TIFTON PLACES MORATORIUM ON BILLBOARDS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The City of Tifton has placed a 30-day moratorium on new billboard signs as it considers revisions to its existing sign ordinance.

At Monday's City Council meeting, the council postponed consideration of proposed sign revisions because it has heard concerns from several local sign companies. Mayor Julie B. Smith said the city needs to meet with sign-company representatives to address any issues before further revisions are made.

Also Monday, council approved the annexation and rezoning of two tracts encompassing approximately 8.6 acres on E.B. Hamilton Drive for development of 46 two-story apartments for seniors by Tift Magnolia Villas.

The property had been in the county and was zoned for county multi-family residential. After being annexed into the city, it is being zoned city multi-residential.

City Council denied a proposed rezoning at 200 Goff St. Lynbill Properties LLC had requested rezoning 0.29 acres from residential to general business to allow a convenience store to operate there. The site is surrounded by residential, and some residents and property owners had expressed concerns.

Councilman M. Jay Hall noted that the city Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) had recommended that the proposed rezoning be denied.

"We tend to follow these recommendations," Mayor Smith said, as the P&Z bases its recommendations on the city's ordinances and Land Development Code.

In an another matter, council voted to increase natural gas rates by 75 cents for non-residential customers. Residences, the City of Nashville, and United Parcel Service would not be affected by the increase; the latter two customers are under a special rate structure.

City Council also rejected a proposal that would have allowed non-city residents to serve on the city's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Changing that requirement would have resulted in Tifton losing its Certified Local Government status, City Manager Emily Beeman said.

That means, according to the state, Tifton would lose federal and state tax incentives for property owners within the Historic District and could lose National Park Service funding, which is aiding the facade renovations at the back of the Tift Theatre, the city manager said.

The mayor said the city had initially suggested allowing non-city residents on the HPC because there is a lack of candidates to fill board positions. She asked that any city residents interested in serving contact City Clerk Jessica White at City Hall.

Mims Kids Inc. will hold its 12th annual Stay In School Rally on Saturday, 

July 22, 2023, from 12 noon until supplies last. The event will be a drive-by conducted in the parking lot of 41 South Farmers Market, 2505 Main St. South. Children will have to be present to receive school supplies and clothing items. 

For more information, contact M.Jay Hall, Executive Director, (229) 392-2071

TIFTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN U.S. COURT TO FENTANYL DISTRIBUTION

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man pleaded guilty Wednesday to fentanyl distribution and could face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, says the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Alphonso White, 43, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Sentencing is scheduled Oct. 19.

“The defendant was in possession of roughly 4,200 deadly doses of fentanyl. I applaud Tift County Sheriff’s Office investigators for preventing an extremely dangerous drug from hitting the streets of Tifton,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. 

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough said his office “always stands ready to work with local, state, and federal authorities to help remove the scourge that fentanyl has become across this county.”

According to court documents, the Tift County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit drugs, executing a search warrant on Jan. 18, 2022, at a Tifton motel room where White was staying.

White was carrying 32 bags of a brown substance and blue pills marked “M 30.” The substances later tested positive for 8.544 grams of fentanyl.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, just two milligrams of fentanyl — an amount equivalent to 10-15 grains of table salt — is considered lethal. White was in possession of approximately 4,272 lethal doses, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

TIFTON'S MCKINNON NAMED MARRIOTT'S SPRINGHILL SUITES MANAGER OF YEAR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

John Alec McKinnon, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tifton’s general manager, has been named the 2022 General Manager of the Year for Marriott International’s SpringHill Suites brand. 

In addition, he was one of six general managers of Marriott’s Select Brands to receive the Diamond General Manager Award for 2022.

Both awards represent excellence in brand culture, leadership, financial management, crisis management, sales leadership, service, guest satisfaction, and overall hotel performance.

A Tifton native, McKinnon began working for the Stafford Co. in 2007 at the Holiday Inn while he was still in high school. Before moving to SpringHill Suites, he was the assistant general manager/sales director at the Hilton Garden Inn.

SpringHill Suites Tifton was also a recipient of the Diamond Circle Award, an accolade which is awarded to the top 3% of hotels within the brand globally, and the Elite Appreciation Award, given to only five hotels across all Marriott International Select Brands for having the highest guest satisfaction ratings among Marriott Bonvoy Members.

“These awards are a testament to John Alec’s commitment to excellence,” said Kirk Tullos, executive director of hospitality at Stafford. “Under his leadership, our hotel associates have dedicated themselves to going above and beyond what’s expected.”

TIFTON HAS 'ROAD MAP' TO MEET VISION, CITY MANAGER SAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

“It’s time for Tifton to grow,” City Manager Emily Beeman told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday.

She has created a road map for City Council to meet its vision in seven areas: Creating great neighborhoods, connecting citizens to parks, services and improving infrastructure, enhancing historic downtown, economic development, top customer service, and leading with a cause.

Beeman said citizens “deserve maximum quality of life. They deserve a say in how taxpayers’ money is spent.” Decisions are based on a growth plan for the city of Tifton, she said.

“It is our job to provide safe, attractive, connected, and inviting neighborhoods,” she said. “That’s the foundation of the hometown appeal of Tifton.”

The mayor and Beeman conducted a tour of Tifton’s Urban Redevelopment Area last week with the executive team from the state Department of Community Affairs.

“When you spotlight something in a community and you make it look better, all the properties around there tend to do the same thing.”

She said a study will look at the amount of affordable housing available. The city is also looking at a “land bank,” when property owners can’t take care of property and want to deed it to the city.

She cited a lot of new neighborhoods on Carpenter Road and the increased need for street lights. “We are working with Georgia Power on an audit to see where those street lights are,” and where additional street lights are needed. 

Reducing property crime rates is also a priority. She said it’s not just Tifton; other areas are experiencing high property-crime rates. “I am working very closely with my police department. We are increasing our technology,” Beeman said. The new Tip 411 app is an anonymous tip line. 

“We have increased nightly patrols in neighborhoods. A lot of you have seen police driving through neighborhoods with a spotlight on. We are spot-checking properties to make sure everything is safe.” 

In the area of connecting citizens to parks and outdoors, Beeman said, “A healthy community provides access to nature and greenspaces.” She discussed updates to Fulwood Park with increased lighting and cameras. The first phase of new playground equipment, which is compliant with disability standards, will go in soon.

She said the city is applying for a federal grant to improve the two retention ponds on Old Ocilla Road next year. “We’re hoping to put a walking track out there, maybe a dog park, some stationary exercise equipment. It is city property. Why not utilize it for greenspace and give the community additional outlets for exercise?” 

Beeman also said that “starting next year, we will start paving more roads than we ever have,” utilizing state funds. She said the city will obtain a “paving index,” showing the worst roads to the best in the city. “That way we can make an educated decision on which roads we can pave and why.”

She also mentioned SPLOST VII, which will be a referendum on the ballot in November. It is not an additional tax, but a continuation of a tax the city has had since 1992. She said the one-cent tax on every dollar has made it possible for property taxes not to be raised.

“It’s huge for us,” Beeman said. Of 159 counties in Georgia, 152 levy a SPLOST or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Most of it is collected from visitors. Since 2006, non-Tift County residents have contributed $63 million to the community through SPLOST, she said.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications Are Invited by All Qualified Persons for

THE POSITION OF:   Marketing/Public Relations Professional

ANNUAL SALARY:   Commensurate with Experience

GENERAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:  This grant-funded position will work with faculty and staff at the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health on developing and promoting a citizen science data collection program for invasive species (www.wildspotter.org). This position will also lead the promotion and marketing of all Center programs and services (www.bugwood.org).

Specific job responsibilities include working with center leadership and leading a team that will promote or create an intended public image for Wild Spotter and Center, collaboratively developing marketing and fundraising campaigns affiliated with this project and the Center, producing marketing/PR content across a variety of mediums, and establishing/maintaining relationships with representatives of the Federal/State/Local partners.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field with experience interpreting scientific material into accessible messages and stories, and designing effective communication campaigns tailored to specific target audiences.

INQUIRIES:  For more details and to apply, go to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/326869. You may also contact Chuck Bargeron at cbargero@uga.edu with any questions.

SRTC NURSING PROGRAM IN TIFTON HAS 100% PASS RATE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Spring semester graduates from Southern Regional Technical College's associate of science in nursing program in Tifton achieved a 100% passage on their National Council Licensure Examination.

The exam is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice.

Each graduate passed their board exam on the first attempt. They completed coursework in late spring, were pinned in May, and are eligible to participate in the college’s commencement ceremony July 27.

Pictured are the students, left to right from the bottom to the top row: Daffanie Sims of Tifton, Amanda Saunders of Omega, Jacey Klaus of Sylvester, Carly Horne of Moultrie, Amber Johnson of Tifton, Chelsea Gandy of Adel, Veronica Hyman of Ocilla, Kelly Halstead of Tifton, Elizabeth Lee of Eastman, Kristen Story of Sycamore, Hannah Walker Milkas of Tifton, Paul Arvizu of Tifton, and Markel Nelms of Tifton.

SGBC recently promoted executives, from left, Sebrina Sweeney, Victor Pires, and Melinda Moore to the bank's executive management team.

SGBC PROMOTES THREE TO

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

South Georgia Banking Co. has promoted three individuals to the executive management team.

Continuing her position of executive vice president, Melinda Moore has been elected to serve as chief administrative officer. Moore, a Tift County native, began working at SGBC as an ABAC freshman, continuing her education at the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bankers Association Banking School.

She began as a part-time employee in bookkeeping and has risen to the top of management, assisting with the overall company vision and long-term strategy.

Victor Pires has been named executive vice president and chief retail banking officer. Pires, who has more than 20 years of banking experience, was born in Brazil and raised in Massachusetts. He graduated Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree and received his master’s degree from American Public University. 

Pires will oversee SGBC's full retail banking and consumer lending areas.

Sebrina Sweeney, executive vice president, has been named SGBC’s chief risk officer.  She has been with the organization for close to a year. Sweeney began her career as an examiner and worked at banks in Atlanta and in Covington before starting a consulting business. Originally from West Virginia, she graduated from Marshall University with a finance degree and has 25 years experience in financial institutions. 

In their new positions, Moore, Pires, and Sweeney will join Erika Culpepper, chief credit officer; and Chris McCard, chief lending officer, to complete the executive management team.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Tifton First United Methodist Church (TFUMC) in Tifton, Georgia (https://www.tiftonfirst.org) is searching for a full-time 

Director of Children’s Ministries / Christian Education. 

We are looking for an individual who is a solid role model and spiritual director with an energetic, enthusiastic, and creative spirit to lead these program ministries at TFUMC. The Director will work with other staff under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations committee and the Children’s Leadership Committee to develop and conduct overall children’s educational programs 

and ministries for TFUMC.

Director of Children’s Ministries:  

Primary responsibilities will be focused on Infant thru 5th Grade and include oversight of the nursery program. The Director will work with other staff members under the direction of the Senior Pastor to develop overall educational programs and ministries for TFUMC. 

The Director should possess or be pursuing a bachelor's degree; have experience working with and developing children’s ministries and/or children’s educational programs; and possess 

a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition.  

The Director should also be a vibrant, energetic person who can get TFUMC members excited about the Lord and can recruit and motivate volunteers to lead and teach under his/her direction.

The Director will:  

• plan, develop, and implement children’s ministry program (nursery through 5th grade) 
• be the day-to-day leader of children’s ministries
• recruit and train volunteers and ensure adequate volunteer support
• ensure adequate adult-to-children ratios  
• be a liaison between the church and other community organizations, people, and resources that relate to FUMC children’s ministries 
• coordinate children’s ministry curriculum 
• assist in recruiting and provide ongoing support for teachers and facilitators   
• ensure that records of participation in programs are maintained
• develop and manage the children’s educational ministry budget  
• communicate in a timely manner as effectively as possible using all available resources (email, website, social media, newsletter, bulletin board, etc.)   
• work with other staff members and maintain a teamwork mentality 
• ensure that the Safe Sanctuary Policy is observed in all children’s ministry settings 
• make themselves available on an advisory basis to leadership of other age-level educational programs
• manage social media communication for children’s ministry
• plan and facilitate children’s events such as VBS 

This is considered a Full-Time, permanent staff member of TFUMC. We expect the Director to work with, support ministries of other staff members and to be a vibrant and visible member of TFUMC staff. 

Qualifications include:

• having or nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of study
• experience working with and developing Christian Children’s Ministries and/or children’s educational programs 
• the ability and vision to develop and implement sustainable leadership structures and programs 
• demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills
• the ability to communicate well with children, parents, volunteers and other staff members
• possess a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition
• an understanding of, and ability to use digital technology and social media to communicate with children, parents, and staff (Remind, Canva, Google Docs, Microsoft Windows software)

Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience.

Position available August 15, 2023 – Applications accepted until position is filled.

To apply: please EMAIL a current resume; a one-page statement summarizing 

why you are interested in and qualified to fill this position; names 

and contact information for three (3) references.

 Please EMAIL the items to: jmichaelmoore57@gmail.com 

J. Michael Moore, Chairman, Staff Parish Relations Committee, 

Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 West 12th St., Tifton, GA

www.tiftonfirst.org

Mandy Brooks, TRMC Foundation director; from left, with Latasha Harden; Rusty Moorman, son of the late Renee Moorman; and Bailey Hawes Barber.

TRMC FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Foundation recently awarded scholarships to a licensed practical nurse who has returned to college to become a registered nurse and to another college student who is earning a degree to become a physician assistant.  

Latasha Harden, who works at Georgia Sports Medicine in Tifton, was presented with the Renee Moorman Scholarship. The $1,500 nursing scholarship was established by Dr. Larry Moorman and his family in memory of the late Renee H. Moorman for her love of nursing. The scholarship is awarded annually to a licensed practical nurse who is pursuing a registered nurse degree and is used for school expenses. 

Harden is enrolled in the Bridge Program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. She has been with Southwell and Georgia Sports Medicine for four years. 

“Latasha builds trust and comfort with her patients and is known for being a patient advocate,” said Mandy Brooks, TRMC Foundation director.

The TRMC Foundation also presented by the Terry Arthur Physician Assistant Scholarship, named for Tifton’s first physician assistant and founding member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants.

The first recipient of the scholarship is Bailey Hawes Barber, originally from Colquitt County.

“Bailey was drawn to medicine at an early age,” said Brooks. “Her father, Dr. Robert Hawes, is a primary care physician at Southwell Medical Clinic in Tifton. She grew up with an amazing example of what a great healthcare provider looks like, and seeing medicine through her father’s eyes fostered her desire to work in medicine.”

Barber spent time during college shadowing physician assistants in internal medicine at Tift Regional Medical Center.

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EVELYN EDWARDS, WHO OPERATED TIFTON RADIO STATIONS WITH HER HUSBAND, DIES AT 100

Evelyn Edwards, who, with her late husband Ralph Edwards, owned and operated Tifton radio stations WWGS and WCUP, died Monday in Lawrenceville at age 100. 

She was actively engaged in their radio business and had her own program, “Women in the News,” broadcast throughout the Tiftarea.

A business major at the University of Georgia, Edwards also attended the University of Alabama.

She was involved in many Tifton community activities, including the local polio vaccine drive, the heart program, Girl Scouts, and was a member of the Tifton Twentieth Century Library Club. She served as a "pink lady" at the Tift Regional Medical Center for 35 years.

Edwards leaves behind two daughters, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

COVID-19 data released from the

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of July 19:

TOTAL TIFT COUNTY CASES: 6,974 ....................................... TOTAL TIFT DEATHS: 178

CONFIRMED TIFT CASES - 2 weeks: 15 ....................................... DEATHS - Past week: 0

CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES: 35

TIFT CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks, per 100K population: 86

_______________________________________________________________

GEORGIA TOTAL CASES: 2,369,890

GEORGIA CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 1 week: 2,141

TOTAL GA DEATHS: 35,493 ....................................................... GA DEATHS - 1 week: 11

YOUR GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES THIS WEEKEND IN

THE TIFTAREA

This Sunday, July 23, is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, celebrating the traditional flavor that is popular around the world. Getting credit for helping make vanilla ice cream a national treat is the well-known foodie Thomas Jefferson. It is believed that on a visit to France in the 1780s, he came across vanilla ice cream, a popular dessert among the French. While president, Jefferson served vanilla ice cream at nearly every White House meal.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

• Margaret White Night Out Against Crime/Back to School Bash, 6-9 p.m., The Depot, Sylvester
• "Finding Nemo Jr." Kids Summer Camp performance, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

SATURDAY, JULY 22

• Wiregrass Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton
• 12th Annual Stay in School Rally, noon, 41 South Farmers Market, Tifton
• "Finding Nemo Jr." Kids Summer Camp performance, 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

ADVERTISE

YOUR

YARD SALE HERE!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR

RESIDENTIAL YARD SALE,

CONTACT US at 

yardsales@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

"River," a sweet, handsome boy has been waiting at the shelter for sometime now. He loves treats and taking trips outside. Come see River and other pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, open between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For additional information, call 229-382-PETS (7387).