Friday, March 6, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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TIFTON'S BIGGEST OUTDOOR PARTY: MUSIC, FOOD &

A LOT OF FUN

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

It's Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival weekend in Tifton, bringing up to 25,000 people to Fulwood Park to "Party Under the Pines" with some savory Southern food, top-notch toe-tapping music, always unique vendors, and non-stop entertainment.

This weekend's festival promises to be bigger than ever with good weather and the music headliner Diamond Rio taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Diamond Rio has charted 20 Top 10 singles, 15 Top 5 singles, and seven No. 1 singles.

Known for such hit songs as “Meet in The Middle,” “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” "Mirror, Mirror," "Mama Don't Forget to Pray for Me," "Norma Jean Riley," and "Nowhere Bound," the Nashville, Tenn., band has sold more than 6.8 million albums and has more than 1.05 billion global online music streams.

Diamond Rio received the Academy of Country Music's award for Top Vocal Group in 1991 and 1992. During 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1997, they also received the Country Music Association's award for Vocal Group of the Year – an award for which they received 15 total nominations, more than any other country music group.

The band has received 13 Grammy Award nominations, winning in 2011. In 2010, Diamond Rio got three nominations for the GMA Dove Awards and won Country Album of the Year.

But the festival's entertainment actually begins tonight with the kickoff party at 6:30 p.m. with Kit+Char performing followed by Austin Williams at 8:30 p.m. Most vendors will be available tonight along with food and beverages.

On Saturday, festivities go from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and include the Georgia Barbecue Association's professional BBQ competition, a local amateur backyard BBQ competition, People's Choice, and a Kids' BBQ Cook-off.

Entertainment includes the popular Disc-Connected K-9s with their tricks and disc-catching moves, a Butterfly Experience, Gelly Ball, Mini-Golf, and bounce houses in the Kids Zone, and musical acts including RVSHVD, Brother Mojo, Billy RIgsby, Grandpa's Cough Medicine, and Harold Thomas.

Attendees may also participate in creating a piece of a Mural Mosaic celebrating America's 250th birthday. The USA 250 Mural Project will be set up on the Circle Drive of Fulwood Park at a shelter closest to Tift Avenue. Look for the sign and balloon arches.

Tiles will be hand-painted by visitors, representing their story. Helping assist will be the Tifton Council for the Arts, the GFWC Tifton Woman’s Club, and the Tifton-Tift County Public Library.

The finished mural will be an eagle emblazoned on a U.S. flag, and will be displayed downtown during July festivities honoring the nation's 250th birthday.

On Saturday, the Southern Gearheads Car Show will also return with classic cars and hot rods filling the street.

Be advised that Prince Avenue from Eighth to 12th streets will close at noon Friday until 11 p.m. Saturday, and Tift Avenue from Eighth to 12th streets will be closed Saturday from 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

The festival has evolved from humble beginnings in 2009 in Downtown Tifton, moving to the Historic Village at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture before finding a permanent home in Fulwood Park.

GBI photos

GBI agents investigate the scene of Wednesday's fatal shooting in Ashburn.

ASHBURN TRAFFIC STOP ENDS IN MAN SHOT, KILLED

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A traffic stop turned deadly Wednesday in Ashburn when a man was shot and killed during an altercation with Ashburn Police, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

The GBI is investigating the incident, and identified the dead man as Larunce Glee, 25, of Cordele. No officers were injured during the incident.

At about 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, an Ashburn Police officer stopped a vehicle near 923 North St. for a traffic violation involving two children standing inside a vehicle who were not secured in child restraint seats, the GBI said.

During the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Kabrion Young, 25, of Cordele, attempted to run from the officer. A physical altercation then occurred between Young and the officer. As other officers arrived on scene to assist, the officer tased Young.

Officers then asked one of the passengers, later identified as Glee, to exit the vehicle. Glee refused to follow the instructions and began to fight the officers, the GBI said. As officers tried to gain control, Glee attempted to pull a firearm from his waistband. One of the officers then shot Glee, who was taken to Tift Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, the GBI said.

.

Young was later arrested by the Ashburn Police Department and booked into the Turner County Jail.

