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TIFTON TO 'LIGHT NIGHT' WITH MORE ILLUMINATION

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgia Power is partnering with the City of Tifton to increase the illumination of lights around the city, which officials said is designed to improve visibility and safety.

On Monday, Tifton City Council voted to accept the first phase of Georgia Power's proposal to implement its "Light the Night" project in Tifton, the first South Georgia city under the program and among the first ones in the state.

Greg Davis, Georgia Power lighting services account executive, said Tifton's light levels will double and even triple in some instances once the new LED lights are installed. The first phase involves upgrading the 1,002 lights that Georgia Power owns inside the city. The lights will be increased from 5,000 lumens up to 19,000 lumens, Davis said at a recent City Council workshop.

The power company will also add two more lights inside the city. Davis said the city is currently paying $19,068 monthly for those lights, and the new cost would be $28,112.

"Keep in mind you're getting triple lighting in areas for this increase," Davis said. "You're getting triple coverage for not a triple increase. .... You'll be getting a lot more light than what you're paying for."

Under the second phase of the project, which the city has not yet approved, Georgia Power would take ownership of the 345 city-owned lights, converting them to the high-lumen LED lights. The power company would then be responsible for all the lights, poles, wiring, and all maintenance. The city's cost would be $8,575 a month.

Georgia Power is also working with the city and the state Department of Transportation to take over and upgrade the lights along Interstate 75 in Tifton.

The power company said Tifton officials and Police Chief Steve Hyman had contacted Georgia Power about increasing the lighting around the city.

TCHS STUDENT CHARGED WITH HAVING GUN, LIVE AMMUNITION ON SCHOOL CAMPUS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Tift County High School student has been charged after officials on Tuesday found a .40-caliber pistol with an extended magazine and more than 100 rounds of live ammunition inside a truck in the school's student parking lot.

The student is charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and with carrying weapons within a school safety zone, authorities said. The students's name has not been released because he is a minor.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, school officials received an anonymous tip that a gun with an extended magazine and more than 100 bullets was inside the center console of a student's vehicle, a brown GMC, parked in the TCHS student lot.

"The alert did not indicate a threat was made or existed; it merely notified district staff of the presence of a weapon in a parked car within the student parking lot," the Tift County school system said in a press release.

"School administrators searched the vehicle and found the gun along with the reported ammunition. The student was immediately removed from class and has been taken into custody by local law enforcement. The situation was handled swiftly and without incident. At no time was there any threat to the students or staff," Tift County Schools said.

"We would like to commend the students for alerting the staff to this situation to ensure the safety and security of other students and staff. We are appreciative of the quick response of Tift County High School staff, Tift County system security, and the Tifton Police Department and their collaboration in addressing the report. This incident has been turned over to the Tifton Police Department."

Chris Efaw, vice president of marketing and communications for Southwell, gives an update on the medical system Thursday to members of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.

SOUTHWELL GROWS WITH RECRUITMENT, NEW TECHNOLOGY

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Southwell has recruited 46 physicians in 20 specialties to the area in the past two years and is actively recruiting more medical professionals, Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce members were told Thursday at the monthly luncheon.

“We’re always trying to expand access to primary care,” said Chris Efaw, vice president for marketing and communications at Southwell.

He also noted that three new primary care physicians and an OB/GYN have joined Southwell, “and we continue to search,” Efaw said. “We currently search for anesthesiology, interventional cardiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, hematology, and oncology. Internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, pediatric hospital medicine, psychiatry, pulmonology, critical care, rheumatology, urology, and vascular surgery.”

Efaw explained that “what we do is look into the future and look at the number of providers who may be retiring in a couple of years. We have to look at the growth patterns, our market share expansion, and forecast what kind of medical staff we’re going to need moving forward.”

He said Southwell has more than 50 medical students from the area who are signed to practice here when they complete their medical training. 

“We always try to sign our homegrown medical students to make sure they come back and practice here,” Efaw said.

Southwell also is kicking off medical residency programs next year in internal medicine and in OB/GYN for medical college graduates. The internal medicine program is a three-year program, and the OB/GYN program is four years. The official word just came through Thursday accrediting the internal medicine residency program, Efaw said, and the OB/GYN program accreditation should come through next week.

