WISK  /  WDEC

Local News

Thursday November 8th, 2018

*UPDATE*

There’s more FEMA news today. FEMA is not working in County Commissioner District 1 as previously announced but WILL be at the old National Guard Armory on Adderton Street from 10-3. A new joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open Friday November 9^th at the old Georgia National Guard Armory at 901 Adderton Street. The new DRC will be open from November 9^th until Wednesday November 14^th from 9am until 7pm. On Sunday November 11^th, the hours of operation will be from 1 until 7. All DRCs will be closed Monday November 12^th in observance of Veterans Day. Residents affected by Hurricane Michael last month can meet face-to-face with FEMA partners at the new Disaster Recovery Center. The State of Georgia, in partnership with FEMA has started hiring Georgians to work on the hurricane recovery effort. The most recent opportunities are with FEMA’s Public Assistance team, focusing on helping entire communities rebound, while FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs are focused on assisting the individual hurricane survivor. Anyone interested in local hire opportunities should go to www.USAJOBS.org and create a free account.

The monthly meeting of the Sumter County BOE was held last night. Several awards and recognitions were made before the agenda items. The financial report, accounts payables and preliminary cash flow report were all approved. Under personnel, the Board accepted 2 resignations; 7 were hired; 3 long-term substitutes were hired; and 1 family medical leave request was granted. A new Executive Session affidavit was amended to include school safety. After announcements were made, the meeting was adjourned. Board members will be going with others representing the College & Career Academy in Atlanta Friday morning to make a presentation for a $3 million grant.

The agenda setting meeting of the Mayor and City Council will be at 6 this evening in Council Chambers of the Public Safety Building downtown. The community is encouraged to attend and hold your City Council accountable for their actions.

The Sumter County Board of Commissioners will be meeting with the Mercer Group at 6 this evening in the Commissioners Room at the Courthouse to discuss the search and hiring of a County Administrator or County Manager.

The offices of the City of Americus and Sumter County will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday November 12^th and for observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday November 22^nd and Friday November 23^rd.

The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held tomorrow morning at 11 through downtown Americus. A special ceremony will be held around 10 on the grounds of the Sumter County Courthouse prior to the start of the parade. The community is invited to attend.

Americus Police had a busy Wednesday. Responding to a domestic situation yesterday at 605-H Eastview Circle, James W. Harris was arrested for an outstanding warrant. This was 1 of 2 domestic-related calls answered by officers yesterday.

A burglary was investigated at 105 Bozeman Circle.

An auto was entered at 236-D Wanda Way.

Thefts occurred at 520 Grantham Street and 1322 E. Lamar Street.

Following a traffic stop, Radonna C. Mitchell was cited for the Hand’s Free violation and a seat belt violation.

Harassing communications were reported for investigation.

A statutory rape case is being investigated.

A hit-n-run accident was reported at 1711 E. Lamar Street.

1 accident was worked by APD yesterday with no reported injuries.

The high school regular season ended last week and only 1 local team is in action tomorrow night. Southland Academy will host Westfield at 7:30 tomorrow night in the opening round of state playoff action. Schley County and Marion County both had byes this week and will be in action next Friday November 16^th hosting 2^nd round opponents.

*UPDATE*

From Wednesday’s Sumter County Sheriff’s reports, Deputies made 6 traffic stops. Following a stop on Highway 30W near Young’s Mill Road, Keanthony Brooks was charged with speeding. Warnings were issued to drivers in the other traffic cases. A criminal trespass complaint was made in the 400 block of District Line Road. A suspicious vehicle was spotted on McMath Mill Road. A civil complaint was filed with a Deputy at 282 Buchanan Road. Deputies worked 1 accident and a deer-related accident was worked by Trooper Story who was already on the scene before the Deputy’s arrival.

In the Sumter County jail today: James Walter Harris for probation violation; Anthony Terrell Lawson for probation violation; and Kevon Markese Myers for child molestation. 2 bonded out of jail yesterday. 3 were back in jail to make bond.

The 43^rd annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service will be held in Andersonville on Sunday November 11^th at 3pm. The Memorial Service is sponsored by the Alexander H. Stephens Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. The musical group Southern Sounds will play church hymns and Southern music beginning at 2:30. The public is welcome to attend. In case of inclement weather, the Service will be held in the Andersonville Village Hall.