Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Tifton, Georgia
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TIFT SCHOOLS GET $23.2 MILLION IN NEW FEDERAL AID
PART OF $3.8 BILLION FOR GEORGIA SCHOOLS
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By FRANK SAYLES JR.
Tifton Grapevine
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The Tift County School System will receive $23.2 million in the latest round of federal stimulus funds – part of more than $3.8 billion earmarked for Georgia's public schools, the Ga. Department of Education says.
The State Board of Education on Thursday approved State School Superintendent Richard Woods' recommendation to begin allocating the funds to school districts.
This is the third round of federal stimulus funding that Georgia schools have received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act I allocations last May and CARES Act II allocations in January.
The Tift County School System received $2.7 million in CARES I funding and $10.3 million in CARES II.
"Tift County Schools will be using CARES 3 monies to update and modernize our infrastructure and facilities throughout the system," Tift schools spokesman Jonathan Judy told the Tifton Grapevine.
"We have tremendous needs within our system and will be strategically implementing improvements in a way that helps fill those needs and continues preparing us for the future," Judy said.
The federal legislation requires that school districts set aside at least 20 percent of the funds to address student learning loss. The remaining funds are flexible and can be used to support at-risk student populations, distance/remote learning, school meals, mental and physical health, supplemental learning and addressing learning loss, facilities and equipment, continuity of core staff and services, and other items.
The funds are allocated based on a school system's proportionate share of Title I funding – a formula that federal law requires, the state said. Title 1 provides federal money to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
School systems in Tiftarea counties are receiving the following funds under the latest round of federal aid:
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Tift County Schools – $23,234,287
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Ben Hill County Schools – $13,467,129
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Worth County Schools – $10,605,891
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Cook County Schools – $9,598,286
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Berrien County Schools – $9,249,402
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Turner County Schools – $6,589,384
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Irwin County Schools – $4,773,019
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POSITIVE COVID-19 TESTS RISE IN TIFT COUNTY
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By FRANK SAYLES JR.
Tifton Grapevine
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Tift County’s COVID-19 testing positivity rate has risen from 1.8% to 3.2% in the past week, says the Ga. Department of Public Health (DPH).
There have been seven new cases of the coronavirus reported in Tift since Thursday, the DPH said. There have been 13 cases in the past two weeks in Tift County, which is 32 per 100,000 population.
Since the pandemic began last year, Tift has recorded 3,393 cases and 94 related deaths, according to the DPH.
Statewide, Georgia on Tuesday reported 925 new cases within the previous 24 hours with 12 additional deaths and 127 new hospitalizations. In total, Georgia has recorded 851,306 cases with 16,533 related deaths of state residents, the DPH said.
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UGA RECOGNIZES TIFTON'S
NARKE NORTON FOR FOLLOWING 'DREAM'
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Narke Norton, a Tift County High, ABAC and UGA graduate, was recently one of five recipients of the University of Georgia's president’s Fulfilling the Dream Award, recognizing those whose actions honor the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Norton, now assistant director for recruitment and diversity initiatives in UGA's graduate school, was profiled the other day by UGA Columns, the university online newspaper.
Norton was part of the TCHS Class of 2010 and received his associate's degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before earning his bachelor’s and master's at UGA. He is now pursuing his doctorate in college student affairs administration with a goal of one day becoming a dean of students.
He credits his mother, who pushed him to sing in public when he was 12 years old. "That performance eventually led to communicating his experiences as an underrepresented student, which led to a career dedicated to helping others find their own voices," the online newspaper wrote.
“I’ve learned how to use my voice in places where I feel comfortable and, more importantly, where I feel challenged,” Norton said. “If I see my reflection of my identity as a first-generation, rural, black student … my mind’s eye has projected what my possibilities are. I think it so important for students to see people like themselves.”
As a UGA staff member, Norton has volunteered to serve on numerous university committees; he has served on more than 33 of them.
Norton’s affiliation with UGA began when he was 15. He applied to the UGA Young Scholars Program as an intern on the Tifton campus. While earning his bachelor’s degree, he served as an administrative assistant at UGA Tifton before transferring to the Athens campus.
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GETTING A SHOT
U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, receives a COVID-19 vaccination Thursday at the Tift County Health Department in Tifton.
Scott is urging everyone to get their shots to help combat the coronavirus.
Gov. Brian P. Kemp was vaccinated on Friday in Waycross.
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GOV IN QUARANTINE AFTER COVID-19 EXPOSURE
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Gov. Brian P. Kemp is in quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19, his office said Monday. Kemp, who has tested negative, was exposed to someone with the virus while touring tornado damage in Newnan on Saturday.
The governor received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Friday during a visit to Waycross, where he urged South Georgians to get the shots.
Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, was vaccinated Thursday at the Tift County Health Department.
"You may remember that I tested positive for COVID-19 the Monday before Thanksgiving and was hospitalized for a short period of time," Scott said.
"I also dealt with pneumonia for several weeks after being released from the hospital. This is a serious virus, and I am encouraging all Georgians to consider getting the vaccine and to keep following CDC guidelines on wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing. We’ll get through this virus together," the congressman said.
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Thunder, the ABAC mascot, relaxes in front of Tift Hall in preparation for the college's 'Staycation Homecoming.'
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IT'S A 'STAYCATION HOMECOMING' THIS YEAR ON ABAC CAMPUS
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Students and alumni at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will celebrate a "Stallion Staycation" for the 2021 Homecoming Celebration April 5-10.
Alumni Director Lynda Fisher said both new and traditional homecoming activities will be featured.
“It has been refreshing to be able to plan events again and to see the students’ excitement that their clubs will be able to compete for the Stallion Cup during the week of homecoming,” Fisher said. “My hope is that this time next year we will be in full swing and have our homecoming as we have known it in the past.”
Events this year will be both on campus and virtual. On-campus festivities include the Golden Alumni Reunion, Sunset Remembrance Service, and the annual softball game. Virtual celebrations include Chef Jay’s Kitchen-Fried Chicken edition, dorm decoration judging, alumni spirit day, and a virtual campus tour.
Most are invitation only, but the remembrance service, the alumni vs. students softball game, and the Horticulture Club plant sale are open to the public. The plant sale is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 8-9, and 9 a.m.-noon April 10 at the J.G. Woodroof Farm.
ABAC students will spend the week decorating their dorm room doors to celebrate the Staycation theme. Alumni can participate by being the judges. Voting will be through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on April 8.
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EXCHANGE CLUB SEEKS 'GOLDEN DEEDS' NOMINATIONS
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The Exchange Club of Tifton is seeking nominees for the 68th annual awarding of the Book of Golden Deeds.
The Golden Deeds Award recognizes community volunteers who donate endless hours toward making their communities better places to live.
“This is quite a big honor for a Tiftonite,” said Betty Cromer, program chair. “They will join an elite group of individuals that have helped to make Tifton what it is today.”
She said nomination letters by friends, family or coworkers are needed and is better when from an individual instead of a group. “We discourage a single letter signed by a group of individuals,” Cromer said, but multiple letters nominating one person is acceptable.
The letter should include information about how the nominated individual is helping people and programs in the community and how the person has an exceptional track record of continued, unselfish giving.
The deadline for nominations is April 16. Letters should be mailed to the Exchange Club of Tifton, P. O. Box 1621, Tifton, GA 31793 or emailed with the subject "Exchange Club Golden Deeds" to spearmanagency@friendlycity.net
“We can in no way repay those who have made such a great difference in our community with their volunteerism and sincere unselfishness,” said Exchange Club President Danny Hoover.
“The Golden Deeds award is a way that we, the Exchange Club of Tifton, express our heartfelt thanks to those individuals who typically receive no recognition. It is our modest attempt at giving acclamation to those who never receive or seek it.”
The recipient will be honored with a surprise presentation this spring. The project is the longest running project of the Exchange Club of Tifton and the National Exchange Club.
For information, call Angela Elder at 229-386-0216.
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'TOURING TIFTON' FOR A CAUSE
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The Tiftarea YMCA's 11th Annual Tour de Tifton last Saturday was deemed a success. More than 160 bicycle riders completed either 11, 24, 45, 62 or 100 miles to benefit the YMCA as well as the Ilse Boyette memorial scholarship book fund.
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AMERIS BANK SUPPORTS RURAL HOSPITALS
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As part of the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, Ameris Bank has donated $2 million in financial support to 19 rural hospitals, including Tift Regional Medical Center and Irwin County Hospital.
Ameris Bank has participated in the program since 2018, contributing more than $6 million to rural Georgia hospitals.
“We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of those in our community and helping to create opportunities for healthy, safe and productive lives. This donation helps to provide resources that will create a positive effect for generations to come,” said Ameris Bank CEO Palmer Proctor.
Demographic, economic and industry challenges have caused rural hospitals in Georgia to face financial crises for years. The Georgia HEART hospital program partners with the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit to increase funding to rural and critical-access hospitals.
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ABAC CIO ANNNOUNCES RETIREMENT
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Robert Gerhart cannot wait to get his motor home, “Big Bertha,” cranked up so he and his wife can cruise the backroads of America. That time has come.
Gerhart, technology vice president and chief information officer (CIO) at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, retires April 30.
“We’re going to miss the people,” said Gerhart. “This is like a family; I have really grown to appreciate the sense of community that exists at ABAC. I am going to miss the friendships and acquaintances."
Gerhart and his wife, Rhonda, are retiring to Venice, Fla., but “Big Bertha” will keep them on the move across the United States.
Gerhart joined the ABAC administration in May 2014. He previously was the director of operations for the College of Architecture at Georgia Tech.
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Proud new member of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Comnmerce.
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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK
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Murray, a male cat, is available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt him and to see other pets available, visit the Animal Shelter from 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).
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Pets of the Week are sponsored by:
Branch's Veterinary Clinic
205 Belmont Ave., Tifton, 229-382-6055
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HARVEY'S GROCERY OPENS ON S. MAIN STREET
– MARCH 29, 1929
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J.M. Harvey leased the former Baker Grocery Co. site on S. Main Street in Tifton and opened a new grocery store on March 29, 1929. Harvey already was operating groceries in Nashville, Sylvester, and Pavo.
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REACH THOUSANDS OF FOLKS IN THE TIFTAREA ~
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Call Us at 478-227-7126
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Tifton Grapevine
e-published every Tuesday and Friday
Frank Sayles Jr.
Editor & Publisher
Bonnie Sayles
Managing Editor
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