Digital Newspaper for Tifton, Ga., and the Greater Tiftarea

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com ~ 478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

To SUBSCRIBE, Click Here!

NOTE: Depending on your computer's settings, you may need to click the link at the bottom

of the edition to download its entirety.

JUDGE ORDERS WILDLIFE REHAB TO ALLOW CITY INSPECTION

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A Superior Court judge on Wednesday ordered Jessica Pisciotta of Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab Inc. to allow the City of Tifton to inspect her residence on Hall Avenue to ascertain if she has removed all wild animals and is in compliance with the city's residential zoning laws.

Pisciotta had previously denied the city admittance to the residence where the wildlife Rehab had been based. In February, the City of Tifton told Pisciotta that the Rehab cannot operate in the residential neighborhood and must be relocated. Animals being rehabilitated at the residence have included coyotes, raccoons, deer, foxes, pigs, opossums, owls, and squirrels.

Pisciotta told Tifton City Council in March that she had relocated her nonprofit from her home on Hall Avenue to a site outside the city in Tift County. However, in April the city filed a complaint in Superior Court stating that "upon information and belief, (Pisciotta and her rescue rehab) are continuing to use the property as an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in violation of the City of Tifton's ordinance."

The city sought an injunction against such operation.

“I am going to order you to allow the inspection,” Tifton Superior Court Judge Melanie B. Cross told Pisciotta on Wednesday..

“He can come now,” Pisciotta said, referring to City Attorney Rob Wilmot. “Y’all can work that out,” Cross responded.

Then, Pisciotta said that the reason she did not want the inspection of the house was because “a couple of people that work with the city said that the mayor wants my property.” 

Cross told Pisciotta that instead of “listening to people that put something in your ears,” she should call the city attorney or mayor and ask questions.

“Don’t let people intimidate or agitate you,” the judge said. “Do what you’re supposed to be doing and leave this other stuff alone.” 

REHAB SAYS IT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT ITS COUNTERCLAIM

On behalf of the city, Wilmot requested the court hearing to allow the city to inspect the Hall Avenue property and to obtain the nonprofit Rehab's financial records as a result of the Rehab's counterclaim that the city defamed the Rehab, causing a loss of income.

Court documents filed on the rehab’s behalf claim the City of Tifton had made and published false, defamatory statements, including claims that the Refuge was dangerous, unsanitary, illegally operated, and detrimental to the public.

Pisciotta told the court that she did not hire the attorney who filed the counterclaim and that she had no knowledge of it being filed. “I never authorized any counterclaim,” she said.

Pisciotta said that she first heard of the lawyer who filed the counterclaim through correspondence with the city attorney. “I thought he worked with the city,” she said. She then contacted him, and “I asked him to withdraw any claim filed against the city.”

Judge Cross noted that “an attorney on your behalf filed the counterclaim, and this motion (for discovery) was filed because of the counterclaim. That counterclaim is still pending, and that’s why we are here today.

“That counterclaim has to be dismissed in some form or fashion,” Cross told Pisciotta. The judge said she was not allowed to give Pisciotta legal advice on the matter. “You can figure out a way to dismiss the counterclaim” she told Pisciotta.

In court, City Attorney Wilmot asked Pisciotta, “Are you still maintaining wildlife in the house?”

Pisciotta said that in order to keep them warm, neonatal baby animals from the Rehab in the county are brought home with her every evening. She said she doesn’t want to leave the infant animals with the generators running at night in case anything should happen. Pisciotta said it will cost $20,000 to get electricity started at her new location, so she is relying on generators running on gasoline. She said that a Go Fund Me account started on her behalf has raised $11,000, and it takes 45 days in order to transfer funds. 

When asked exactly what animals she had at home. Pisciotta said she has 11 baby squirrels and a baby cardinal in four NICU units in her NICU room, a 25-by-25-foot room built recently to house infant and injured animals. She said she has a possum with a broken leg, four dogs that are her personal pets, three pigeons, three conure parrots, a guinea pig that she is rehabbing for a pet store, and four puppies she is holding for a dog rescue.

“Did you move any animals to a property on Ridge Avenue?” Wilmot asked. Pisciotta answered, “No. I don’t know.”

Wilmot said that if she continues to house wildlife in her home, it is not in compliance with the zoning ordinance.

Pisciotta said that she is fully licensed with the state Department of Wildlife and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and receives calls for assistance from North Georgia to the Florida state line.

“The only ordinance I can see was about the enclosures in the yard,” she said. Caring for neonatal wildlife in her house, she said, “is no different from people taking neonatal kittens from the animal shelter and fostering them right in my neighborhood.

“I don’t see how mine are any different because they are neonatal wildlife that are allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” Pisciotta said.

“I can think of a huge difference between kittens and squirrels,” Cross said. “I appreciate what you do. I don’t think anyone in Tifton thinks what you do is not useful or needful. I don’t think anyone thinks badly of what you do.” 

At the same time, the judge said that Wilmot must be able to investigate in order to represent the City of Tifton. 

Pisciotta told the Grapevine Thursday she will work on getting the counterclaim dismissed. “Then I have to figure out who hired this attorney to do a counterclaim on my behalf because that is not legal,” she said.

The Tifton Grapevine on Thursday emailed R. Brian Pelon of the Howard Law Group in Atlanta, who filed the counterclaim, and asked if Pisciotta hired his law firm to defend the rehab against the city and if the firm was instructed to file the counterclaim. 

Pelon replied: "As to my representation of Ms. Pisciotta and the Rehab, I refer you to the court's record, including my entry of appearance and my withdrawal (as the attorney). As to the filings inquired about, I have been advised by the State Bar's Ethics Helpline to not answer your question."

Court records show Pelon entered a certificate of service as attorney for Pisciotta and Steadfast Wildlife Rescue on May 14, and filed a motion to withdraw as counsel of record on June 15.

This was the scene a few weeks ago as workers replaced short culvert bridges on 18th Street. The bridges have now been completed, and contractors are currently building a retaining wall, as seen in the photos below.

COMPLETION NEARS FOR 18TH STREET PROJECT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Contractors have been working this summer on replacing some of the old, little culvert bridges on 18th Street in Tifton.

The 18th Street improvements project, funded by the Georgia Transportation Investment Act, is nearing the finish line. Work has been completed on the small bridges; crews now are building a new retaining wall that will protect both drivers and the big culvert.

While Rainwater Road is closed for utility work during the next couple of days, traffic is be re-routed, as seen in the graphic released by the CIty of Tifton.

UTILITY WORK CLOSES RAINWATER ROAD

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Rainwater Road in Tifton was temporarily closed Thursday to allow utility work, and the closure is expected to continue during the next couple of days, city officials said.

In the meantime, motorists are being re-routed along Moore Highway, Davis Road, and Melanna Drive.

IRWIN, COOK COUNTIES GET GRANTS FOR STREET, DRAINAGE WORK

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Irwin and Cook counties are receiving funds for street and drainage improvements in federal grants through Georgia’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Irwin proposes to use $1 million in CDBG funds for street and drainage improvements on Meadow Hill and Hancock lanes, benefitting 75 people – 64 of whom are low-to-moderate-income. The total project is expected to cost is $1,273,184, with $273,184 in match, leverage, and in-kind services. 

Cook is receiving $905,768 in CDBG funds for street and drainage improvements on Willis Lane. The project will benefit 48 people; 39 of them are at the low-to-moderate-income level. The total project cost is $1,030,768, with $125,000 in match, leverage, and in-kind services. 

The two projects are among 36 recently awarded totaling more than $36.2 million in federal grants. This year’s grant awards include $32.2 million for infrastructure projects and $3.9 million for various building projects.

