WISK / WDEC

“Local News’

Friday July 1st, 2022

*UPDATE*

The 78-hour Independence Day travel period begins at 6 this evening and will end at 11:59pm on Monday July 4th. If you will be traveling any time during this holiday weekend you will be seeing more and more law enforcement in an attempt to make this a safe weekend for you and your family. Even if you will be on the state’s waterways this holiday, expect to see more of a law enforcement presence there as well. One defining factor on the holiday travel is the weather. There are rain chances everyday through Monday even though the rain chances have dwindled by the 4th but they are still there. Wet roads can also be a dangerous hazard especially if there’s a heavy downpour during a storm. Don’t become a holiday statistic this year. When you get behind the wheel, don’t drink and drive; obey the posted speed limit; don’t drive distracted; and always buckle up!

 

If you plan on staying nearby due to the high cost of everything, there are a few things in the area this weekend. Tomorrow evening it’s Plains, Trains & Fireworks, the annual event over in Plains. There will be a street dance featuring the Good Vibrations Band starting at 8 and lasting until midnight. Fireworks are set for 9:30 tomorrow night. The big event will feature good food; the SAM Shortline railroad bringing guests in; the streets dance and again highlighted by the fireworks display.

 

There are other fireworks planned in the area this weekend as well. Sunday evening at dusk there will be fireworks planned for the Lake Blackshear area. On Monday night July 4th, fireworks at the American Legion in Ellaville are planned. There will be other areas with fireworks display so you just have to see where and what time they can be seen.

 

AAA is reactivating the “Tow to Go” program starting this evening at 6. “Tow to Go” provides safe transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles. AAA does want this to be considered a last resort however. This program will be active from 6 this evening until 6am on Tuesday July 5th. This will be a confidential local ride for ONE person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. If you have a need for this free service this weekend, you can call 1-855-286-9246. You should plan on using this service ONLY as a last resort.

 

Americus Police are reminding citizens about the ordinance in effect concerning fireworks. With the ordinance, fireworks are ONLY legal for shooting off on July 3rd and 4th and should be used only between 10am and midnight. To shoot the fireworks, you must be 18 or older; fireworks are not legal from the roadway or right of way; they are not legal in a public park or historic site; they are not legal within 100-yeards of a hospital or nursing home; and fireworks are not legal if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please don’t abuse this ordinance and possibly suffer the consequences for your actions!

 

Thursday was a quiet 24-hour period overall for the Americus Police. At 2:12 yesterday afternoon, officers were dispatched to 108 Sharon Drive where shots were heard and a vehicle was damaged. Officers made a criminal trespass report for the damaged vehicle. Officers also checked on shots fired last night around 8:20 in the Bozeman Circle area.

 

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 315 Allen Street.

 

A theft took place at 1711 E. Lamar Street.

 

Following a traffic stop last evening on S. MLK Boulevard at Davenport Street, Damon G. Brown was arrested for driving with a suspended license and cited for headlight requirements.

 

Corrensky C. Iverson was arrested at 1:09 this morning for a City probation violation.

 

Officers answered 1 domestic-related call yesterday.

 

There were 3 accidents worked by APD around town Thursday that had no reported injuries.

 

The offices of the City of Americus, the Sumter County Courthouse and the Law Enforcement Center will be closed on Monday in observance of the Independence Day holiday. These offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday July 5th.

 

*UPDATE*

 

Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 2 traffic stops on Thursday and issued warnings to those drivers. Shots reportedly fired in the area of Lot A 245 Shiloh Road were looked into. 1 activated alarm was checked out. A theft took place from 132 Dogwood Drive. Deputies did respond to 3 domestic-related calls yesterday. 1 prisoner transport was made.

 

In the Sumter County Jail today is Jasmain Breeta Swinnie for criminal trespass. 1 was back in jail for sentencing.