WISK/WDEC

Local News

Wednesday April 1^st, 2020

*UPDATE*

It’s April and ordinarily we would start looking forward to First Friday. With the COVID-19 virus concerns, First Friday will be held online for a digital First Friday! Americus Main Street understands the importance of keeping citizens and visitors safe while supporting the local businesses. In order to do both, First Friday will be First Friday: Online Edition, as a way to support our downtown merchants and give you a chance to shop from the comfort of your own home and will be strictly on Facebook which allows businesses to post whatever deals, specials and new products they want to share. This First Friday will be all day long! This is a way for the community to come together and support our local businesses and celebrate First Friday on Facebook!

In an effort to be in compliance with CDC and DPH guidelines regarding large public gatherings and the benefits of social distancing, the Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department has announced the cancellation of Spring B session of gymnastics and adult softball. Refunds or credits will be issued upon request. All facility rentals have been cancelled and outdoor parks and playgrounds are closed until further notice. The SCPRD will make a determination regarding the youth baseball season in the coming weeks. The SCPRD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates when necessary. If you have specific program-related questions, contact the SCPRD office at 229-924-4878.

Today is the deadline to file Real and Personal Property tax returns; Homestead Exemption applications; and Specialized Assessment applications. These applications can be found at www.qpublic.net/ga/Sumter according to the Sumter County Board of Assessors. If you have questions, contact the office by calling 229-928-4514 between 8 and 5 Monday through Friday. The April 7^th Sumter County Board of Assessors meeting has been cancelled.

The normal due date for the 2020 Mobile Home Tax Bills is today but the due date has been extended to Wednesday June 3^rd according to the Tax Commissioner’s Office. Interest and penalties will begin on June 4^th.

From the Tuesday Americus Police incidents, an accident at 5:11 yesterday morning on Rees at Taylor remains under investigation. The vehicle had overturned but the driver was not in the vehicle upon officers’ arrival.

Lost/mislaid property was reported at 325 Winn Street and at 1351 2^nd Montgomery.

A shoplifting incident occurred at Wal-Mart.

Suspicious incidents were checked out at 90-B Bozeman Circle and at 1:58 this morning at 1611 E. Lamar Street.

Grover Bernard Thornton was arrested and charged with criminal trespass.

A hit-n-run accident occurred at 946 Westside Drive.

Officers answered 3 domestic-related calls and 1 miscellaneous call yesterday.

There were 3 accidents around town on Tuesday with no reported injuries.

Today begins shift change at the Americus Police Department. Those that were working night shift for the last 3-months are now on day shift and those working day shift the last 3-months are now on night shift. Shift change occurs every 3-month period.

*UPDATE*

Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies had another overall quiet 24-hour period on Tuesday. Damage to property occurred at Lot 1 122 Southland Road. A 1^st degree burglary is under further investigation at 266 Rockdale Subdivision Loop. A theft took place from 391 Flintside Drive. Following a traffic stop on Highway 195N, Dalton R. Carlton was charged with speeding. Deputies went to 1 accident yesterday and turned it to GSP for investigation.

Housed in the Sumter County Jail today is William Kurt Russell—holding for investigations. 1 was released from jail after posting bond.

April 1^st is Census Day 2020. If you have already returned your Census form, you did good. If you haven’t returned it, please do so immediately! All Census information is used to determine how much Federal monies will be sent to our County and towns. The more that return the Census form, the better how community will be. Be a part of the Census 2020 and return your form today!