“Community Development Block Grants allow rural Georgians to have access to resources that strengthen their infrastructure, enhance community facilities, and improve overall quality of life,” said Commissioner Christopher Nunn, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

“These grants ensure that local governments are given every opportunity to thrive. When our communities and facilities thrive, so do their citizens,” Nunn said.

SYLVESTER PLACES SELF-WATERING FLOWERPOTS

ON DOWNTOWN CORNERS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The City of Sylvester and the Sylvester Main Street program have placed self-watering flowerpots at the corners of the historic downtown area.

The eight flowerpots, because they are self-watering, will not have to be watered as often as typical flowerpots.

"We felt like it would enhance the aesthetic appeal, attract visitors, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Flowers add vibrant colors, soften spaces, and highlight the charm of the historic architecture," the Main Street program wrote on social media..

Sylvester Main Street and the city applied for a Golden Triangle Resource Conservation & Development Council grant for the project.

NASHVILLE MAIN STREET DIRECTOR COMPLETES MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Karlie Suggs, Nashville's Main Street director, was recognized this week at the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) Conference for completing the GDA Mentorship Program.

Jennifer Price with the City of Hahira had mentored Suggs; officials said it is an example of South Georgia communities supporting each other and sharing best practices.

"We’re so proud of Karlie’s hard work and dedication to Nashville Main Street, and grateful for the partnership and encouragement from our friends in Hahira," the City of Nashville said on social media.

"Together, strong downtowns make for a stronger region."

The Georgia Downtown Association Conference was being held in Gainesville.

To Subscribe, Click Here!

Your free subscription allows you to receive our MidWeek and Weekender editions in your in-box, along with occasional Sponsored Editions.

Your subscription is free because of the support of local advertisers.

Please support the businesses and organizations who make this possible.

To Contact Us, Call 478-227-7126

SUMNER RESIDENT WINS $2 MILLION

IN GEORGIA LOTTERY SCRATCH-OFF

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Sumner resident in Worth County has won the $2 million top prize playing Georgia Lottery's Lucky 7 Tripler scratch-off game.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shiba Express, 2402 Ga. Highway 313 in Sylvester, the Georgia Lottery said.

The ticket-holder claimed the winnings Monday.

Last week alone, Georgia Lottery players claimed $38,356,535 playing scratch-off games, the lottery said in a press release.

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Monday, Sept. 1, is Labor Day, created to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created as a result of the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the traditional end of summer for many Americans.

FRIDAY, AUG. 29

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

• Tift County High Blue Devils football @ Lee County High Trojans, 7:30 p.m., Leesburg

• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football @John Milledge Academy Trojans, 7:30 p.m., Milledgeville

• Irwin County High Indians football vs. Schley County High Wildcats, 7:30 p.m., Ocilla

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football @ Crisp County High Cougars, 7:30 p.m., Cordele

• Cook County High Hornets football @ Brooks County High Trojans, 7:30 p.m., Quitman

• Berrien County High Rebels football vs. Telfair County High Trojans, 7:30 p.m., Nashville

• Worth County High Rams football vs. Dooly County High Bobcats, 7:30 p.m., Sylvester

SATURDAY, AUG. 30

• 7th Annual Georgia Muscadine Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Paulk Vineyards, Wray

• Drug Overdose/Poisoning Memorial Service, 6-8 p.m., Fulwood Park, Tifton

• "One Enchanted Evening," music from Broadway TV, and film; 7 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

While the Tifton Grapevine news may be free, journalism is not. If you enjoy reading the Grapevine, please consider donating to keep local journalism alive. Any amount is appreciated. 

.............. Just click HERE!

Thank you very much. Everyone who contributes to the Tifton Grapevine 

will be entered in a monthly drawing for a Grapevine coffee mug.

"Oscar" is friendly and happy for attention. Shelter workers cite a phenomenon where black dogs are often overlooked in shelters and rescues in favor of lighter-colored dogs. Come pick out a dog of any color to make your life complete. Visit Oscar 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

See what's happening on our Facebook site: