Friday, October 16, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

Your Local Digital Newspaper for Tifton and the Greater Tiftarea

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

To Subscribe, Click Here

PREMIER AG SHOW

BRINGS SEMINARS, DEMOS, AG TECH – AND RURAL FUN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition will celebrate its 48th anniversary show Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 20-22. More than 800 exhibitors will display and demonstrate products and welcome thousands of visitors to the 100-acre show site outside Moultrie.

Crowned as North America’s Premier Farm Show and the Largest Farm Show in America with Field Demonstrations, the Sunbelt Ag Expo brings together all segments of agribusiness, including farmers, educators, students, policy-makers, ag-enthusiasts, and families.

Attendees will see the latest innovation and technology in agriculture.

A highlight is the naming of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Seven state winners go through an intensive judging process to vie for the designation.

Education is a key component of the show, with several hundred seminars and demonstrations offered during the three-day event. Topics include beef, dairy, poultry, forestry, pond management, equine, and cattle management. Farmers and ranchers can acquire beneficial knowledge on the latest in cutting-edge techniques from industry leaders and university specialists.

Livestock seminars always draw lots of attention. The beef pavilion is of particular interest as it features "Stockmanship and Stewardship with Curt Pate," who will also take his expertise to the Priefert Arena and will lead horseback demonstrations focused on horsemanship and handling techniques.

Other livestock seminars highlight sheep and goats, equine, dairy, and poultry. University researchers are located in each barn to answer questions on the latest issues affecting the industry.

A Backyard Garden Area focuses on topics for the specialty gardener. Flint River Fresh, created by the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District and run by Frenando Jackson, “Farmer Fredo,” will organize the display that attracts hobby gardeners and enthusiasts. A bounty of information on gardening tips, tools, healthy recipes, and more will be offered in the Georgia Metals Pavilion and in the demonstration garden. Be on the lookout this year for all things “pollinator bees!”

A crowd pleaser is the 530-acre research farm’s field demonstrations that showcase harvesting and tillage equipment for multiple crops while featuring the KMC stalk shredder and peanut harvesting implements. In addition, hay demos will include all facets of hay harvesting, from cutting to baling, and will provide visitors the opportunity to see different types and brands of hay harvesting equipment run in a true farm setting.

Expo is honored to host “South Carolina from Ag to Z” in the Spotlight State building. South Carolina has more than 22,600 farms and 4.6 million acres of farmland.

The Expo always features an array of food. Many demonstration areas, including the aquaponics display, the Georgia Peanut Commission building, and the Georgia Grown Marketplace within the Family Living Building, host segments throughout the day with chefs and food enthusiasts. And they offer a sample of scrumptious treats.

The family-friendly Expo includes a daily rolling Antique Tractor Parade, the Slo-Jo Antique Tractor Pull, and the annual Cow Milking Contest. There are also truck, tractor, and ATV test drives available.

“The Sunbelt Expo showcases rural living enhanced with agriculture’s latest innovation and technology. It’s three days of fun, education, and dreaming about agriculture’s future as we work together to feed, clothe, and house a growing population,” said Show Director Chip Blalock.

The Sunbelt Ag Expo is open Tuesday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Thursday until 3 p.m. Admission at the gate is $15 per person per day. Advance and discount tickets may be purchased online. The site is four miles southeast of Moultrie on Highway 133.

TIFTON ADVOCATE NAMED ONE OF GEORGIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Jim Mejia of Tifton has been named one of 2026's 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

He and the other recipients were recently honored at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

Mejia, with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV), also serves on the Board of Directors of the Tifton-TIft County Chamber of Commerce.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Jim as part of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence," the organization said on social media. "His hard work, dedication, and commitment to supporting our communities and advancing the mission of ending domestic violence make a meaningful difference every day."

GCADV said Mejia demonstrates "continued commitment to leadership, community engagement, and positive change throughout South Georgia. We are so proud of Jim and grateful for the passion, heart, and leadership he brings to everything he does. This recognition is well deserved."

In 2025, the state Commission on Family Violence honored Mejia as a "Moving the Work Forward Award" recipient. The award recognized his "commitment to advancing safety, justice, and culturally responsive services for survivors of domestic violence in South Georgia" as the legal advocacy and Latino Outreach Programs manager at Ruth’s Cottage & The Patticake House. 

RESERVE DEPUTY SEEKING OFFICE OF TIFT COUNTY SHERIFF

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Rollins Jackson of Tifton on Thursday announced his candidacy for the office of Tift County sheriff.

During a reception Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn, Jackson said he will be seeking the Republican nomination in the 2028 general primary election next year to succeed Sheriff Gene Scarbrough, who recently announced that he will not seek re-election.

“I am excited to make this announcement tonight surrounded by friends and family. This community means the world to me, and I look forward to serving the citizens of Tift County," Jackson said.

"This election will set the tone for law enforcement in Tifton for years to come, and I will ensure that my administration is the most visible and transparent in the state. This office belongs to the people, not the politicians.”

During his announcement, Jackson spoke on the importance of faith, recruitment, training, and accountability in the Sheriff’s Office. He outlined his plan to work with Middle Georgia Crime Stoppers to bring a Crime Stoppers chapter to Tift County and said he will be rolling out a plan for his first 100 days in office in the coming weeks. 

Jackson, a lifelong Tifton citizen, runs several successful businesses. He has been involved with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 17 years, is a reserve deputy holding the rank of captain and serves as the advisor to the Explorer Program.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University. He and his wife, Deidra, have two children and attend First Methodist Church in Tifton.

TIFT BOE APPROVES CASH PURCHASES AT FOOTBALL GAMES

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

At its meeting last week, the Tift County Board of Education approved a policy allowing schools to accept cash payments in addition to online or credit cards at events such as football games.

The vote passed 4-3.

Previously, only online or credit/debit card payments were officially allowed. Board member John Waddell told the Tifton Grapevine that he had proposed the new policy because students and family members often pay multiple credit card or online fees for buying entrance to an event, then a T-shirt, then a hat, or concession items. 

Board members voting in favor of the policy allowing cash payments were Waddell, Marilyn Burks, Jamie Hill, and Chairman Jonathan Jones. Those who opposed the policy were Rusty Harrelson, Pat McKinnon, and Sam Wright. Opposing board members mentioned the risks of handling, documenting, and depositing large amounts of cash after well attended events such as football games. 

The stated purpose of the policy is “to establish clear, equitable, and compliant guidelines for accepting payments for school-related activities and events while ensuring access for all students, families, and community members.” 

The policy cites accepted forms of payment. Non-cash payments, described as credit cards, debit cards, and district-approved electronic or online payment systems, are “permitted and encouraged where feasible.”

The new policy states that “cash shall be accepted as a valid form of payment for school-related activities and events unless otherwise restricted by a governing authority.”

The policy provides equitable access, saying, “No individual shall be excluded from participating in or attending a school event solely due to the inability to use non-cash payment methods.”

For athletic contests or events governed by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the school district shall comply with all applicable GHSA bylaws, rules, and directives. When GHSA requires events to be conducted in a cashless manner, cash payments shall not be accepted. GHSA requirements shall supersede district practice for such events.

Currently, the GHSA allows individual member schools to accept cash at the gate for early-round playoff and regular-season events, but mandates digital-only ticketing through GoFan for all state championship finals.

NEW DEPUTIES, DETENTION OFFICERS WELCOMED TO TIFT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough recently swore in two new deputies and six detention officers to the Sheriff's Office.

New detention officers stand with Scarbrough in the above photo. They are, from left: Alexandra Welsh, Tyson Sutton, Nicholas Bennett, Scarbrough, Cole Smith, Acacelly Hueta, and Nitalia King.

In the photograph at right, Sheriff Scarbrough poses with new deputies Osiris Lopez and Ya'mari Snow.

PROVIDENCE SCHOOL OFFERING FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Providence School of Tifton has announced flexible attendance options providing three-, four-, or five-day instructional schedules for students in the Tiftarea for the 2027-2028 school year.

“We know that families are looking for ways to increase the time they can spend with their children,” said Samuel Norris, head of school. “Offering a flexible schedule gives families that time.”

All students will have three days of academic core instruction on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The course focus these days will follow the classical trivium and quadrivium including math, science, humanities, language, music, and art.

Parents may choose to add Monday classes, which are dedicated to academic enrichment options featuring homework study time, math mastery practice, and science invention in the morning followed by afternoon enrichment activities such as drama, journalism, or mock trial.