He said the residency programs will help with physician recruitment in that physicians often want to stay and practice where they did their residency training or nearby. The programs will also expand capacity and improve patient outcomes, Efaw said. Dr. Cameron Nixon will serve as the medical director of the internal medicine residency program, and Dr. Kristin Yates will serve as the medical director of the OB/GYN residency program. 

In expansion of service lines, Efaw discussed Southwell’s new ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Dontre’ Douse, who is also a head and neck surgeon, one of the only ones in the region. He completed his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. “He specifically chose our community to practice in, because he felt he could make a difference here. This is our first employee in this specialty,” Efaw said.

Also, cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Tronolone will join Southwell as an employee Oct. 6. Tronolone Cardiology will become Southwell Cardiology, a department of Tift Regional Medical Center. The only change current patients will see is that their bill will come from Southwell after Oct. 6.

Technology advances include the new da Vinci 5 robotic system, the latest upgrade in robotic technology. The surgeons using it benefit from robotic assistance, providing more precision, smaller incisions, and a quicker return for patients to normal activities, Efaw said. “We’re proud to have the state-of-the-art technology at our disposal.”

Another technology implemented at Southwell is the new Rapid AI Stroke Care Platform. If a patient comes in exhibiting symptoms of a stroke, Southwell ER doctors can use a specialized tablet with AI to work with neurologists to detect more quickly any issues within the brain, such as blood clots and brain bleeds.

Efaw also noted that Tift Regional Medical Center is one of the Georgia Elite 8 for hospitals with patient safety, receiving recognition from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that surveys hospitals around the country, looking at data and practices. 

“They give you a grade of 'A,' being the best, and 'F,' being the worst, on how well you do with patient safety,” he said. “That includes medication error, minimizing infections. We’ve maintained the top Leapfrog score for patient safety for five or more consecutive periods.”

Efaw said Tift Regional Medical Center during the next several months is studying emergency-room wait times “with the goal of turning our ER into the most trusted ER in South Georgia; our administrative and executive teams are working on a plan.”

FIESTA DEL PUEBLO IN FULWOOD PARK SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The 27th annual Fiesta del Pueblo, South Georgia’s largest Hispanic festival, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Fulwood Park in Tifton.

Dina Willis, a festival co-founder, spoke to the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday and explained how the festival began in Omega in 1998 as an event with a Girl Scout troop, hosted by Luz Marti and Willis. As it grew, it moved to downtown Tifton on First Street, and in 2009 relocated to Fulwood Park.

Last year, 15,000 people attended the festival. Willis said people came from counties around Georgia and Florida and even other states farther north.

“I encourage you to come, because not only are we going to have good food, but also entertainment,” Willis said.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with a parade of flags, representing Hispanic countries, beginning at 12th Street and crossing the park to Eighth Street. Mayor Julie B. Smith will conduct the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m., on the Southside stage. At 11 a.m., Miss Fiesta will be introduced and scholarship recipients announced on the Coca-Cola Stage, centrally located in the park. 

Entertainment during the day will include La Candela Flamenco dancers from Spain, Platanito the Clown, the ABAC Jazz Band, Danza Senor del Mesquito, Cultura Latina Dancers, a Mariachi band “Los Arrieros,” Vida Praise Band, and the Moss Music Group. Karaoke will be conducted at 6 p.m., and the street dance begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. with Los Compas de Nuevo Leon. 

Two scholarships will be presented to students attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College who are the offspring of Hispanic parents.

This year, the event includes an exhibit at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center on Love Avenue entitled the Hispanic Culture through Art. It features school children’s artwork depicting “virtual visits to 23 countries that speak Spanish,” Willis said. The exhibit is on display from 2-6 p.m. through Sunday.

“We just want to share the culture from our places,” Willis said. “Maybe you don’t have the chance to travel. Maybe this will help you see” what these countries are like.

Sponsors have made children’s activities free of charge, Willis said.

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE AT TIFT HEALTH DEPT.

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Flu season is almost here, and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s (GDPH) South Health District is encouraging residents to make their health a priority by getting a flu shot. Flu vaccines are now available at the Tift County Health Department.

In addition to traditional flu shots, South Health District is also offering high-dose flu vaccines for individuals 65 and older. For those who are “self-pay,” or paying without processing insurance, pricing is $46.93 for traditional flu vaccine, $121.92 for high dose. Insurance will be billed for those with accepted insurance providers, and pricing may vary depending on insurance coverage. For information on accepted insurance providers and costs with insurance, call the health department directly. 

High dose flu vaccine supplies may be limited. The health department recommends, calling ahead to ensure availability.

Flu season in the U.S. typically begins in the fall and peaks between December and February. Getting vaccinated early is the best way to protect yourself and those around you before flu activity reaches its highest levels the GDPH said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. Vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk of complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, health officials say.

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of the flu vaccine,” said Mecca Lewis, Tift County nurse manager for the South Health District. “It’s a quick, effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community.”

Most insurance plans are accepted, including Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Coventry, United Healthcare, Medicaid (PeachState, AmeriGroup, CareSource, PeachCare), and Medicare. Individuals should bring their insurance card to their appointment.

To schedule a flu vaccine appointment, call the Tift County Health Department at 229-386-8373. The health department is located at 305 E. 12th St. in Tifton.

ABAC CELEBRATES RENOVATED AG BUILDING

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College unveiled the newly renovated Chambliss Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

“Chambliss has long served this campus. Now, with modern labs, collaborative spaces, and flexible classrooms, it’s equipped to serve our students and faculty in future-forward ways — enhancing how we teach, how students learn, and how we prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals,” said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage.

Located at the north end of campus, the Chambliss Building was built in 1970 and has now been fully renovated. The facility continues to house agricultural technology laboratories while introducing new program areas, such as an agricultural education teaching laboratory, space for the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, and the Georgia Department of Education–South Region Agricultural Education offices.

Provost Jason Goodner described the renovated building as “a place where ideas will grow, students will be inspired, and the future of agricultural education will be shaped.”

With 22,215 square feet of space, the Chambliss Building is designed to advance specialized education and hands-on learning in support of Georgia’s largest industry —agriculture — while highlighting emerging agricultural technologies.

GEORGIA POWER'S GRANT TO UPGRADE HAIRE PARK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift County Board of Commissioners has accepted a $30,000 grant from Georgia Power to renovate Haire Park on South Ridge Avenue.

Plans include new playground equipment, benches, rubber mulch, and landscaping at the park.

The county has received a quote of $27,384 from the Playground Boss company for the supplies and equipment. County public works employees will handle the installation of the playground equipment and related features.

CHICAGO BRASS QUINTET TO PERFORM AT ABAC OCT. 2

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Chicago Brass Quintet will perform at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Howard Auditorium. 

Founded in a Northwestern University dorm room, the Chicago Brass Quintet has been redefining chamber music for more than four decades. It quickly rose to prominence with its first recording on Crystal Records and has since performed at major events, including the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Ithaca, N.Y.

Guided by the motto, “Timeless Music for Modern Audiences,” the ensemble has entertained audiences around the globe with a calendar full of concerts, workshops, and educational programs.

For information on the Chicago Brass Quintet, visit chicagobrassquintet.org. To learn more about ABAC Arts & Culture, visit arts.abac.edu.

TIFTON KIWANIS PREPARING

FOR CHRISTMAS BOOK PROJECT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tifton Kiwanis Club recently held a book-wrapping party at the Hilton Garden Inn where members wrapped 25 sets of 24 books for their annual “Kiwanis Christmas Books for Children” project. 

There were about 40 volunteers from several local organizations that helped do the wrapping. Tifton Kiwanis has already collected and wrapped 75 sets with a goal of 120-160 sets. The sets of books will be distributed to children through school counselors by Dec. 1. 

This is the eighth year that the Tifton Kiwanis Club has presented books to local children. Throughout the year, the club collects new or gently used young children's books that can be read in one sitting. The books are then sorted into sets of 24 books per child, and each book is individually wrapped. The sets are distributed to selected elementary-aged children in the community.

