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

TIFT SHOOTING LEAVES 1 DEAD, 1 SERIOUSLY WOUNDED

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man has been arrested and charged with murder and several other charges following a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the Phillipsburg area of Tift County, authorities said.

Wayne Doyle, 38, (pictured at left) is in Tift County Jail charged with malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, attempted removal of a weapon from an officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.(GBI).

Doyle's charges are in connection with the death of Anzley "Nikki" Gandy, 39, of Tifton, and the shooting of another person, Adam Fall, 31, of Tifton, who was in serious condition Thursday.

Tift County sheriff’s deputies responded Tuesday night to West 21st Street regarding the death of one person and another person suffering from a gunshot wound. Gandy was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving victim was transported to a hospital.

Doyle was taken into custody at the scene at approximately 9:14 p.m. Tuesday.

An autopsy is being performed on Gandy at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in the Central Regional Lab.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app.

CIGAR LOUNGE PROPOSAL STIRS OPPOSITION

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A proposed upscale cigar lounge in Downtown Tifton is meeting some opposition from a business owner across Main Street from the proposed site.

Local realtor Lester Cromer Jr., who is a member of Tifton City Council, is seeking to create a "premium cigar lounge" at 214 Main St., next to the Cuban restaurant. Cromer said the lounge would have memberships, and he hopes to "attract a sophisticated clientele who appreciates luxury and comfort."

Cromer said the lounge would include sofas, overstuffed chairs, and a "cutting-edge system" that is "specifically designed to handle smoke and odor in commercial spaces effectively."

"To ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons and address any potential concerns, we are committed to implementing state-of-the-art smoke control and air-purification systems," he said.

But Lee Turner, who owns Bula's Antiques in the next block across the street, believes cigar smoke would still seep out.

"No special ventilation is going to stop the smoke," Turner said on social media. "No type of ventilation will completely keep the cigar smoke and smell from coming through the walls of the businesses next door."

Turner is the American Cancer Society's state lead ambassador for the Eighth Congressional District. He said "second-hand smoke poses serious health risks and can be fatal for those affected."

Last week, the Tifton Planning and Zoning Commission endorsed a conditional use permit for the cigar lounge. The commission was told that a similar-type cigar lounge has been operating in Downtown Valdosta for nearly a decade.

The Tifton commission questioned Cromer about possible smoke issues. Cromer responded that he will install an advanced commercial air cleaner that uses a multi-stage filtration process to capture and eliminate smoke particles, airborne pollutants, and odors.

In addition, Cromer said he also will install a premium air purifier that uses HEPA filters to capture up to 99.97% of particles.

But Turner isn't convinced that cigar smoke would be eliminated. He has cited an instance in North Carolina where cigar smoke from a lounge caused issues with an adjacent business.

Turner is leading the opposition to the proposed cigar lounge and is encouraging residents to contact City Council to halt the plan. City Council is expected to discuss the issue at its workshop Monday night.

"We don't need this on Main Street Tifton" Turner said.

FREE NARCAN AVAILABLE FOR DRUG OVERDOSES AT COMMUNITY BOX IN TIFTON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

We all have seen the Little Free Libraries and even food collection boxes around Tifton. Now, thanks to concerned individuals, there is a free Narcan box at one location for those attempting to reverse drug overdoses, and there is a desire to establish more. 

State Court Judge Herby Benson told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday that his assistant Suzanne Griffin volunteers with the Georgia Overdose Prevention Organization, and she had the Narcan box recently installed at Eric’s Tires at 1015 W. Second St., adjacent to Tifton Mall. 

It is stocked with the overdose reversal drug Narcan and Fentanyl test strips for anyone to freely obtain them. So far, Benson said, 20 nasal Narcans, 17 IV Narcans, and 20 Fentanyl test strips have been taken from the box. The test strips are used to determine whether illegal drugs are laced with the lethal drug Fentanyl and to measure the amount. 

Narcan is also available free at Oasis, the Recovery Community Organization located on South Main Street across from the Shady Lane drive thru.

Narcan is a miracle drug in the reversal of an overdose, Benson said. It’s effective with Fentanyl and does nothing to someone who is having a seizure for another reason. 

According to the state Department of Public Health, Benson said, Tift County had 87 people with overdoses treated or seen in 2020. That number increased to 140 in 2021, and to 162 in 2022. 

Under a Good Samaritan Law, anyone with somebody having a drug overdose will not be charged with a crime if they call emergency responders and stay with the victim.  

Benson is the judge for the DUI Drug Accountability Court for individuals who have committed a drug or alcohol crime. If they agree to participate, they are required to receive random drug tests and attend counseling sessions. 

Michele Calhoun is the coordinator of the Accountability Court and director of Oasis Recovery Community Organization.

“She is the reason we were named the model accountability court for the state of Georgia,” Benson said. “What that means is that other courts in the state will come to us when they kick off, if they have any questions about procedures and how to handle things.” 

Since it opened five years ago, Oasis has had more than 23,000 contacts by people in recovery. Participants may use the facility game room, TV rooms, and meeting rooms. It serves as a referral organization for rehab facilities and for people coming out of rehab. Meetings are held six days a week.

People in recovery are encouraged to avoid people, places, and things that would get them back into the habits they are trying to leave behind, Benson said. “We give them an alternative, somewhere else to be able to go,” he said.

“We’re trying to get the public aware that we are there," he said. Counselors must have two years of sobriety to be a counselor. One of the counselors at Oasis has 25 years of sobriety. "They understand what it takes to achieve and maintain sobriety.”

Mustafaa Reed, who works as a driver for Oasis, also spoke to Rotarians. Oasis has two vans to take anyone in recovery to doctor visits, court hearings, and detox centers, and even to a job every day. 

In 2022, Reed decided to walk away from a “tether” holding him in the drug-using community and start his recovery, he said. He is now a full-time Oasis employee.

“Participants come here, hear something that speaks to them and come back,” he said. “I ran the streets hard for 35 years,” Reed said. “Now I run my sobriety hard.”

Most folks on drugs started as early as age 13 or 14, Benson said.

TIFT COUNTY 4-H YOUTH PLACE AMONG TOP IN DISTRICT COMPETITION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

All 22 Tift County 4-H members who competed in recent district competition placed within the top three in their respective categories.

"That is a huge accomplishment that not everyone can achieve," Emma Butler, Tift County 4-H educator, said of the fifth- and sixth-graders. "We are in awe of their talent and accomplishments."

There were 15 first-place winners, five second-place winners, and two third-place winners at the district level from Tift County.

They are: Bentley Rowland, third place – performing arts vocal; Bethany Crowe, second place – workforce prep & careers; Brantley Brown, first place – sports team; Brook Webb, first place – historic places & events; Eliza Chapman, first place –wildlife; Ellie-Grace Gay, first place – cat care; Gavin Newberry, third place – historic people; Harlee Osborne, first place – dog care; Jaydee Godwin, first place – swine; Laurel Rogers, first place – food safety & preservation; Livi Daniel, second place – historic people.

Also, Luke Presley, first place – marine & coastal ecology; Maya Purvis, second place – target sports; Norah Monfort, first place – plants, soils & fertilizers; Reagan Paulk, first place – current people, places & events; Sara Freeman, first place – current people, places & events; Garret Beasley, first place – paleontology; Maddie Jackson, second place – marine & coastal ecology; Christian Frambo, first place – sports team; Jurnee Denson, first place – archeology; Collins Riddle, first place, time & money management; and Jack Walker, second place – sports individual.

The 4-H Southwest District Cloverleaf Project Achievement contest, held March 16 in Perry, helps youth develop leadership, creativity, and public speaking skills and a better understanding of their desired project area.

Youths select from 62 project categories and prepare presentations on the county and district levels. This year, 25 counties participated bringing a total of 307 competitors in grades fourth through sixth.

ABAC PRESENTS!

AKROPOLIS REED QUINTET TO PERFORM IN TIFTON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform a type of classical/jazz hybrid music in its appearance as part of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s ABAC Presents! concert series at 7 p.m. April 4 in Howard Auditorium on campus.

Detroit-based Akropolis, which is celebrating its 15th year, has performed around the globe, furthering the performers’ passion to “make music that sparks joy and wonder.” The ensemble includes Tim Gocklin on oboe, Kari Landry on clarinet, Matt Landry on saxophone, Ryan Reynolds on bassoon, and Andrew Koeppe on bass clarinet.

“Akropolis caught my attention the first time I saw them,” said Wayne Jones, Arts Connection director. “They have the most dynamic stage presence when they perform. It is not only beautiful music, but it is really exciting to see them perform. As far as I’m concerned, this is an event no one should miss.”

Tickets are available at www.artsatabac.com/abac-presents or by calling the ABAC Ticket Line, 229-391-4895.

ANNIE BELLE CLARK ELEMENTARY FRIENDS DONATE FOOD, TOYS FOR LOCAL ANIMALS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Families and friends of Annie Belle Clark Elementary School in Tifton recently made a difference in the lives of animals through donations to the Tift County Animal Shelter, to Simply Grace Rescue, and to Steadfast Wildlife Rescue.

With the donations, many animals will be fed and will have toys to play with, said Betsy Jones, Annie Belle Clark music teacher.

Pictured from left are Tift County Animal Control Officer Vince Hester, Simply Grace Rescue’s Candas A. Bennett, and Steadfast Wildlife Rescue’s Jessica Pisciotta. 

The donations were for this year’s "Maggie Lee For Good Day." Annie Belle Clark Elementary observed the day March 15 in memory of Maggie Lee Henson, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bus accident during 2009. Maggie Lee was the daughter of Jinny Henson, a former college roommate of teacher Betsy Jones.

TIFTON JOB FAIR ATTRACTS

MORE THAN 300 JOBSEEKERS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Quality Employment Service's Tifton Job Fair last week attracted more than 300 jobseekers visiting nearly 40 businesses at the event held in the Tift County Recreation Department gym.

"It was such a great success with so many great connections made," said Amanda Brack, business development consultant for Quality Employment.

Several businesses conducted interviews on the spot, with many jobseekers waiting in line for their turn.

Quality Employment plans another Job Fair on April 18 in Moultrie.

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KIWANIS POSTHUMOUSLY NAMES

SYD BLACKMARR ARTS CITIZEN OF YEAR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The late Syd Blackmarr is the Tifton Kiwanis Club's Art Citizen of the Year for 2024.

Blackmarr, known as Tifton's "Queen of Arts," died in July following a long illness. The Tifton Arts Center facility on Love Avenue is named in honor of Syd Blackmarr.

Her daughter, Amy Blackmarr, accepted the plaque on her mother's behalf from Kiwanis President Tom Shoup.

COVID-19 data released from the 

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of March 27:

TOTAL TIFT COUNTY CASES: 7,304 ....................................... TOTAL TIFT DEATHS: 181

CONFIRMED TIFT CASES - 2 weeks: 10 ....................................... DEATHS - Past week: 0

CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks: 30

TIFT CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks, per 100K population: 73 

_______________________________________________________________

GEORGIA TOTAL CASES: 2,459,302

GEORGIA CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - Past week: 2,449

TOTAL GA DEATHS: 36,488 ..................................................... GA DEATHS - Past week: 38 

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) said that this is its final COVID-19 weekly updated status report. The DPH said that, "according to the CDC and leading public health officials, COVID-19 remains an important public health threat, but it is no longer the emergency that it once was."

YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

This Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday, the most important holy day throughout Christianity. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a central belief for Christians worldwide and the focal point of the faith. Religious scholars believe the event occurred three days after the Romans crucified Jesus in roughly 30 A.D. Christians therefore derive hope that they too will experience a resurrection in Heaven. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

• Indoor Yard Sale, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Victory Baptist Church, 3917 Highway 319 S., Tifton
• "Never Runs Smooth ... Shakespeare on Love" live performance, 7 p.m., Howard Auditorium, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton
• William Lee Martin – The King of Cowtown Comedy Tour, 7:30 p.m., Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Tifton

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

• Indoor Yard Sale, 7 a.m.-Noon., Victory Baptist Church, 3917 Highway 319 S., Tifton
• Family Fun Day, 1-4 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 3024 Tift Ave., Tifton
• Skate Day at the Park, 4 p.m., Skate Park, N. Johnston Street, Fitzgerald
• "Stars & Stories," 5 p.m., Gaskins Forest Education Center, Alapaha
• "Never Runs Smooth ... Shakespeare on Love" live performance, 7 p.m., Howard Auditorium, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton
• Kraken-Pro Wrestling Event, 8 p.m., Fulwood Park, Tifton

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

• Happy Easter

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YARD SALE HERE!

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YARD SALE, CONTACT US at 

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

Move over Easter Bunny, there's a new cutie in town! Jetta Rose, a fashionista pup rocking her bunny ears with flair, is ready to spread some Easter cheer. With a face as adorable as hers and a personality as sweet as honey, Jetta Rose is the "pawfect" addition to any family. Come visit her and 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).