There were three additional passengers in the vehicle – an adult and two children who were not injured during the incident.

The Ashburn Police Department requested the GBI to handle the investigation into the incident.

BEING CITY MANAGER 'GOD'S PLAN,' NOT HIS, SAYS FORMER FIRE CHIEF

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton’s new city manager, Bobby “Roho” Bennett, told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday that he is a Christian first and foremost and asks God for direction before every big decision.

The former Tifton fire chief said that becoming city manager “was not in my plan. It had to be God’s, because I never even considered being city manager.”

Bennett was in the Fire Department for 30 years. He said he worked for the school system on his days off from the fire department before he became chief.

Bennett served 17 years as the grounds and athletic facilities director for Tift County Schools and said he learned a lot about infrastructure, life, and especially education – and that he really loves kids. 

“I love Tifton,” he said. “I love helping people.” The city manager said he wants to help businesses grow. 

Since his appointment Feb. 12, Bennett has been meeting with city workers. “The city staff is amazing,” he said. “You learn a lot by listening instead of talking.”

He said community development needs an official “in a bad, bad, bad way.” One of his top priorities is the ongoing search for an economic development director.

Bennett also said it's "very important to get the relationship back with the county.” He said he and Tift County Manager Jim Carter have been friends for years and talk almost daily. 

“Getting that relationship (with Tift County) back together again is very important to me, but also to the residents who live in Tifton and Tift County,” Bennett said. 

“Tifton is in one of the best locations you can possibly be in,” he added. “To grow, the city and county have got to work together to bring more industry. There’s lots of opportunities and lots of space.” 

He encouraged residents to call or visit him. 

“I can’t fix all these problems by myself. Any time you have good ideas, come see me," Bennett said.

FIRE STRIKES LONGTIME DOWNTOWN ADEL BUSINESS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

One of Downtown Adel's "cornerstone businesses" was ravaged by fire Tuesday morning.

At approximately 8:03 a.m. Tuesday, Michelle’s Formal Wear on South Burwell Avenue went up in flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"Our hearts are shattered as we’ve been here for almost 32 years. The first responders were here within minutes," the shop's owner Michelle Meadows said on social media.

The Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce said that "one of our cornerstone businesses located in Downtown Adel was lost to fire. ... Michelle's Formal Wear has served our community and far beyond for over 30 years. This will be a major loss for Cook County. Please keep Michelle and her staff in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through the next steps."

While the prom/homecoming dress store was severely affected by the fire, the store's staff reported that the bridal side of the shop remains fully operational.

"We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers for us as we work through this," the owner said on social media. "We will be contacting everyone ASAP in regards to any dresses on layaway or special order. We ask for prayers and patience during this time as we sort the next step."

In business since 1994, Michelle's Formal Wear specializes in designer wedding dresses, prom dresses, and formal attire. Michelle's said it is a Top Ten prom store in the country, a top Sherri Hill fashions supplier in the South, and the largest supplier of Ashley Lauren styles in Georgia.

CANDIDATES HAVE UNTIL NOON TO QUALIFY FOR ELECTED OFFICE; SOME INCUMBENTS NOT RUNNING

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Federal, state, and local candidates for the November election must qualify for office by noon today.

Thus far, there are a couple of surprises in local races. At least two incumbents are not seeking re-election to the Tift County Board of Education. District 6 BOE incumbent Rusty Harrelson said he is not running again. Dr. Jerry Baker, retired vice president and provost at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, has qualified for that BOE seat.

Also, incumbent BOE member Sam Wright representing District 5 tells the Tifton Grapevine that he is not seeking re-election. As of early Thursday, it wasn't yet clear who may be seeking that BOE post.

There also appears to be a contested race for Tift County commissioner representing District 4 on the Tift County Board of Comissioners. Incumbent Stan Stalnaker will be challenged for the Republican nomination by Jonathan Cassell.

As of early Thursday, other Tift County commissioners up for re-election this year did not have any opposition: Donnie Hester, a Democrat, in District 1; Paul Webb, Republican in District 3; and Greg Wood, Republican in District 6.

Also without any opposition as of early Thursday were Tift State Court Judge Herbert Benson, Tift County Solicitor General Jason Hoffman, and area Soil and Water Conservation Commission Supervisor Brian Ponder.

For contested party races, a primary election is scheduled May 19. The general election is on Nov. 3.

Tiftarea Ministerial Association

to Host Lenten Luncheons

As we enter the season of Lent, the TIftarea Ministerial Association would like to invite citizens of Tifton and the surrounding communities to participate in a series of Lenten Lunches at Tifton’s Leroy Rogers Center.

The lunches, which will be held from 12:00 to 1:00, will begin Wednesday, Feb. 18, and take place each Wednesday through April 1.

The lunches will be a “bring your own bag lunch and drink,”

and enjoy the program as pastors from area churches deliver a weekly message.

Artist Kenny Barfield with Tifton Mayor Julie B. Smith while presenting Barfield's pastel artwork during Monday's City Council workshop. The artwork now becomes part of the Citizens Art Collection on display at Tifton City Hall.

TIFTON ADDS ANOTHER ARTWORK TO ITS CITIZENS ART COLLECTION

ON WALLS OF CITY HALL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A new addition to the Tifton Citizens Art Collection at City Hall was presented Monday during Tifton City Council's monthly workshop.

A pastel illustration of a golden retriever by Tifton artist Kenny Barfield will now be displayed among artwork by other local and regional artists on the walls of Tifton City Hall.

The Tifton Citizens Art Collection is a public art initiative featuring artwork prominently displayed at City Hall and curated to showcase local talent. The collection is available for public viewing from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and the city has a brochure detailing each artwork.

Barfield said he likes to paint animals and wildlife, and aid this particular work "was a challenge for me because I wanted to get that depth of field, getting the background and then that focus up front. And then the fur was a big challenge for me."

Barfield added that "this has been a really good piece for me, and I’m just grateful that you guys got this. I’m very excited and honored."

"We’re very happy to welcome this new piece of our Citizens Art Collection," said Mayor Julie B. Smith. "We talk about Tifton being the Friendly City, but it’s the art that gives us our friendliness. It’s color in our soul. When people walk through the doors of City Hall, whether the residents paying a utility bill or a visitor discovering our town for the first time, they should not just see a government building. This building is so much more than that. I hope that they will see a reflection of our community's character."

Smith said that a "city that values the arts is a city that thrives. We seen that all over our country, and by investing in local creators, we're investing in the vibrancy of our downtown and the economic future of Tifton. It’s inspiring the next generation by hanging this painting in City Hall. ... Having this art on display shows every young person that their talent, their creativity matters; it has value, and their voice matters, and there’s a place for their talent right here in their community."

THE SYD TO SHOWCASE ART BY 260 TIFT COUNTY STUDENTS

By NICK SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Tifton Council for the Arts (TCA) is presenting an exhibit of Tift County School students’ artwork beginning this Saturday through Friday, March 13.

Entitled “Self Portrait: Who Are You,” the exhibit will be open noon-6 p.m. daily at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center, 255 Love Ave.

The exhibit features artwork from students across all Tift County Schools, highlighting the creativity, imagination, and emerging talent of local youth, according to Chelsea Webster, TCA children’s programming director.

“It’s a record-setting exhibit with 700 entries, and 260 selected,” Webster said. “It is so cute!”

The artwork will be on display at the schools after the exhibit ends at The Syd.

An opening reception will be held 3-5 p.m. Sunday at The Syd, where the community is encouraged to show support for the local youth artists. The exhibit is part of Youth Art Month with more youth events planned this month.

Tift County School families may take part in free hands-on art experiences, including a collaborative Kids’ Community Canvas on Saturday, March 14, when families may drop in between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Also, Family Art Hours, where a parent and child paint a waterlily together, are scheduled at the Syd at 4-5 p.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Space is limited, so parents or guardians must register in advance by calling 229-382-3600.

BLUE DEVILS NAME NEW FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Veteran football coach Andy McCollum is joining the Tift County High School Blue Devil football staff as defensive coordinator.

McCollum, 67, brings more than 40 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. His career includes time at Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Baylor, Middle Tennessee State, Western Carolina, Buffalo, Tennessee, and with the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

For the past three seasons, McCollum was head coach at Sewanee after serving as coach at Middle Tennessee State. During the 2006 season, he was an advance scout and defensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans.

McCollum said that he has long had respect for Blue Devils Head Coach Jeff Littleton and developed a fondness for South Georgia through his recruiting over the years.

He said he is excited to join the Blue Devils and to help continue building a strong football program.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: IT'S SOMETHING TO LOSE SLEEP OVER

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Daylight saving time begins Sunday when most Americans set their clocks ahead by an hour, "springing forward" at 2 a.m., which instantly becomes 3 a.m.

The sunrise and sunset will be one hour later on Sunday than on Saturday, meaning more light in the evening and a later sunrise in the morning.

Since 2007, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November, when we "fall back" by an hour.

Daylight saving time became a national standard in 1966 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act to set a standard time for interstate bus and train travel. It was also seen as a way to conserve energy: If it's light outside longer, people may use less electricity indoors.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Gypsy River Treasures

Park Lane Jewelry

Feb. 27

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, March 6, is National Dentist Day, a day to celebrate the men and women who keep our chompers chomping, our gnashers gnashing, and our whites pearly. Dentists are doctors who specialize in oral health. They help prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases, monitor the growth of our teeth and jaws, and perform surgical procedures on our teeth and mouths. They help us put our best face forward. Hesy-Ra from ancient Egypt in 2600 B.C., is considered to be one of the earliest dental practitioners.

Born on March 6: Michelangelo, Italian sculptor & painter, 1475-1564; Cyrano de Bergerac, French playwright & novelist, 1619-1655; Elizabeth Barrett Browning, English poet, 1806-1861; Walter "Furry" Lewis, blues musician, 1893-1981; Bob Wills, Western swing musician, 1905-1975; Lou Costello, comedian & actor, 1906-1959; Ed McMahon, sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," 1923-2009; William H. Webster, judge, FBI director & CIA director, 1924-2025; Allan Greenspan, economist & former Federal Reserve chairman, 1926–; Gabriel Garcîa Mårquez, Columbian writer, 1927-2014; Gordon Cooper, one of America's first astronauts, 1927-2004; Willie Stargell, baseball hall-of-famer, 1940-2001; Mary Wilson, founding member of Motown group The Supremes, 1944-2021; David Gilmour, rock guitarist & vocalist in Pink Floyd, 1946– ; Rob Reiner, actor & director, 1947-2025; Shaquille O'Neal, basketball hall-of-famer; 1972– .

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

• Home School Hangout: Hands-On Science, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Love Avenue, Tifton

• Live @ Lunch: Eighth Street Singing Co, free concert & food trucks, sponsored by Tifton Merchants Association, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• South Georgia Spring Sportsman Expo, noon-7 p.m., UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton

• Tifton Rhythm & Ribs Kickoff Party Under the Pines, live music by Austin Williams, Kit+Char; food & beverages available, Fulwood Park, Tifton

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

• Annual Rummage Sale, 7 a.m.-noon. Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church, Tifton

• Peach State Show Choir Invitational, 8 a.m., Performing Arts Center, Tift County High School, Tifton

• South Georgia Spring Sportsman Expo, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton

• Adel Spring Downtown Clean-Up, volunteers welcome, hosted by Adel Main Street, 9-11 a.m., 125 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel

• Tifton Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival, barbecue competitions, all-day entertainment headlined by Grammy Award-winning band Diamond Rio, food & beverages, vendors, KidZone, Cruise-In, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fulwood Park, Tifton

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

• Sunday at the Park, hosted by Moms of South Georgia: A gathering of moms and kids, 3 p.m., playground across from Cook County High School, Adel

• Kraken Pro-Wrestling, 4 p.m., Chino & Letty's Place, 102 W. Third St., Tifton

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Vixie" is about 2-to-3 years old and weighs about 45 pounds. She is sweet, affectionate, and loves being close to people. A neighbor found her near the road and kept her safe until the animal shelter opened. Thanks to their help, Vixie is now safe and waiting for a loving home. Come meet Vixie 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).

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