The goal is to give each child the joy of unwrapping one book per day leading up to Christmas, encouraging a love of reading and creating a memorable holiday experience. Children are selected with the help of local counselors, who identify those who would benefit the most from the gift. Every set of books becomes the child's to keep and enjoy, with the hope of turning 24 days of reading into a lifelong love for books.

The club has given out sets of 24 books to more than 360 local children through the years.   

Anyone interested in donating to the project, can contact a Tifton Kiwanis Club member or email rltwoods@yahoo.com. The Kiwanis Club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursdays each month at Noon at the LeRoy Rogers Community Center.

TIFT SHERIFF SWEARS IN DETENTION OFFICERS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough welcomed and swore in five new detention officers on Thursday. 

Pictured from left, they are Teiarra Burse, Ariyana Paschal, Yamari Snow, Kyrossity Robinson and Nace Tucker.

TIFTON'S CADE MARLOWE NAMED

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE PLAYER OF WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Former Tiftarea Academy baseball star Cade Marlowe was named the AAA Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for Sept. 9-14.

Marlowe's hitting average was .458 and had three home runs and two doubles. He currently is with the Seattle Mariners' AAA affiliate in Tacoma, Wash.

The Major League Baseball Mariners drafted Marlowe in 2019, and the outfielder made his MLB debut in 2023. He also had a stint in the majors in 2024, but recently has been recovering from a lengthy injury.

Since he was activated from the Injured List on July 22, Marlowe is hitting .331 with 12 doubles, four home runs, 21 RBI and 11 steals for the Tacoma Rainiers.

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Sept. 19, is "Talk Like a Pirate Day," a fun day when some folks dress up in pirate garb and talk like we imagine pirates did in the so-called "Golden Age of Piracy," as described in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” However, most of the phrases we attribute to pirates are pure fiction, but that shouldn't keep us from enjoying this good-humored day with friends – "Aaaargh! Ahoy, matey!!

Born on Sept. 19: Jimmy Fallon (b. 1974) “Tonight Show” host; Trisha Yearwood (b. 1964) Country music singer; Jeremy Irons (b. 1948) Actor; Sanaa Lathan (b. 1971) Actress; Cass Elliot (1941–1974) Singer for the Mamas & the Papas; Lewis Powell (1907–1998) U.S. Supreme Court Justice; Ferdinand Porsche (1909–1998) German-Austrian founder of Porsche sports car company; William Golding (1911–1993 English writer, & author of “Lord of the Flies;” James Lipton (1926–2020) Actor, writer, host of “Inside the Actors Studio;” Charles Carroll (1737–1832) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 19

• Homeschool Hangout: Cosmic Quest, 11 a.m., Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tifton

• Mell Baptist Association Tent Revival, 7 p.m., American Legion Fairgrounds, U.S. Highway 82 E., Tifton

• Ramble Tamble: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience, 7:30 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football @ Southland Academy Raiders, 7:30 p.m., Americus

• Irwin County High Indians football vs. Cook County High Hornets, 7:30 p.m., Ocilla

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane @ Worth County High Rams, 7:30 pm., Sylvester

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

• Community Garden Volunteer Day – Shade Structure Construction, 9-11 a.m., 1415 Central Ave., Tifton

• Wellness Expo, hosted by TCHS Class of 1975 & Southwell, free food, bounce houses for kids, community resources, 9 a.m.-Noon, J.T. Reddick Elementary School, 404 Martin Luther King Drive, Tifton

• "Intentional Acts" exhibit opening & artist reception, 5-7 p.m., Plough Gallery, 216 Eighth St., Tifton

• Karaoke with DJ Hunter Holton, 6 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

• Mell Baptist Association Tent Revival, 7 p.m., American Legion Fairgrounds, U.S. Highway 82 E., Tifton

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

• Mell Baptist Association Tent Revival, 7 p.m., American Legion Fairgrounds, U.S. Highway 82 E., Tifton

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Because of a rocky start in life, Bea is still learning what it means to be loved and to trust the people around her. She was found living in a small wire crate in a yard. But her gentle spirit shines through. She likes people and does well with other dogs, and is looking for a family that will give her the kindness and consistency, to help her blossom into the wonderful companion she was meant to be. Visit sweet Bea and see 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).

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor

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