TWO TIFTON MEN CHARGED WITH HUMAN SMUGGLING IN NORTH DAKOTA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Two Tifton men have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle humans across the U.S.-Canada border, North Dakota authorities say.

Ernesto Falcon Jr. and Rodolfo Arzola-Carrillo, who both list Tifton as their city of residence, were arrested in Cavalier, N.D., near the Canadian border.

According to the Pembina County, N.D., Sheriff’s Office, it received a call for motorist assistance at 3:34 a.m. Nov. 17 from Falcon, who said his vehicle was stuck in the snow north of Cavalier, N.D.

A deputy responded, finding nine people huddled together as the weather deteriorated with wind and snow. Falcon reportedly claimed that he and his family were traveling when their vehicle got stuck, and requested a ride to a hotel.

The deputy, however, suspected a possible smuggling attempt and transported the group to the sheriff’s office in Cavalier, according to the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald.

The newspaper reported that the U.S. Border Patrol became involved and identified the nine individuals, two of whom were young children. According to an affidavit, the other adults admitted to being in the United States illegally, and two of them claimed they had crossed into the U.S. from Canada with the aid of Falcon and Arzola-Carrillo.

Falcon told authorities that Arzola-Carrillo made all the arrangements and had been after Falcon to join him in the venture for about a year, the Grand Forks Herald reported. Falcon said he wasn’t interested initially but got involved because of financial difficulties.

Falcon claimed that he usually got paid $500 to $1,000 per person whom he helped transport across the border, and that he and Arzola-Carrillo had picked up four different groups of border-crossers in North Dakota — two in September and two in October, the newspaper reported.

According to authorities, Falcon and Arzola-Carrillo had left Tifton on Nov. 14 en route to North Dakota. The pair were scheduled to appear in court this week for detention hearings.

COOK DEPUTY HIT BY RV DURING TRAFFIC STOP

Staff Reports

A Cook County sheriff’s deputy was struck by a recreational vehicle (RV) Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop on Interstate Highway 75, authorities said.

The deputy reportedly sustained serous injuries and was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. His name and condition were unavailable Tuesday.

The deputy was making a traffic stop at 3:54 p.m. Sunday when he was struck by the RV near mile-marker 37 along I-75 northbound, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The RV apparently had been sideswiped by another vehicle in an adjacent lane and forced off the interstate onto the shoulder, striking the deputy, his patrol car, and the vehicle he had stopped, according to the Georgia State Patrol, which is investigating the accident.

The porch at The Camellia House, 1020 N. College Ave., is among those on the Historic Tifton Christmas Porch and Downtown Loft Tour.

HISTORIC PORCH & LOFT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS HISTORY

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Historic Tifton Christmas Porch and Downtown Loft Tour will feature eight locations in a self-guided tour 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1. 

Hosted this year by the Tifton Merchants Association (TMA), the tour is reviving the Christmas tour of homes last held in 2017 by the Tifton Heritage Foundation. 

“The Heritage Foundation started the tours 30 years ago,” said Bruce Green, TMA president, “so we’re bringing it back.” Tickets are $10 and are available at: The Floor Shoppe at Glynn Hendricks Interiors, Carey Antiques, Savor the Flavor, Bula's Antiques, and Fifth Street Interiors. 

“We have eight business volunteers that have staged each location,” Green said. “This is a great partnership between the citizens that live in the historic district and the business that are located there."

Those touring may visit the homes in any order. The eight sites on the tour are: 

1. The District at Williams Place, 221 East Third St., formerly Williams Grocery Warehouse in the early 1900s. It now features four luxury apartments.

2. The Studios on Third, 136 East Third St., is believed to have been Citizens Bank built in 1900. It has also been a grocery store, a music store, and more recently a pawn shop and a dance studio.

3. Towne Center Lofts of Tifton, 503 South Main St., is a restoration completed in 2021 featuring four luxury apartments with historic features such as brick walls and exposed pine beams. 

4. 308 10th St. was one of the first Sears and Roebuck house kits to be built in Tifton. It is believed to be built by the Postell family, who owned Postell Lumber Co. It is representative of the Craftsman Style.

5. 216 West 10th St. is a brick house built around 1917, whose original owner lost it to the bank during the Great Depression. Another previous owner, Sissy Nelson and her three sisters, hosted dance parties on the spacious porch.

6. 807 N. Ridge Ave. was built by the Tift brothers – Henry and E.H. – in the early 1900s.  The house has been owned through the decades by various prominent Tifton families.

7. 1012 N. Love Ave. is a “four square” house built about 1910, where members of the Herring family lived through the decades. The clapboard two-story house is representative of houses built between the post-Victorian, pre-Craftsman era.

8. 1020 N. College Ave., now known as The Camellia House, was built in 1905 by William S. Cobb Jr, manager at Tift Lumber Mill. 

FARMER OF YEAR NAMED AT

AG APPRECIATION DINNER

Carl Tawzer was named Farmer of the Year on Monday at the annual Tift County Agriculture Appreciation Dinner.

Tawzer, pictured at right being congratulated by Tyron Spearman, was selected by his peers.

The annual event was sponsored by Lasseter Equipment Group and hosted by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce as a way to show appreciation to the agricultural community for its contribution to Tifton and Tift County.

EARLY VOTING THROUGH FRIDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Early voting is underway this week for next Tuesday’s U.S. Senate runoff election between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker.

In Tift County, advance voting is available from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday at the Tift County Board of Elections Office, 222 Chesnutt Ave.

After Friday, polls reopen on election day Tuesday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters will need to cast ballots at their home precincts on election day.

On Monday, Georgians broke the all-time daily turnout record for in-person early voting. As of Tuesday morning, 468,000 Georgians have cast their in-person ballot for the Dec. 6 runoff, with 301,545 casting their vote on Monday.

In Tift County, as of Tuesday morning, 456 voters had cast ballots, according to the Georgia secretary of state’s office.

Tift County 4-H junior and senior team members are Pranav Shankar, Kamsi Nnaeto, Molly Wells, Bethany Samuel, Coleman Mangham, Philycia Hamilton, and Camden Williamson.

TIFT 4-H TEAMS SCORE HIGH

IN DISTRICT COMPETITION

Tift County 4-H members did well recently in the Southwest District Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Contest, part of the Georgia 4-H Healthy Living Program.

Placing second in district competition, the Tift County senior 4-H team consisted of Molly Wells, Philycia Hamilton, Coleman Mangham, Pranav Shankar, and Bethany Samuel.

Coleman received the Second High Individual Overall Senior and second in Senior Judging and Reasons awards. Molly was recognized as the Third High Individual Overall Senior, and Bethany received the Third High Cotton Boll Commercial award.

The top four individuals on the senior team, Pranav, Molly, Bethany, and Coleman, have qualified to compete at the state level contest at Rock Eagle 4-H Center on Dec. 10.

Among the Tift County Cloverleaf team members, Camden Williamson was the Third High Individual Overall Cloverleaf and received the Second High Cotton Boll Commercial award. Kamsi Nnaeto received third in Cloverleaf Judging and Reasons.

The Tift County 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging teams were coached by Ashley Carroll, Tift County 4-H agent; with assistance from Lauren Dubberly, Tift 4-H educator; and Annabelle Putman, Tift 4-H AmeriCorps service member.

More than 80 youths from eight counties participated in the district competition. The competitive judging contest teaches 4-H'ers about cotton as an agriculture commodity in Georgia as well as cotton promotion through commercials and advertisements.

The competition offers youth the chance to build skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and consumer economics.

UPCOMING EXHIBIT

ABAC student Nicolas Johnson with one of the three paintings he will place in the upcoming Gallery exhibit “The Art of Autism” at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture.

“The Art of Autism” opens to the public with a drop-in hot chocolate and cookies reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. It will remain open through Jan. 13.

‘ART OF AUTISM’ EXHIBIT COMING TO

GA MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE

Local autism spectrum disorder (ASD) artists of all ages will have their art on display in a special exhibit beginning Dec. 13 entitled “The Art of Autism” at ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture.

Built with art made by local ASD artists, the project‘s purpose is to let art positively affect individuals with ASD and those whose lives are intertwined with them, said Museum Curator Polly Huff.

"This exhibit provides a safe and celebratory space to display art made by autistic artists,” Huff said. “It has been a privilege to watch it unlock enhanced communication through creative expression, and to improve imagination and motor skills in some of our artists. 

“Additionally, the project aimed to build stronger relationships within families with autistic children in the Tifton community.”

Local writer Brenda Sutton Rose assisted with the exhibit, which has a written word component. ABAC students in Dr. Charlotte Klesman’s professional communication class assisted as their fall semester project.

“The Art of Autism” opens to the public with a drop-in hot chocolate and cookies reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. It will remain open through Jan. 13.

FORMER TIFTONITE JOHN BERRY TO BRING ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR 

TO TIFT THEATRE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Country music Grammy Award-winner John Berry, a former Tifton resident, 

will end his 26th Annual Nationwide Christmas Tour in Tifton on Dec. 20.

“Twenty-six years – I could not have imagined that I would be so blessed to have this opportunity to share my music, celebrating the birth of Christ all these years," Berry said.

"It has meant so much to me to have many of you come time and again with your families and friends to share in the music of the season. I look forward to singing for all of you that have been with me before, as well as those that will be joining us for the first time.”

Berry is well known for his seasonal, fan-favorite holiday performances, which are filled with traditional Christmas songs, many of his most requested hit songs, and a few of his childhood stories.

The Christmas tour began Nov. 25 in Sugar Hill, Ga., then moves to North Carolina, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Alabama, returning to Georgia with performances in Cedartown, Athens, Macon, Augusta, and Tifton.

A decade ago, Berry lived for a time in Tifton before moving to Tennessee. In 2019, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, requiring a combined 35 treatments of radiation and chemotherapy.

Berry has had 20 singles on the country hit parade charts, six of which went Top 5 as well as a No. 1 on the Billboard and Radio & Records country charts. He has earned numerous Gold and Platinum records. Berry’s co-written “A Mind Of Her Own” and “Kiss Me In The Car” introduced him to radio audiences in 1993.

“Your Love Amazes Me,” “What’s In It For Me,” and “You And Only You” thrust him to stardom in 1994. “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,” “I Think About It All The Time,” and “If I Had Any Pride Left At All” were all major hits the following year. “Your Love Amazes Me” earned Berry a 1995 Grammy nomination. In 1996, he scored a Grammy win for his participation in "Amazing Grace: A Country Salute to Gospel."

Berry took “Change My Mind” into the country music Top 5 in 1996, and “She’s Taken A Shine” became an even bigger hit in 1997. He was nominated for CMA Vocal Event of the Year for “Long Haired Country Boy” with Charlie Daniels and Hal Ketchum.

Ring that Thing! 

The Salvation Army needs you!

One of the most-recognized symbols of The Salvation Army is the bell ringer with a red kettle standing in front of a grocery store or shopping mall. The Red Kettle campaign is The Salvation Army's largest fundraiser, impacting thousands of people right here in Tift County.

Often referred to as 'the army behind the Army,' volunteers play a crucial role in The Salvation Army's ability to provide quality social services for the entire community. As a Salvation Army volunteer, you'll help us change lives, uplift families, and support our neighbors in need every day.

We have bell-ringing locations at Walmart and Hobby Lobby. This is also a wonderful project for groups; whether it's a company, church, school, service club, family, or people who team up just for this. 

Being a volunteer bell ringer is a fun and easy way to positively impact your community, and we hope you will consider making this a part of your holiday tradition. You can dress up, sing carols, etc. … Get Creative!

To volunteer:

• Contact us with your information and the day your group will ring. 
• You will be a sent information which will include important details and guidelines.
• Show up, smile, and have fun!

Experience has shown that volunteers are the best kettle workers, making this the most cost-effective fundraising method. Your time will make a difference in someone's life.

If you are interested or have questions about this opportunity, please contact 

The Salvation Army at 229-386-1503 or email: debra.cannon@uss.salvationarmy.org

This Message Sponsored by the Tifton Merchants Association

TIFTON KOA CAMPGROUND EARNS PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Kampgrounds of America has announced that the Tifton KOA Journey Campground has earned the 2022 KOA President’s Award.

The award was presented at Kampgrounds of America’s recent Annual International Convention in Orlando, Fla.

The KOA President’s Award is presented to "those campgrounds meeting exceptional quality standards and who receive high customer service scores from their camping guests," company representatives said.

"KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience."

KOA is observing its 60th anniversary in 2022.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Punky Brewster,” a female cat, is available for adoption today at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt her and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFTON BUYS DOWNTOWN BLOCK FOR SCHOOL

~ NOV. 28, 1905

On Nov. 28, 1905, Tifton City Council selected the block on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Fourth Street for the site of a new school. Capt. Henry H. Tift agreed to sell the block to the city for $2,500 with the caveat that the site only be used for "public purposes." Today, that block contains the current U.S. Post Office.