WISK/WDEC

LOCAL NEWS

Tuesday June 28^th, 2022

*UPDATE*

The Sumter County BOE held a quick virtual called meeting last evening that dealt with personnel matters. The meeting held in closed session was less than 30-minutes. When it was ended, the Board accepted 2 resignations. 2 transfers within the system were approved. 8 were hired last evening and 11 third party contracts were approved. This was all that was listed on the called meeting agenda.

Another called meeting was held last night by the Sumter County Board of Commissioners. After some discussion, the FY 22-23 budget was approved. The budget actually goes into effect this Friday July 1^st. Other items were discussed last evening. The Board will have to solicit bids for auditors for the annual audit. A precedent was discussed establishing the proper procedures of honoring people at the Courthouse in the future either by hanging paintings or portraits or other ways to honor. The called meeting was adjourned in about an hour.

It’s looking more and more like we could be making a dent in our drought-like conditions this week and for most of next week as well. Rain chances are listed everyday for almost 2-weeks starting today. The rain chances this week are 60% and above and that will also be during the evening hours as well. The rains and clouds after today will drop the daytime highs back into the 80s for several days but in general it will be the low 90s which is much better that those 100-degree readings from last week. Depending on the forecast, it’s expected that some areas will be seeing up to a half-inch daily with higher rainfall totals should a slow-moving thunderstorm track over your area. Nothing severe is forecast but some storms in the heating of the day could create gusty winds, dangerous lightning and possible hail from time to time. This is the best rain chances we’ve seen in quite some time. With the better rain chances also brings higher humidity so it will feel muggy for the next few days and nights.

Will the rainy forecast keep Georgians at home this upcoming 4^th of July holiday weekend? AAA is predicting that, despite higher gas prices and higher everything else, Georgians ARE expected to be on the roads and highways heading to the mountains, the beach, to airports in Atlanta or just a nearby staycation in state. Gas prices will be the highest drivers have seen since 2008 for the 4^th of July. State Troopers and all law enforcement across the state will make it a priority to keep you and your loved ones safe on the highways and waterways. The 96-hour Independence Day travel period will begin this Friday at 6pm and ends at 11:59pm on Monday July 4^th. Don’t become a holiday statistic!

There is an annual activity taking place if you’re planning to stay close to home but also want to celebrate the 4^th. It’s Plains, trains & fireworks in nearby Plains this Saturday evening. There will be a street dance, the SAM Shortline railroad and of course fireworks. The street dance will start at 8pm and the huge fireworks show is slated for 9:30. There will be some good food and great fun for the whole family to enjoy this weekend over in Plains.

Americus Police had a rather busy start to the week yesterday. A burglary was investigated at 1041 E. Forsyth Street.

A financial transaction card fraud was reported for further investigation.

Damage to property occurred at 1328 S. Lee Street.

A simple battery (FVA) from a domestic call occurred at 311 Tripp Street.

Tommy L. Jackson was arrested last evening at 1101 S. MLK Boulevard and charged with public indecency.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 305 Hosanna Circle.

Before midnight, a suspicious person complaint was checked out in the area of Hancock Drive and W. Furlow Street.

Lavonne Michelle Serrano was arrested for an outstanding warrant at 12:19 this morning.

A hit-n-run accident took place at 400 Tripp Street.

Officers responded to 4 total domestic-related calls yesterday.

There was 1 accident worked by APD on Monday that had no reported injuries.

*UPDATE*

It was an overall quiet Monday for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Damage to property occurred at 159 Memorial Mile and 1116 US 280W. A theft took place from 2548 Highway 49S. 1 activated alarm was checked into. A suspicious person was spotted at 542 Old Dawson Road. Deputies answered 2 domestic-related calls yesterday. Suspicious vehicle complaints were made at 501 Arch Helms Road and 138 North Village Drive. There were 5 traffic stops conducted. At a stop on US 280E, Brandon J. Biggins was charged with speeding. Warnings were given in the other traffic cases. 1 deer-related accident was worked by a Deputy on Monday.

In the Sumter County Jail today are Shalisa Lamonica Dodson for financial transaction card fraud/ theft by taking/ and probation violation; and Lavonne Michelle Serrano for probation violation.