal to work with the solicitor’s office and the defendants to provide reasonable solutions to adjudicate cases to reduce the chance of incarceration,” Daughtrey said.

During the last 18 months, the Cook County Probate Court offered warrant amnesty to defendants with active warrants for traffic and misdemeanor offenses. Through the leadership of Suzanne Bennett, the court's warrants clerk, 187 warrants have been cleared and their cases closed resulting in the collection of $103,000 fines and fees paid over to the county and various state funds, the probate judge said.

"The Probate Court of Cook County has taken proactive steps in recent years to create a court system that is effective, efficient, and fair to all. For example, the court has utilized a plea in absentia program, adding QR codes to citations, live chat through the website, and text-message reminders," Daughtrey said.

The Cook County Probate Court will continue to offer amnesty to defendants if they contact Bennett at 229-896-3941. Some misdemeanor offenses may still require a court appearance, officials said.

FORMER ADEL MAN

SENTENCED ON METH CHARGE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A former Adel man with an extensive criminal history, who admitted to possessing methamphetamine while trying to run from troopers during a traffic stop, was sentenced Thursday to federal prison.

Joshua Keith Thompson, 37, of Morven, and formerly of Adel, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Thompson in April had pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute meth.

“The sentencing of Joshua Keith Thompson underscores the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable, including those whose criminal activity impacts multiple counties and communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Georgia State Patrol trooper observed Thompson driving a sportscar and not wearing a seatbelt on March 25, 2023. During the traffic stop, Thompson handed the trooper a driver’s license with another person’s name on it. During the conversation, the trooper noticed what appeared to be a clear plastic baggie beside the defendant’s leg; consequently, he was asked to step out of the vehicle and was temporarily detained.

A drug detection K-9 alerted something on the passenger side of the vehicle. In the passenger-side floorboard area, the trooper located a clear plastic baggie containing 784.53 grams of methamphetamine. After being told he was under arrest, the defendant fled on foot. The trooper displayed his taser and began giving verbal commands to stop. The defendant tripped and was quickly detained.

Thompson has a lengthy criminal history in South Georgia, including multiple felony convictions in Cook County Superior Court and convictions in both Crisp County and Lowndes County superior courts. Thompson’s prior felony convictions include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, theft by taking, giving false information to law enforcement, and possession of controlled substances.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Vision Source Tifton

2012 N. Pineview Ave., Tifton

July 25

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

Meet "Princess," a beautiful "aristocat" seeking her next throne in a loving home. Visit Princess 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).

TIFTON SEES FIRST POLIO CASE OF YEAR

~ JULY 31, 1941

Tifton's first case of polio for the year 1941 was reported on July 31, 1941, to the Tift County Health Department. The case involved a three-year-old child who resided in the northern section of the city. Because of the diagnosis, the Tifton community swimming pool was closed, and Sunday School was discontinued for children under age 12.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM

Tifton Grapevine subscriber Duncan McClusky, at left, receives a Tifton Grapevine mug from Publisher & Editor Frank Sayles Jr. McClusky's name was drawn from among those who have recently donated to the Grapevine in support of 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.