WISK / WDEC

“Local News’

Friday July 3^rd, 2020

It is Friday July 3^rd and for many, today will begin a 3-day holiday weekend. Most that will be taking a trip somewhere will still find gas prices below $2 a gallon in most places which is some of the lower gas prices on the 4^th of July holiday in quite some time. Many will also continue their “staycation” with the pandemic still a concern. Some beaches are open with safety precautions in place while others are closed to the public again because of the pandemic. If you’re just getting in the car and going somewhere, it is a good idea to call ahead and make sure you will have lodging available. The holiday travel period is underway and State Troopers and all law enforcement will be highly visible making sure you don’t become a holiday statistic this year.

The offices of the City of Americus, the Sumter County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center are closed today in observance of the Independence Day holiday. These offices will resume normal business hours on Monday July 6^th. Due to the LEC offices being closed there will be no Sumter County Sheriff’s reports today on Local News. Most financial institutions are open for business today but will be closed on the 4^th. There should be mail delivery today and again none for the holiday tomorrow. Trash pick-up should be on schedule for today.

Because of the pandemic, the normal places having 4^th of July fireworks displays will NOT have them this year. No plans have been announced if they may be held at a later time. There will be a fireworks display in Ellaville tomorrow night at the American Legion around sunset. As many can already attest to, fireworks have been going off in neighborhoods for about the past week. Americus Police and Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies have answered numerous calls this week to the fireworks that has people hearing what sounds like gunshots and they can’t distinguish between gunshots and the fireworks. One call heard last night on the scanner asked if the fireworks shooters could at least be told to pick a better time to do so. Again, be a good neighbor and shoot your fireworks at reasonable times.

A community led initiative, Mask Up Sumter, is encouraging Sumter County citizens to wear masks to help protect themselves and others from the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in our community. Free masks will be given out at community events upon request and have pick-up locations throughout the County. You can pick up your free mask at: the Americus Visitors Center; Rees Park Economic Development Center; Americus Times-Recorder; Sumter County Health Department; and the City Halls in Andersonville; Desoto; Leslie; and Plains. Be sure to like the Mask Up Sumter Facebook page to stay up-to-date on the latest efforts.

From Thursday’s Americus Police incidents, officers responded to a domestic situation at 203 Roland Avenue and arrested David Johnson for simple battery and criminal trespass.

Officers responded to civil complaints at 103-A Joy Court and 306 Tabby Lane.

Entered autos were reported at 405 Rucker Street; 925 N. MLK Boulevard; and 125 W. Lamar Street.

Areanna Jenkins was arrested for disorderly conduct for an incident on S. Jackson Street.

Thefts took place at 201 E. Lamar Street and at 321 Barlow Street.

Suspicious incidents were checked out on N. Lee at E. Lamar and at 119 Finn Street.

A financial transaction card fraud was reported for investigation.

Officers went to 252-D Lonnie Lane for an ungovernable child last night. While on that call, Kelcey L. McCoy was arrested for outstanding warrants.

A battery complaint from a domestic call was reported.

Lorenza B. Journey was arrested for public drunkenness late last night on Elm Avenue.

Officers answered 6 total domestic-related calls and 3 miscellaneous calls yesterday.

2 accidents in the City yesterday had no reported injuries.

The Sumter County BOE will have committee meetings on Tuesday July 7^th at 12 and 3pm with a 6pm work session. The regular monthly meeting will be on Thursday July 9^th at 7pm. All meetings will be held in the boardroom of the SCS Administration Building and the public is welcome to attend.

The Sumter County Board of Elections and Voter Registration will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday July 7^th at 4:30pm in the Commissioners Room at the Sumter County Courthouse. COVID-19 safety precautions will be strictly enforced and masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing will be required if you plan to attend.