WISK / WDEC

“Local News’

Friday October 22^nd, 2021

*UPDATE*

The monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council was held via ZOOM last evening. 3 public hearings were held concerning rezoning requests with final action coming up later in the meeting. The lengthy consent agenda was approved. A first reading for a rezoning request for 200 Mayo Street from I (Institutional) to C1 (commercial roadside business) was heard. The rules were suspended and the rezoning request was approved. The rezoning request for 150 Mayo Street from I to C1 was heard and the rules were suspended and this rezoning request was passed. The rezoning request for 720 E. Forsyth Street from I to C1 was held and the rules were suspended and this rezoning request was approved. By a 4-2 vote with Councilmembers Wilson and Dowdell voting against, bids were approved for the purchase of new vehicles for the Americus Police Department. Changes to the Rees Park Rental agreement were passed 5-1 with Councilman Dowdell voting against. The Ameri-Green invoice of $24,337.50 for storm debris cleanup was approved. After announcements and comments the ZOOM meeting was adjourned.

Early voting yesterday at the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center had 43 to cast their ballots in the City Election. Tomorrow, October 23^rd, will be the second Saturday that you will be able to early vote. The polls tomorrow will be open from 8 to 5. Early voting will come to an end in one week on Friday October 29^th. Early voting all next week will be from 8 to 5. All voters going to the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center for early voting will need to bring a photo ID with you.

Today is the day for the community blood drive. This event is being held in the Fellowship Hall at 1^st Baptist Church from 8 to 6. Those that made appointments will get top priority but any and all walk-ins will be welcomed. All safety protocols will be in place for the safety of the donor and the workers during the blood drive. The blood supplies are running low and today’s drive is needed to replenish those supplies. Take some time out of your busy Friday to donate blood and give the gift of life.

There will be a called meeting of the Sumter County BOE on Monday at 6:30. The meeting will be held in the boardroom of the SCS Administration building. The purpose of the meeting is to go into executive session for personnel matters. The public is welcome to attend.

High school football tonight: Southland Academy is in Valdosta to play Valwood; Sumter County is in Cordele to play Crisp County; and Schley County is home hosting Chattahoochee County. All games kick-off at 7:30 tonight. Marion County is idle this week.

Tomorrow October 23^rd, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day at the Sumter County Courthouse from 10 until 2. Deputies will be set up in front of the Courthouse during these hours and will collect all your unused, expired and dangerous drugs. Sheriff Eric Bryant thanks the community for getting these drugs out of your medicine cabinets and keeping them off the streets. For those that cannot make this event tomorrow, the Sheriff’s Office has a drug drop box in the LEC lobby at 352 McMath Mill Road. You are reminded not to flush unwanted medicines down the toilet or put them in the trash can.

Americus Police had a quiet Thursday with 6 total incidents worked. A shoplifting and battery was reported at 400 Tripp Street.

Responding to a domestic call to 202 Smith Street, 2 arrests were made. Keaston A. Shepard was arrested for aggravated battery; criminal trespass; battery (FVA); and 3^rd degree cruelty to children. Summer D. Burke was arrested for aggravated battery; 3^rd degree cruelty to children; and battery (FVA). Additional charges are pending.

Harassing communications were reported for investigation.

Cierra Denmark was arrested for Contempt of Court.

Investigation into a prior case led to the arrest of Christopher B. Miles for theft by deception.

Officers answered the 1 domestic-related call and 1 miscellaneous call.

1 accident yesterday worked by APD had no reported injuries.

*UPDATE*

Thursday was a rather quiet 24-hour period for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. 3 traffic stops were conducted with warnings issued. 3 domestic-related calls were answered. Deputies assisted another agency on a medical call. Other miscellaneous calls were answered as well.

In the Sumter County Jail today: Summer Dawn Burke for aggravated battery/ 3^rd degree cruelty to children/ and battery (FVA); Sarah Madeline Green for criminal trespass; Londell Katrell Marshall for felony probation violation; Christopher Bernard Miles for felony theft by deception; Alton Williams Mims for probation violation; and Keaston Allen Shepard for aggravated battery/ criminal trespass/ battery (FVA)/ and 3^rd degree cruelty to children. 1 was released from jail after paying a fine. 1 was released after posting bond.

Red Ribbon Week will begin on Monday October 25^th. There will be a kick-off for Red Ribbon Week at 9 this coming Monday morning that will be held in front of the Sumter County Courthouse and the community is invited to attend. Red Ribbon Week activities will continue all next week in and around Sumter County.