WISK / WDEC

LOCAL NEWS

Tuesday May 4^th, 2021

*UPDATE*

It all depends on what weather service you watch but most agree that we could all see strong-to-severe weather at times this afternoon and into the overnight hours. There could be damaging winds, some hail around thunderstorms and some heavy rainfall at times. The rains and thunderstorms are expected to move on through tomorrow morning and wind down by early afternoon. You do need to be weather aware this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow morning. It’s another opportunity to remind you to sign up for CodeRed IF you haven’t already done so and stay informed by phone call, text or email of any potential severe weather that approaches. To sign up, log onto www.sumtercountyga.us and follow the simple steps. You can also text AlertSumter to 99411 and have a direct link sent to your mobile device. Stay informed and stay ahead of any potential severe weather when you sign up for CodeRed.

The Sumter County Board of Elections and Voter Registration meets at 4:30 this afternoon for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting is open to the public but there are strict restrictions requirements concerning COVID-19. There will be limited seating; hands will be sanitized before entering; wearing a face mask is required; and anyone feeling ill or running a fever will not be allowed to enter. Today’s meeting at 4:30 will be held in the Board of Commissioner’s room at the Sumter County Courthouse.

There are some upcoming events already for the month of May. First Friday will be held in downtown Americus this Friday May 7^th from 5 to 8pm. The 7^th annual “Touch-A-Train” event is Saturday May 8^th from 9 to 5 at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The deadline to purchase a flag for the Memorial Day Avenue of Flags is Wednesday May 12^th. To purchase a flag for $75, call on Frank Mitchell at 229-938-4310; Charles Holt at 229-942-1739; or see any member of American Legion Post#558, the sponsor of the Avenue of Flags. Peace Officer Memorial Day is May 15^th and will be observed in conjunction with the Thunder for Wreaths event sponsored by Wreaths Across America to be held at the Sumter County fairgrounds that day at 1pm. More details on this event will be on later editions of Local News.

Don’t forget that this Thursday May 6^th is the National Day of Prayer. Locally, there will be a service at high noon in the courtyard of the Public Safety Building downtown. Rev. Sherryl Sneed, pastor of Peter’s Chapel AME church will deliver the service. This is for the community to attend and to help with the COVID-19 protocols, please observe social distancing and wear a face mask.

Americus Police started off a new week on a fairly quiet note yesterday. Criminal damage to property in the 2^nd degree occurred at apartment 3 826 Felder Street.

Criminal trespass complaints were made at 130 Sharon Circle, 103-A Bill Cross Street and at 1008 N. MLK Boulevard.

Officers responded to a robbery around 1 yesterday afternoon at 103 Laurel Circle.

At 2:19 yesterday afternoon, officers were dispatched to a report of shots fired at 106 Lilly Lane. Upon investigation, Cassius Bess and Robert Bess were both arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

Recovered property was turned in to officers at 119 S. Lee Street and at 203 Wanda Way yesterday.

A simple battery complaint was made at 1008 MLK Boulevard.

Officers did answer 2 domestic-related calls and 2 miscellaneous calls around town yesterday.

There were 5 accidents worked by APD on Monday that had no reported injuries.

*UPDATE*

From the Monday Sumter County Sheriff’s reports, Deputies conducted 2 traffic stops yesterday. 1 domestic-related call was answered. Deputies went to a report of livestock in the roadway on US 280W. 1 prisoner transport was made. 1 motorist was given assistance. A suspicious person was spotted at 505 Southerfield Road. A theft took place from 201 W. Lamar Street. Criminal damage to property in the 1^st degree occurred at 1229 Highway 49N. 2 activated alarms were checked out with 1 being weather-related.

Housed in the Sumter County Jail today; Tordera Barner for felony probation violation and theft by taking; Cassius Cornelius Bess for reckless conduct; Robert Michael Bess for reckless conduct; Euveka Shay Haugabook for possession and use of drug-related objects/ marijuana possession—less than an ounce/ illegal possession of a controlled substance/ and felony probation violation; Benjamin Carlos Vieyra for 1^st degree cruelty to children; Joshua D. Williams for DUI/ speeding/ knowingly driving a vehicle on suspended, canceled or revoked registration/ open container/ giving a false name to law enforcement/ and driving on a suspended license; and Zachary James Wooley for underage possession of alcohol.