Paige Minter Fox, left, and Sara Varnedoe of Rutland Farms hold awards for Best Taste and Best Variety at the Literacy Volunteers ‘Choc-it-Up for Literacy’ event Tuesday night in Downtown Tifton. The public chose the award recipients after sampling their chocolates and visiting their table displays.

TIFTON’S 'TOP CHOC'

PUBLIC VOTES FOR CHOCOLATE HONORS

STAFF REPORTS

The public has spoken, and Tifton's best chocolates have been selected during the "Choc-it-Up for Literacy" event Tuesday at The Station in Downtown Tifton.

After viewing and sampling offerings from local restaurants, bakeries, and other bakers, guests at the event voted for the following:

• Best Taste: Rutland Farms
• Best Variety: Rutland Farms
• Most Original: The Howard Center
• Best Presentation: The Howard Center
• Judge’s Choice: Tifton Sweet Treats

After a hiatus of two years, the Choc-It-Up for Literacy returned, raising awareness and funds for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County. Seven restaurants and groups of bakers competed and were recognized for their chocolate creations. 

Rutland Farms was a newcomer to the event and showcased heart-shaped treats, Oreo balls, and farm-fresh chocolate-covered strawberries. The Howard Center, which also sponsored the event, offered two chocolate fountains and a s’mores station.

The Judges’ Choice award went to newcomer Tifton Sweet Treats, with bakers Joy, Carlie, and Jimmy Ballinger. They even had a cookie with "Choc-It-Up" printed on it for the event. All of the bakers are taking orders for Valentine’s Day. 

Sonny’s Barbecue was a big hit with samples of their food, and longtime participants Cakes by Audrey and Cole’s Cakery were joined by The Local. Connie Stover with Donatello’s and Savor the Flavor offered chocolate wine to attendees. 

South Georgia Banking Co. sponsored and staffed the coffee, milk, and water station. Rick Phillips was the auctioneer for the live auction, and many local businesses donated items to the live and silent auction. The top prize was a trip to Dahlonega, donated by Liz Carson Keith.  

The Howard Center receives awards for Best Presentation and Most Original at the Choc-it-Up for Literacy.

2 MORE SENTENCED

IN TIFTON DRUG TRAFFICKING RING

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Two Tifton men were sentenced in federal court during the past week for their roles in an armed drug trafficking network centered in Tifton, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Juanjava Boggerty, also known as “Jay,” 49, of Tifton, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances last Oct. 12.

Co-defendant Darrell Mack, 33, of Tifton, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Oct. 13.

“The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force has shut down another armed trafficking network in the Middle District of Georgia, this time in the Tifton community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

Boggerty’s drug trafficking operation is being held responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Tifton community, authorities said.

“Our fight against drug traffickers and this armed trafficking ring is yet another step in stemming the flow of meth into Tifton and Tift County. With the help of our community and our law enforcement allies, we will continue to make this a safer place to work and live,” said Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough.

Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman said it’s "great to have these defendants, the drugs, and the firearms off the streets of Tifton. We are appreciative of the coordination between agencies involved in this investigation."

Several co-defendants had already pleaded guilty and have been sentenced, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. The are:

• Tevin Parker, aka “Tay,” 28, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on July 26, and was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

• Courtney Taylor, 39, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 4, and was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release to be served concurrently to a sentence imposed in Tift County Superior Court and any sentence which may be imposed in Ben Hill County.

• Brian Foster, aka “Joe,” aka “FOS,” 30, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Sept. 27, and was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

• Bradrick Boston aka “Big Baby,” 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on July 20, and was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release to be served concurrently to a sentence imposed in Tift County Superior Court for a probation violation .

• Clenton Davis, 33, of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to managing drug premises on Aug. 2, and was sentenced to 96 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

• Keyuntran Taylor, 23, of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 5, and was sentenced to 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.

• Dmya Norris, 25, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 5, and was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

• Dante Hille, 29, of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on June 14, and was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

• Vontesha Dixon, 32, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 4, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.



• Keilaysha Dixon, 23, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Sept. 22, and was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release.

• Jala Taylor, 24, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Oct. 11, and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

The following co-defendants have pleaded guilty in this case and are awaiting sentencing:

• Rafon Carithers, aka “Tweed,” 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine.

• Jehmeil Carmichael, 35, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine;

• McKevor Mulkey, aka “Chevy,” 32, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine;

• Rishaun Richardson, 26, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1million fine; and

• Damarius Williams, 25, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine.

ATHLETES, COACHES NAMED TO TIFT ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

STAFF REPORTS

The Tift County Athletics Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2023 at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Tift County High Performing Arts Center.

Inducted this year will be Coach Roy McWilliams; the 2007 Lady Devils softball team; former student athletes Cameron Earls, Charlie Edwards, Aaron Gibbs, Shayon Green, Kim Griffin, Willie Hill, and Ivey Vickers; and E.J. Litman with the Meritorious Service Award.

The top male and female athletes at Tift County High will also be recognized.

Coach Roy McWilliams came to Tifton in 1976 and was offensive coordinator for the TCHS Blue Devils for 17 years, including the 1979 football season when Tifton beat Valdosta twice, won the region championship, and played for the state title; and in 1983 when TCHS won the state championship. He was also an assistant baseball coach on Coach Tommy Seward’s teams for many years.

The 2007 Lady Devils Fast Pitch Softball Team went to the state finals for the first time in the school’s program and finished in the state’s Final Four that year.

E.J. Litman, who graduated from Tift County Industrial High in 1957, attended Wiley College in Texas on a football scholarship, served in the U.S. Army, taught, coached, and served as the principal of J.T. Reddick School. Following retirement, Litman served as director of the Southside Recreation Center, known as Mott-Litman Gym. 

Among other honorees will be Tift County High Male and Female Athletes of the Year: Will Clark and Kylei Cutts.

Clark is a three-sport star athlete – in cross country, track, and basketball – and has a a 96 grade point average. Cutts has lettered for three years in tennis and is a star volleyball player, helping the team reach its first Region 1-7A championship in 2020. Her grade point average exceeds 97.

From left are Cody Dixon, Exchange Club public safety chair; MSgt. Jody Abad; his wife Marie Abad; and Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.

EXCHANGE CLUB NAMES TIFTON POLICEMAN

AS OFFICER OF YEAR

The Exchange Club of Tifton on Monday presented the 2023 Officer of the Year Award to MSgt. Joseph “Jody” Abad of the Tifton Police Department.

Abad has been serving the Tifton community for 29 years and will be retiring at the end of February. Throughout his career with Tifton Police, he has been loyal, dedicated, committed, and caring to the citizens, community, and department, said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.

Abad thanked the club and said he has enjoyed every minute working with the Tifton Police Department, which is like a family to him.

Abad said he will continue to serve the community as an EMT.

Come join the African Children’s Choir as they perform in our community during their U.S. Tour. Experience a performance that shows the beauty, dignity, and potential of each African child! 

Admission is free; a free-will offering will follow the concert. The African Children’s Choir melts the hearts of audiences with their charming smiles, beautiful voices, and lively African songs and dances.

The “Just As I Am” tour combines traditional hymns with African cultural sounds and a stunning visual story of God’s faithfulness. Despite the tragedy that has marred their young lives, the children are radiant with hope, musically gifted, and always wonderfully entertaining. The free-will offering will help support the Music for Life Institute, which has relief and development programs in seven African countries.

TIFT LIBRARY FOUNDATION

NAMES NEW BOARD CHAIR

Frankie Mathis, center in photo, has been elected chairman of the Tifton-Tift County Public Library Foundation. Mathis, a former Tift County commissioner, is a local pastor and community volunteer who has been on the foundation board since its inception. He succeeds Penny Peters, left, as Library Foundation chair. At right is another former foundation chairman Frank Sayles Jr., who had helped establish the foundation nearly 18 years ago.

FRIENDS, FAMILY GATHER FOR KEESEE ART EXHIBIT OPENING

Friends, family, and other local residents gathered Saturday night at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center for the opening of an exhibit celebrating the art and life of the late Dr. Vincent Keesee of Tifton.

Keesee, pictured at right in a self-portrait with his wife Marianna, was a retired art professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.

His paintings reflect aspects of Southern life and culture.

Special events at the exhibit continue Friday night, from 4-7 p.m., with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres; on Feb. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m., Keesee’s former students, fellow faculty members, and friends gather at the arts center for a champagne “Toast to Dr. Keesee” and to share memories.

The exhibit runs through Feb. 19. All exhibit events are free to the public.

REP. AUSTIN SCOTT NAMED TO HOUSE INTELLIGENCE PANEL

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott , R-Tifton, has been named to the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).

"I’m honored to have been selected to serve on the House Intel Committee by Speaker (Kevin) McCarthy and work with Chairman Mike Turner to ensure the safety and security of our nation and the free world," Scott said.

HPSCI is charged with oversight of the U.S. intelligence community, which includes the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the government, including military intelligence.

Scott is also a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and of the House Agriculture Committee; he also serves on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

24/7 Enterprises

103 W. Sixth St., Tifton

Feb. 1

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Butterscotch,” a cute male kitten, is ready for Valentine’s Day and is among the pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt Butterscotch and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFTON COUNTRY CLUB HOLDS

FIRST GOLF TOURNAMENT

~ FEB. 8, 1929

The first-ever golf tournament at Tifton’s Log Cabin Country Club was held on Feb. 8, 1929. Tifton’s Sam Marr won the tournament; Emerson Mitchell came in second; and Ralph Puckett Sr., and L.R. Towson tied for third place.

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor