WISK/WDEC

Local News

Wednesday October 20^th, 2021

*UPDATE*

The monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held via ZOOM last evening. An alcoholic beverage license was approved for “The Store” on US 280E. Part of the Lamar Road off US 280E was agreed to be abandoned and closed. A portion of Pa’s Road was also voted to be abandoned. The OK was given to apply for grants through USDA. The Board voted to allow the City of Leslie access to the radio link for E911. Jalena Hoston was named to the Schley-Sumter-Macon-Webster-Taylor Joint Development Authority. A lease agreement with Phoebe Putney Health Systems with the Board of Commissioners for leasing the Emergency Operations Center was passed. After discussion the Board agreed on upgrades to the Commissioners Room to be paid for with SPLOST funds. Again with more discussion, the Sumter County Fairgrounds building will be opened back to the public for rental purposes. The meeting then moved to closed session.

Early voting for the City Election ended one full week yesterday at the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center. When the polls closed at 5, 39 had voted bringing the total after one full week to 338 to cast ballots. The City of Americus voters will decide on a new Mayor and 2 City Council seats in Districts 4 and 5. Early voting will continue until Friday October 29^th from 8 to 5. This Saturday October 23^rd, is the second Saturday that you will be able to early vote. The polls that day will be open from 8 to 5. You will need a photo ID with you when you do come to early vote.

The community blood drive is this Friday October 22^nd from 8 to 6 in the Fellowship Hall at 1^st Baptist Church on S. Lee Street. You can still make an appointment to donate blood by logging onto www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: PSMC or make your appointment by phone by calling 1-800-733-2767. Those that have appointments will get top priority but all walk-ins will be welcomed on Friday. All safety protocols will be in place for the donors and workers. Blood supplies need to be replenished before the holiday season arrives.

Here’s a reminder if you were planning on attending the Deep South Conference Middle School championship game this afternoon in Americus, that game has been moved from the Robinson-Wilson Stadium to Alton Shell Stadium. Sumter Middle School’s Panthers will host Lee East’s Trojans for this championship game with a 5:30 kick-off now at Alton Shell Stadium at Finklea-Robinson Field. Admission for the championship game is $5 this afternoon.

From the Tuesday Americus Police incidents, a financial transaction card fraud is under further investigation.

At a traffic stop on Crawley Street, Tellis B. Burts was arrested for driving with a suspended license and an improperly parked vehicle.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 1514 S. Lee Street.

Officers responded to a theft yesterday afternoon at 413 Pinecrest Drive.

Nicolas Garcia was arrested at 1533 S. Lee Street for DUI-refusal.

There was an incident around the Salvation Army on Prince Street at 3:45 this morning. Investigation led to the arrest of Amy M. Shellhouse for criminal trespass and giving a false name to law enforcement. Further investigation led to Amy M. Shellhouse being charged with theft by taking for the incident earlier on Pinecrest Drive.

A hit-n-run accident occurred at the Lamar and Mayo Street intersection.

Officers answered 1 domestic-related call and 2 miscellaneous calls yesterday.

There were 5 accidents worked by APD around town yesterday that had no reported injuries.

We’ve mentioned on Local News throughout the years of wildlife that made its’ way into the downtown area. That was the case after 5 this morning when a group of 3 deer decided to take a walking tour of downtown Americus. They evidently came up from the Town Creek area and wandered through the neighborhoods before heading to the Hampton Street area and then took a tour of the Courthouse parking lot. After a while of sightseeing, they decided it was time to go home and either sleep or eat breakfast we assume. No one reported an accident with a deer before 6 this morning anyway.

*UPDATE*

Tuesday was overall fairly quiet for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies did conduct 4 traffic stops. At a stop on Tripp Street, Grantley H. Sinn was cited for window tint violation; headlight requirements; and driver must apply for a new license within 6-months of moving. 1 motorist was given assistance. A vehicle theft took place from 1308 Highway 27E. Deputies went to the area of 1132 Highway 49S where shots were reportedly fired.

In the Sumter County Jail today; Stephanie Suzette Barnes—housing for Richland PD; Nicolas Garcia for DUI; Amy Marie Shellhouse for theft by taking/ criminal trespass/ and giving a false name to law enforcement; and Shyanne Grace Smith—housing for Richland PD. 6 were released from jail after bonding out.

In case you were wondering about the upcoming weekend weather, there will be another front to move in by Friday that will keep the temperatures more seasonal. Ahead of the approaching front, it will warm up into the 80s with lows around 60 with a slight chance (30%) for showers before the cooler air drops the weekend highs into the low 70s and lows the low 50s. There will be more clouds for tonight and tomorrow before clearing out Friday afternoon.