Families may also choose an additional day on Friday where students will receive instruction in the "common arts," the skills and craft of daily life. Students will explore hands-on learning experiences in classes such as agriculture, woodworking, metalworking, gardening, cooking, and mechanical repair.

“I am excited for this change,” said Norris, “because it will offer true school choice to families in our community. If parents need a five-day school option, we have it. If they want a three or four-day school option, we have it.”

Providence School of Tifton is an ACCS-member, classical, Christian school serving students from junior kindergarten through class six, adding a grade each year. Providence is located in downtown Tifton.

REACH THOUSANDS OF FOLKS IN THE TIFTAREA ~ 

ADVERTISE IN THE TIFTON GRAPEVINE!

Call Us at 478-227-7126

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com

Your Locally Owned Digital Newspaper!

e-published late every Tuesday night & early every Friday morning

To Subscribe, CLICK HERE!

Our MidWeek Edition includes 'This Week in Tifton History'

Our Weekender Edition includes Recent Local Deaths

Please Support Our Advertisers: 

They Allow You to Receive the Tifton Grapevine Free of Charge

www.tiftongrapevine.com

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Oct. 16, is Global Cat Day, which confirms that we have loved our cats since nearly the beginning of time. Evidence of the close relationship between cats and humans goes back about 9,500 years. A Neolithic grave excavated in Cyprus contains the skeletons of both a human and a cat. Ancient Egyptians, nearly 4,000 years ago, domesticated cats by keeping them near food stores to help control vermin and other pests. In the 1950s, cats became indoor pets with the invention of and marketing of clay litter. However it wasn’t until the 1960s that litter boxes really caught on. The world had its first Feral Cat Day in 2001, and in 2016 it became Global Cat Day to strengthen support for humane policies to protect cats worldwide.

Born on October 16: Noah Webster, lexicographer – Webster's Dictionary, 1758-1843; Oscar Wilde, playwright & novelist, 1854-1900; David Ben-Gurion, first prime minister of Israel, 1886-1973; Eugene O'Neill, playwright, 1888-1953; William O. Douglas, U.S. Supreme Court justice, 1898-1980; Goose Goslin, baseball Hall of Fame, 1900-1971; Bert Kaempfert, orchestra leader & songwriter, 1923-1980; Angela Lansbury, actress, 1925-2022; Suzanne Somers, actress, 1946-2023; Bob Weir, guitarist-singer with the Grateful Dead, 1947-2026; Tim Robbins, actor, 1958–; Michael "Flea" Ballard, bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1962–; John Mayer, singer-songwriter, 1977–.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16

• Glassblowing Pumpkin Class, various times available, Main Street Arts Studio, 910 Main St. S., Downtown Tifton

• Georgia Peanut Festival Kickoff Concert, with Dallas Rodgers Band, food & craft vendors, 7-10 p.m., Jeffords Park, Sylvester

• Tift County High Blue Devils football @ Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets, 7:30 p.m, Thomasville

• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football vs. Deerfield-Windsor Knights, 7:30 p.m., Panther Pit, Chula

• Turner County High Titans football vs, Wheeler County High Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m., Ashburn

• Worth County High football Rams @ Crisp County High Cougars, 7:30 p.m., Cordele

• Fitzgerald High football @ Cook County High Hornets, 7:30 p.m., Adel

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

• 62nd Annual Georgia Peanut Festival, with a fun run, Peanut Parade, Percy's Peanut Patch Kidz Korner and petting zoo, food & craft vendors, live entertainment by Jordan Poole, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Jeffords Park, Downtown Sylvester

• Berrien County Harvest Festival, live music, antique tractor parade, Kids Zone, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Downtown Nashville

• Tifton Farmers Market, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• Community Garden Volunteering, hosted by Keep Tift Beautiful, 9:30-11 a.m., 1413 Central Ave. N., Tifton

• Glassblowing Pumpkin Class, various times available, Main Street Arts Studio, 910 Main St. S., 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.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Natasha" is about 3 years old, weighs 55 pounds, and is ready to find her forever family. She’s a beautiful girl who deserves a chance to leave shelter life behind and discover what it feels like to have a home of her own. Come meet Natasha and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

Subscribe to the 

Tifton Grapevine

Use the QR code at left

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com | 478-227-7126 | tiftongrapevine.com

A Service of Sayles Unlimited Marketing LLC, Tifton, Georgia

See what's happening on our Facebook site: