TIFTON NAMES CITY MANAGER

ACTING MANAGER EMILY BEEMAN TO ASSUME ROLE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Following a nationwide search, Emily S. Beeman, Tifton’s acting city manager, has been formally named the city’s first female city manager. She officially assumes the title on March 6.

Beeman, 34, has been the interim city manager since Pete Pyrzenski left Oct. 14 to take a position with the Georgia Municipal Association. Beeman joined the City of Tifton in November 2018 as human resources director. She was named deputy city manager last February.

Tifton City Council made the appointment Monday night. She was the sole finalist for the city manager’s position.

The city had conducted a nationwide search through The Mercer Group, a consulting company based in Athens. The city reviewed more than 29 applications and interviewed four applicants.

“We feel like we have the best person right under this roof,” Mayor Julie B. Smith said during Monday night’s council meeting. “She has a vision for this community; she has a passion and a heart for this organization."

The mayor said that council looked at experience versus enthusiasm when considering the candidates. Smith said Beeman brings “an excitement and a youthfulness” to the role of city manager.

Beeman attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College from 2008-2010, receiving an associate’s degree. She then attended Georgia Southwestern State University from 2011-2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration – human resources management.

Before joining the city, Beeman was a human resources generalist at Tift Regional Medical Center. She is active in the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Local Government Personnel Association, and the Georgia City County Management Association.

In 2021, she received a state award for professional achievement for accomplishments in local government, helping implement changes benefitting city personnel and the community.

CITY COUNCIL DENIES KENT ROAD TOWNHOMES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton City Council on Monday unanimously denied Heartwood Land Co.’s proposed 24-townhome development on Kent Road near Tift County High School.

Councilman Josh Reynolds, who made the motion to deny the development, cited issues with traffic, drainage, road maintenance, privacy concerns for the existing gated community, and the current high percentage of rental housing in the city.

Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. seconded the motion.

The proposed development would have been 24 townhomes and a professional office building on four acres along Kent Road near the Cypress Ridge development.

Several nearby residents had vocally opposed the plan.

Also during Monday’s meeting, City Council:

• Approved an ordinance allowing breweries and brewpubs to operate within the city under specified guidelines. Brewpubs would be allowed to manufacture up to 15,000 barrels of alcoholic beverages a year: 10,000 for retail and 5,000 for wholesale. Annual license fees are $1,500 for breweries, $2,000 for breweries with a taproom, and $1,500 for brewpubs.

• Endorsed a plan to expand the city-county landfill, which could reach capacity within five years. The county must also approve the plan.

• Recognized Tifton Police MSgt. Jody Abad, who is retiring this month, for his 29 years of service to the City of Tifton. Abad was also recently named the Officer of the Year by the Exchange Club of Tifton.

POLICE INVESTIGATE TIFTON STABBING DEATH

Tifton Police are continuing their investigation of a stabbing death Friday night on Belleview Circle, and no charges have been filed as of late Tuesday.

Michael T. Swain, 43, of Tifton, was found lying unconscious shortly after 11 p.m. Friday on the front porch of a residence on Belleview Circle, police said. He had been stabbed and was taken to Tift Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

Tifton Police took a 25-year-old Tifton man into custody for questioning, but no charges have been filed. Witnesses told police that the victim and suspect had had an altercation, during which the suspect was also injured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Detective Michael Gaskins at 229-382-3132 or call the Police Tip Line at 229-391-3991.

Mayor Julie B. Smith with NFL receiver and Tifton native Rashod Bateman. Smith unveiled a sign that will be posted at the entrance to the city.

TIFTON CELEBRATES

RASHOD BATEMAN DAY

Rashod Bateman, former Tift County High Blue Devil and current star receiver for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, was honored Saturday in his hometown.

Mayor Julie B. Smith presented Bateman with a ceremonial key to the city, unveiled a sign to be posted at the city’s entrance, and proclaimed Saturday as Rashod Bateman Day in Tifton.

Bateman met with friends, family, and well-wishers, signed autographs, and spent time with local children at the city’s Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center, named for Rashod’s late uncle, a Tift County High School coach.

RHYTHM & RIBS BBQ FEST, CREATED IN 2009, MARKS

10th YEAR IN FULWOOD PARK

The 2023 Tifton Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival will be back under the pines at Fulwood Park on Friday and Saturday, March 3-4.

This is the 10th anniversary of the festival at Fulwood Park. The Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival was first held in 2009, created by the City of Tifton and held downtown that first year. It then relocated to the Ga. Museum of Agriculture in 2010. Following a four-year hiatus, Rhythm & Ribs returned in 2014 and came back bigger and better at Fulwood Park.

“The festival and BBQ competitions get bigger every year, with more people coming out to shop and enjoy the entertainment,” said Angela Elder of the Tifton-Tift County Tourism Association.

“Our prize money for both the professional and backyard competitions are among the best in Georgia. The festival has been recognized statewide as one of the best events in our region, and we’re looking forward to another great year.”

Last year’s festival was featured on the Food Network’s "BBQ USA” television program.

Nearly 70 barbecue teams are registered to compete this year, including the professional and backyard competitions.

The professional competition is sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association as teams from all parts of Georgia and surrounding states will be cooking at the park. Professional teams will be competing for the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion trophies, and $4,500 in prize money. The top 10 in each category will also receive cash prizes.

In the backyard competition, the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will receive more than $1,500 and a trophy. Cash prizes are also awarded to the top five finishers in each category.

Among live entertainment will be Drivin' n’ Cryin,’ headlining the main stage; Sweet Tea Trio; Tifton native Travis Pratt, who was featured on “America’s Got Talent;” Blue Holler; Naturally Southern; and on Friday night, the Lloyd Carter Band and the Page Brothers. 

Southern Gearheads will present the Rides & Ribs Car Show, with up to 200 cars lining Tift Avenue between Eighth and 12th streets.

SATURDAY’S ‘DARBY DASH’ HONORS LATE TIFTAREA ACADEMY STUDENT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Friends of Darby Lyn Pilkinton, a Miss Tiftarea Academy who died in a traffic accident 20 years ago at age 17, are holding this year's “Darby Dash” 5K/1-mile run/walk this Saturday, Feb. 25, at Tiftarea Academy in memory of the late, popular student.

Proceeds will benefit Eli Griffin, son of Darby's brother Derek Pilkinton, who was injured in an automobile accident in August, suffered life-altering injuries, and is currently an inpatient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

The Darby Dash begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on the Chula campus. To register, Click Here!

The Darby Dash has been held annually for several years. Darby’s friends say it is a way of "honoring her memory and glorifying God, and the way He allowed Darby to show us all how we should live each day."

Darby Dash is now a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax deductible.

Darby Lyn Pilkinton of Sycamore was killed in an accident Feb. 22, 2003, on Interstate 75 in Turner County. She had been named Tiftarea Academy's Homecoming Queen just months before, was Miss Tiftarea Academy, and served as captain of the Lady Panthers basketball and softball teams.

She was president of the school’s Beta Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a member of the track and cross country team.

19 STUDENTS VIE FOR MS. ABAC TITLE

STAFF REPORTS

Nineteen contestants will compete in the 53rd annual Ms. ABAC contest on March 2 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. 

Sponsored by the ABAC Agripreneurs, the theme of this year’s pageant is “Gee Haw Whoa Back, there she is, Ms. ABAC.” The winner will receive a $500 academic scholarship.

The event begins at 7 p.m. in ABAC’s Howard Auditorium. Admission is $10. Proceeds from the People’s Choice fundraising portion of the event will benefit Ruth’s Cottage and the Patticake House.

Contestants will compete in casual and evening wear, in a written essay, and in an interview with judges. The top 10 contestants will answer a question on stage.

“As an ABAC alumnus, coordinating and directing the Ms. ABAC pageant always bring me excitement and joy to be involved in carrying on a long-standing tradition,” said Dr. Audrey Luke-Morgan, pageant director. 

“Students gain leadership skills and a sense of accomplishment, whether taking part as a contestant or being involved in coordinating and planning the event as an ABAC Agripreneurs’ officer or member.”

Students competing are: 

Jazzmyn Armstrong, biology major from Collins; Savannah Beasley, animal science major from Screven; Heidi Breeden, agricultural education major from Waycross; Carsen Jane Carter, biology major from Willacoochee; Grace Dooley, agricultural education major from Summerville; Delaney Garcia, writing and communication major from Albany; Emily Groat, agriculture studies major from Ruskin, Fla.; Jana Hall, business administration major from Norman Park; Victoria Hobby, environmental horticulture major from Tifton; Jordan Hurley, agribusiness major from Hartford, Ala.; Anslee James, writing and communication/history and government major from Sylvester; Nikki Ooley, livestock production major from Greenville, Fla.; Jacey Pella, agricultural communications major from Sebring, Fla.; Taylor Stanfill, business major from Tifton; Brandy Stapleton, biology major from Kite; Brooke Vanzant, agriculture major from Sylvester; Raquel Whitcomb, agriculture major from Sylvester; Jenna Williams, biology major from Douglas; and Aliyah Zimmerman, history and government major from Axson.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Sparky" is among the pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt Sparky and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

MEMORIAL TREES PLANTED IN FULWOOD PARK

~ FEB. 23, 1932

Two memorial trees were planted Feb. 23, 1932, in Fulwood Park – one honoring the park’s namesake, Col. C.W. Fulwood, and the other honoring Leola Greene, the newspaper’s social editor in recognition of services rendered to the community. Mrs. R. Eve presided over the ceremony.

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor