WISK/WDEC

"Local News"

Monday January 19^th, 2015

Sumter County’s lawyers have filed a document with the Federal District Court seeking to have a lawsuit filed by Mathis Wright dismissed. The document, called a Motion for Summary Judgment, alleges that the case evidence and expert testimony presented by Wright’s paid expert not only fails to prove Wright’s claims but instead helps to prove Sumter County’s defense to the lawsuit. Mathis Wright has 30 days to respond to Sumter County’s Motion for Summary Judgment, after which the Judge will order oral arguments or will rule on the motion based on the Court record.

The Sumter County Board of Commissioners will have a special called meeting on Tuesday January 20^th at 5:30 for the purpose of discussing an appointment to the Sumter County Tax Assessor’s Board. The regular monthly Board of Commissioners meeting will then start at 6 tomorrow evening. An alcoholic beverage license hearing for Get-n’-Go will be a part of the meeting. These meetings will be in the Commissioners Room in the Sumter County Courthouse. All Board of Commissioners meetings are open for the Public to attend.

The Mayor and City Council have announced that Mr. Billy Preston Beckett has been appointed the interim Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Americus. Mr. Beckett has served in local government administration for more than 30-years. During his career he has successfully managed communities in four states, ranging in population from 15,000 to 150,000 residents. Mr. Beckett currently resides in Peachtree City, Georgia. Mr. Beckett has the experience, background and education to perform the duties of Interim Chief Administrative Officer and the Mayor and Council looks forward to working with him until a permanent City Manager is appointed.

The monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council will be at 5 this Thursday afternoon in the Lecture Hall of the Nursing Building on the GSW Campus. The community is invited to attend.

The deadline for the Chamber Challenge applications has been extended until this Thursday January 22^nd. For more information about the 12-week Chamber Challenge, please contact Ivy at the Chamber by calling 924-2646 or ivy@americus-sumterchamber.com.

Today is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and there will be celebrations all over the United States. In observance of the holiday today, the offices of the City of Americus and Sumter County will be closed. These offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday. There will be no mail service today and most financial institutions will be closed. Most Federal and State offices are also closed today in observance of the holiday.

Americus Police had 2 motor vehicle thefts this weekend with the latest at 5:10 this morning. At 5:10 this morning, a 2014 Nissan Altima was stolen from 118 Town Creek Circle. The other motor vehicle theft was a 2000 Toyota Avalon with tag CDB8105. Lookouts have been posted for the 2 vehicles. In other weekend police action, a forgery was reported at Wal-Mart.

A battery complaint was made at 505 N. Lee Street as a result of a domestic disturbance.

Responding to a domestic issue at 1707 S. Lee Street, Lakista DeVard McCuller II was arrested for assault battery.

Following a traffic stop on Rees Street, Robert Joseph Harbuck was arrested for driving on a suspended license and no proof of insurance.

An auto was entered at 214-E Taylor Street.

Angela Denise Green was arrested for criminal trespass at 1423 N. Lee Street.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 102 Mayo Street.

An assault battery case at Lot 12 Weeks Trailer Park occurred as a domestic complaint.

An aggravated assault and criminal trespass occurred on the Southerfield Road.

Brandon Marquis Burney was arrested at 204 Manhattan Street for shoplifting. He was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

An interference with government property case on Hanson Drive is being investigated.

After a traffic stop on Mayo Street, Kamika Shante Bush was arrested for driving on a suspended license.

A theft occurred at 1010 Magnolia Street.

A burglary was investigated at 1420 Jones Lane.

Only 1 weekend accident was reported with no injuries.

A $1000 reward is being offered for any information into a suspicious fire at Farmer’s Seed & Feed over the weekend. Anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible is urged to contact the Americus Fire and Emergency Service or Americus Police.