WISK / WDEC

“Local News’

Friday December 6^th, 2019

Americus Police were dispatched to an auto accident last evening on Norman Cole Street. It wasn’t until the officers arrived that that accident turned into a murder investigation. There WAS an accident when the shooting victim evidently drove as long as he could, ran a stop sign and drove into the house at 102 Norman Cole Street. The victim, whose name has not been released pending further investigation, was shot multiple times before crashing into the residence. This is now an ongoing aggravated assault and murder investigation with more details released whenever possible. In other Thursday police action, a battery complaint was made at 69-D Cherokee Street.

Criminal damage to property in the 1^st degree occurred in the parking lot at 1700 E. Lamar Street.

An auto was entered at 542 E. Jefferson Street.

Christopher K. Colbert was arrested for driving with a suspended license and hit-n-run for an incident on US 280E at Thomas Drive.

Dennis P. Sheffield was arrested last night at 128 E. Forsyth Street for public intoxication.

Mytesha D. Carson and Chasidty M. Johnson were arrested on outstanding warrants at 303-E East Hill Street.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 1711 E. Lamar Street.

Investigation into a prior case led to the arrest yesterday of Tomorris Levane Johnson for aggravated child molestation and felony sodomy charges.

Officers worked 4 accidents around town yesterday with no reported injuries.

A Commemorative Service honoring fallen Officers Nick Smarr of the Americus Police Department and Jody Smith of the GSW State University Police who were killed in the line of duty responding to a domestic dispute on December 7^th 2016, will take place in front of the Smarr-Smith Public Safety Building on the GSW campus tomorrow morning December 7^th at 10am. The public is encouraged to attend and remember their ultimate sacrifice.

There was a great crowd downtown last night for the annual Americus Christmas Parade. The judges had a tough time in deciding on the winners but finally released their findings. The float winners are: 1^st place-Perry Wellness Center; 2^nd place-Sumter County Primary School; and 3^rd place-Air Evac Lifeteam. The other category winners were: Best Choreographed Marching Unit-Southland Academy Marching Band; Best Community Spirit-Perry Wellness Center; and Best Christmas Theme-Cornerstone Church. There were 61 units that participated in the Christmas Parade last night with many having more than one unit. Santa Claus wrapped up the parade as usual to the delight of the crowd!

Downtown Americus will be busy again tonight. It’s First Friday from 5 to 8pm, a downtown-wide open house with a theme of “Home for the Holidays”. All activities, exhibits and performances are free of charge. Everyone is invited to come experience the City’s music, food, art, wares and crafts. The Americus Street Trolley will provide FREE rides around the downtown area tonight and every First Friday event. Shoppers can also get in some holiday savings as many merchants will be open until 8 tonight. Americus Main Street will also get into the spirit of Christmas by having chestnuts roasting on an open fire! “First Friday After Dark” continues the festivities into the night after 8pm.

You can still get tickets for the 4^th annual “Glitz & Glitter Christmas Scholarship Gala” today at Citizens Bank of Americus and SB&T. a limited number of tickets will also be sold at the door tomorrow night. The Gala will be held in the Marshall Pavilion Dining Room on the GSW State University campus. The event will be from7pm until midnight with live music, food and cocktails.

The 4^th Furlow Charter School Winter Wonderland is tomorrow from 9 to 1 at the school with over 35 local vendors with a variety of items available for purchase. Furlow Scholars will present musical performances throughout the event along with cake walks and a silent auction. Call Jason Williams at 229-337-2168 for more information.

The Mayor and City Council will have a called meeting on Monday December 9^th starting at 5:30 for the purpose of a Budget Work Session. The called meeting will be held in Council Chambers of the Public Safety Building downtown. This meeting is open for the community to attend.