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Local News

Thursday May 17th, 2018

*UPDATE*

We all agree that we need rain and the past few days has turned out to be more of a hit-n’-miss than forecasters have predicted. When it was supposed to be raining, the sun was out, only to have it rain minutes later. It will be light rain at times and then like yesterday afternoon, heavy rains. We even had rumbles of thunder yesterday afternoon with some lightning. Today’s forecast is to be mostly cloudy with only scattered shower activity before it ramps back up tonight and on Friday. The less rain we had did cause the temperatures to rise and the heat and humidity has made it muggy and sticky if you’ve been out in it. The weekend is also getting in on the wet weather forecast with a 60% chance on Saturday and 80% on Sunday. Weekend highs will reach the mid-80s. So if you have any outdoor plans, it’s a good bet there will be some rain but as to where and when, that’s hard to predict as of today so just be prepared.

The rain chances have caused some plans to be changed. The Americus-Sumter HS Baccalaureate Service scheduled for Finklea-Robinson Field tonight has now been moved inside to the South Campus gym at 8pm. Also, graduation was scheduled outside tomorrow night but has now been moved to the GSW Storm Dome. Graduation is now at 7 tomorrow night for Americus-Sumter HS in the GSW Storm Dome. The 7pm start is to allow GSW time to tear down and then set-up for the Women’s Health Conference to be held in the Storm Dome on Saturday morning. You will need to check with your graduate or the high school for seating and ticket information concerning graduation tomorrow night for Americus-Sumter HS.

In addition to Baccalaureate tonight, there are other events going on today. There will be an informational session at 11 this morning concerning the College and Career Academy. This meeting will be at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church at 225 Forrest Street. Learn the basics about the College and Career Academy and the impact it can have on Sumter County.

The agenda setting meeting of the Mayor and City Council is at 6 this evening in Council Chambers of the Public Safety Building. The May regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council will be next Thursday May 24^th at 6pm in Council Chambers. A large crowd is anticipated to be in attendance tonight as well as next Thursday.

Sumter County Fire & Rescue will host an informational meeting at 6:30 this evening at the Leslie Civic Center to discuss the new ISO ratings and the effect it will have in Sumter County. The Air Evac Lifeteam will also be a part of tonight’s town hall-type meeting to answer any questions you may have for them.

Today and tomorrow are the last 2 days for early voting at the Elections Office at the Sumter County Courthouse. You can early vote today and tomorrow from 8 to 5. If you do not early vote before Friday, you will go to your usual polling place on Tuesday May 22^nd and cast your votes.

You know about Baccalaureate and graduation for Americus-Sumter HS but school lets out for all Sumter County School system students tomorrow. Drivers should take extra caution as busses let out students on the last day of school as they may be a little giddy leaving the busses.

AFES has announced that annual hydrant testing will start on Monday May 21^st and should be completed within 6-weeks. These tests are required to maintain Americus’ ISO rating which affects property insurance rates. These tests also ensure citizens that the system is working properly when it’s needed.

From Wednesday’s Americus Police incidents, a theft occurred from 258-D Lonnie Lane.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 702 Sunny Dale Circle.

An auto was entered at 905 Douglas Circle.

2 juveniles were arrested for fighting at the Park Row Extension Park.

A shoplifting incident was reported at 1533 S. Lee Street at Circle K.

An aggravated assault is being investigated at 602-E Eastview Circle.

Officers, 1^st Responder and EMS went to 106 Woodcrest Drive early this morning to a deceased person. Arcensio Lopez was found deceased.

Several arrests were made yesterday. Cory J. Hagan and Nellie M. Long were arrested for Contempt of Court.

Travis M. Hurley was arrested for simple battery.

Joshua Merritt was arrested for armed robbery; aggravated assault; and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. Investigation has now cleared up the armed robbery at 999 Southerfield Road this past weekend.

Karen A. Shell was arrested for transmission of explicit photos/videos without consent.

Officers answered 2 domestic-related and 3 miscellaneous calls yesterday.

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

*UPDATE*

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday incidents included 2 traffic stops with warnings issued. A criminal trespass complaint was made at the Juvenile Courtroom by Judge Jones. Deputies answered 5 domestic-related calls yesterday. Damage to property was made in the parking lot at 500 W. Lamar Street. A theft took place from 479-A Middle River Road.

In the Sumter County Jail today: Melessa Dawn Hall—holding for USMS; Travis Hurley for simple battery; Erica Sharhonda Johnson for marijuana possession—less than an ounce and driving with a suspended license; Joshua Jamal Merritt for armed robbery/ aggravated assault/ and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime; Karen Anita Shell for electronic transmission/post of explicit conduct without consent; and Jaylen Lamar Thornton for criminal trespass and Southwestern probation. 2 bonded out of jail yesterday and 1 was released to another jail.