WISK / WDEC

“Local News’

Friday April 3^rd, 2020

*UPDATE*

Another chapter in this ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic starts today. Governor Kemp stated on Wednesday a statewide mandatory shelter at home would begin today. This mandate goes into effect at 6 this evening and will end at 11:59pm on April 13^th. You will still be able to grocery shop; attend medical appointments or get medicine; and any necessary travel for your business. Sumter County already has a curfew in place from 9pm until 6am that will remain in effect. This is a mandatory shelter at home that starts at 6 this evening April 3^rd.

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division is extending all motor vehicle registrations that expire between March 16^th and May 14^th. Those registrations are extended through May 15^th. This extension applies to personal passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles registered in the Georgia International Registration Plan. The extension also applies to Temporary Operating Permits (also called “drive-off tags”) issued at the time of a vehicle purchase. Registrations that expired before March 16^th do not qualify for this extension.

It’s time for First Friday—the online edition! First Friday will be observed ALL DAY TODAY on the Americus Main Street Facebook page until late this evening. You can shop the downtown merchants online today from the comfort and safety of your home while the merchants can post whatever deals, specials and new arrivals that they would like you to know about and share. This special First Friday will again be all day on the Americus Main Street Facebook page. This is a special way under unusual circumstances due to the COVID-19 virus that our local businesses can be supported and celebrate First Friday today on Facebook.

At least 2 meetings coming up this month have been cancelled. The Sumter County Board of Assessors scheduled for April 7^th has already been announced of being cancelled. Yesterday, it was announced that the Sumter County Board of Elections meeting also scheduled for April 7^th at 4:30 has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 threat and the Sumter County Courthouse being closed to the public. The next meeting of the Sumter County Board of Elections has been scheduled for May 5^th at 4:30 at the Sumter County Courthouse.

Americus Police responded to a domestic situation yesterday and made 2 arrests. Officers went to 231 Burton Circle on a domestic call and arrested Ryanne R. Dodson and Quontavius M. Hall for disorderly conduct.

Criminal damage to property occurred at 801 Adderton Street. Damage to property was reported in the MLK Boulevard area.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 1503-B East Lamar Street.

A suspicious incident at 1308 2^nd Montgomery was checked out last night.

Officers did respond to 3 total domestic-related calls yesterday and 2 miscellaneous calls for alarm activation.

There were 5 accidents in the City yesterday that did have 1 reported injury.

While we don’t live in a perfect world we find ways to cope. You will have to cope again with the mandatory shelter at home in place starting tonight. That does NOT mean to go and clean out the grocery stores which seems to happen due to panic buying. If you will be patient and buy just what you need for your family as you used to do, the stores will have adequate time to restock, sanitize and clean up for the next group to shop. It’s also rather ironic that we’re being told to stay at home and we’re having some of the lowest gas prices in a while yet we can’t go anywhere.

*UPDATE*

Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies continue to see a decrease in criminal activity. A suspicious person complaint was filed on Robin Hill Drive. A civil complaint was answered at 318 Railroad Street. A theft took place from 506 US 280E. An activated alarm at 446 Flintside Drive turned out to be a false alarm. Harassing phone calls were reported for investigation. An abandoned vehicle was noticed on US 280E. Deputies worked 1 accident yesterday.

In the Sumter County Jail today: Moses Lee Davis for felony probation violation/ theft by shoplifting/ and giving a false name to law enforcement; and Lorenzo Bernard Journey for theft by shoplifting.