Primary Election Today

MAY 22, 2018

Tifton, Georgia

478-227-7126

tiftongrapevine.com

VOTE TODAY

PRIMARY ELECTION FOR LOCAL, STATE,

NONPARTISAN CANDIDATES, T-SPLOST

Today is primary election day across Georgia, and voters will choose their party's candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, a slate of other statewide and regional offices, and several Tift County Commission and Board of Education posts.

Polls are open until 7 p.m. If a runoff is needed in any of the races, that election will be July 24.

Local voters will also vote on a special election for a one-cent T-SPLOST -- a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax to finance transportation projects in an 18-county South Georgia region, including Tift County.

If passed, the money raised will be split among the regional counties for roads, bridges, airport, bike/pedestrian and traffic safety projects.

If folks need a ride to the polls today, the Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are joining with church volunteers to offer transportation. Until 1 p.m., call 229-402-1270 or 229-848-3754.

If you need a ride to the polls between 3-7 p.m., call 229-256-9297 or 229-386-9883.

For information on your polling place and for sample ballots, Click Here!

TIFTON OK'S THEATRE AGREEMENT WITH ABAC

Tifton City Council on Monday accepted a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for management and operations of the Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Council authorized City Manager Pete Pyrzenski to execute the agreement with ABAC, allowing the college to manage and operate the historic theatre, producing performances, handling rentals and serving as a hands-on laboratory experience for students.

The city retains ownership of the theatre and remains responsible for maintenance, upkeep and improvements. Money from rentals would be split, with the city receiving 80 percent and ABAC, 20 percent.

The agreement is for one year with the option to continue after that. Council members have lauded the partnership with the college, saying it benefits everyone in the community.

BIG DAY AT

THE BRODIE

Friends and family members of Tift County High School graduating seniors filled Brodie Field on Saturday morning for a memorable commencement ceremony.

The graduating class of 2018 numbered 459, one of the largest.

Of the 459 graduates, 139 were honor students -- and of those 139, 41 were superior honor graduates.

SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM

AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL YOUTHS

The local Summer Feeding Program, a partnership between the Tiftarea YMCA and the Tift County Board of Education Nutrition Department, is underway.

The Summer Feeding Program goes through July 27 during week days. This program is free and serves lunch to children ages 18 and under. The physical activities start at 11:30 a.m. until noon, and the meals are served from noon to 12:30 p.m.

The program's eight sites are:

Peterson Apartments
Puckett Park
Hill/Dee's Apartments
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
G.O. Bailey School Playground
Springfield Baptist Church
Tift Avenue Church of God
First United Methodist Church Activities Center

For information, call the YMCA at 229-391-9622.

'GET TO KNOW KIWANIS' ON THURSDAY

Members of the Tifton Kiwanis Club invite interested people to join Kiwanians for a "Get to Know Kiwanis" event on Thursday, May 24, at The Local in downtown Tifton.

The drop-in is from 5-6 p.m., and appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

The Tifton Kiwanis Club supports community service activities to positively affect the lives of children and youth. The club welcomes potential members of all ages who share a desire to change the world, one community and one child at a time.

For information and to RSVP, contact Kiwanis President Deidre Martin at dmartin@abac.edu or 229-391-4907.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NAMES

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

Whitney Shipp of Country Financial, pictured at right, was named the May Ambassador of the Month during the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce's May membership meeting on Thursday.

Shipp has been an active ambassador with the Chamber for several years and is a constant fixture at ribbon cuttings and other Chamber events.

She was presented her award by Chris Cutts, at left, the Chamber's membership services chairman.

DRIVER SAFETY CLASS MAY HELP REDUCE INSURANCE COST

An AARP Driver Safety Program will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Leroy Rogers Senior Center in Tifton.

The course is open to all drivers age 16 and up. The cost is $20 with a $5 discount if you have an AARP membership card.

The driver refresher course is designed to help boost safety awareness, increase confidence and prolong mobility of older drivers. Participants may be eligible for up to a 20 percent discount on their automobile insurance premium.

For class information and reservations, call 229-391-3956 or 229-391-9299, or email fkinchen@tifton.net or npatrick@tifton.net