WISK / WDEC

"Local News"

Tuesday November 24^th, 2020

*UPDATE*

The offices of the City of Americus and Sumter County will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. These offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday November 26^th and 27^th. All offices will reopen with normal business hours on Monday November 30^th.

The holiday trash schedule is altered by the Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday’s trash pick-up will be on Friday and Friday’s normal pick-up will be on Saturday this week.

For years, many stores would be open on Thanksgiving Day. You could find that item you forgot for the big feast by running out and picking it up. That’s not the case this year. Many stores including most grocery stores will be closed for the holiday basically due to the pandemic. Granted, there will be stores open but you’ll find that more will be closed this year than in prior Thanksgiving holidays. Already, some grocery stores have sent out word that you need to prepare ahead because they WOULD be closed. If you have store apps, you were warned in advance of the closings this year and others received emails with the same message.

What about Black Friday shopping you ask? While many local stores would open as early as Thursday at midnight with Black Friday specials, that seems to be something in the past this year. There will be some stores that may open early on Friday but it appears that the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping will be much different this year.

Shop with a Cop is planned for 30 local children this year with December 8^th the target date. If you haven’t heard of Shop with a Cop, the Americus Police Department has gotten names of deserving kids who otherwise wouldn’t have Christmas. This year, APD is partnering with the Sumter County Schools and CASA and has 30 kids that will go shopping with Americus Police Officers, GSW Campus Officers and even some Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office. The community’s assistance is needed this year in sponsoring these kids. All donations can be dropped off at the front desk of the Americus Police Department at the Public Safety Building downtown and checks can be made out to the Americus Police Benevolence Fund, a 501C charitable organization. If you need more information about the Shop with a Cop program, contact Chief Mark Scott at 924-3677 ext 329.

It was a quiet start to the week for the Americus Police Department. A theft occurred yesterday at 117 Melody Lane.

A battery from a domestic situation was reported on Poplar Street.

A theft by extortion at 608-A Hancock Drive is under investigation.

A burglary was investigated at 306-A W. Church Street.

Investigation from a previous case resulted in the arrest yesterday of Johnnie Lee Hunter for misdemeanor sexual battery.

Officers did answer 3 total domestic-related calls on Monday.

2 accidents worked by APD around town had no reported injuries.

Anyone that has relevant information into the early Sunday morning shooting of a 16-year old at 1208 2^nd Montgomery can call the Americus Police at 229-924-3677 or after hours at 229-937-9011. 17-year old Dekerrion Jamar Hamilton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault; possession of a firearm by a minor; possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; felony obstruction; and escape.

The 102-Hour Thanksgiving Holiday travel period begins at 6pm Wednesday and ends at 11:59pm Monday. State Troopers and all law enforcement will be patrolling the all across Georgia to make sure that you are obeying all traffic laws, are buckled up and are not driving impaired. Don’t drive distracted either by talking or texting on your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Slow down; obey the posted speed limit; and don’t drink and drive. Don’t become a holiday statistic!

*UPDATE*

A first-of-its-kind program was held this morning at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The law firm of Reid-Lawson & Dean from Cordele, presented the first recognition of a public safety/1^st Responder official. Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant called on Doug Dean who told about the program and said this was their 7^th or 8^th presentation but the first in Sumter County. Sheriff Bryant then read a plaque naming Sheriff Pete Smith as the first Officer of the Month. Sheriff Smith passed away last month and his widow Dot and other family members were present to receive the honor. Sheriff Bryant also read a letter from the US Deputy Sheriff’s Association who made a love donation in Sheriff Pete Smith’s name of $1000 to the Smith family. Expect more public recognition of the Sheriff’s Office employees down the road.

Sumter County Deputies conducted 2 traffic stops on Monday. 2 lost/stolen tags were reported. 1 activated alarm was checked out. A bad child complaint was made at 146 Irene Drive. Deputies went to 1 domestic situation. A suspicious person was spotted at 502 Confederate Street in Andersonville. 1 prisoner transport was made. A burglary was investigated just after midnight at 1409 Felder Street. Deputies worked 2 accidents with 1 being deer-related.

In the Sumter County Jail today; Kordarius Devonte Chambers for probation violation; Johnnie Lee Hunter for misdemeanor sexual battery; Charles Deandre Jenkins—holding for Stewart County; and Angela Marie Prater—holding for Webster County SO. 2 were released from jail after posting bond.