WISK/WDEC

Local News

Wednesday January 19th, 2022

*UPDATE*

 

The monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held via ZOOM last evening. The first order of business was the 2022 Reorganization. Mark Waddell was elected Chairman; Scott Roberson as Vice-chair; LaToya McCants as County Clerk and Della Griffin as Deputy Clerk; and Kimberly Reid as the County Attorney. A majority of the meeting was a discussion with District Attorney Lewis Lamb about the State Court Solicitor and the DA’s office. After an hour of discussion, the Board directed the DA to come back with proposals for office repairs and other concerns and then they will all work on a plan. The Commissioners approved an ordinance amendment for school zone traffic enforcement. The proposal for adding metal roofs to 2 buildings was accepted. Redistricting was briefly discussed. A memorandum of understanding with the Prosecuting Attorneys Association; the DA’s office; and the Board of Commissioners for $50K for COVID and other emergencies was passed. Frank Joiner was appointed to the Americus/Sumter County Airport Authority. Michael Coley and Michelle Williams-Seay were appointed to the Tax Assessor’s Board. The meeting moved to closed session for personnel and litigation.

 

Quarry Dynamics, INC. (QDI) has chosen Americus/Sumter County for its new crypto mining facility, bringing an expected investment of approximately $10 million and 16-20 new jobs. This new, Canadian-based company will be hiring a variety of positions. In addition to bitcoin mining, QDI expects to bring other services to Sumter County such as housing and IT consulting. QDI is excited to become a supportive Sumter partner in addition to providing jobs through apprenticeship opportunities, industry engagement and renewable energy initiatives.

 

The Sumter County Board of Elections and Voter Registration will have a special called meeting on Thursday January 20th at 4:30. The meeting will be held in the Commissioners room at the Sumter County Courthouse. The called meeting is open to the community to attend.

 

The monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council of Americus will be held via ZOOM on Thursday evening at 6. To call in and listen, dial 1-646-876-9923. Use 833 9163 4266 as the meeting ID and 351049 as the passcode.

 

It’s looking more and more like the earlier prediction of snow has all but gone. Now, it’s frozen precipitation and not a lot of that. Forecasters have a better idea of how this next cold front arriving tomorrow will be affecting SW Georgia. Some rain may arrive overnight but the majority will be tomorrow afternoon and diminish during the evening. Rain returns on Friday and ends during Friday evening—as of today. Highs in the mid-60s for today and upper 50s on Thursday and low-to-mid 40s on Friday and Saturday making today the warmest for the rest of the month. Lows Friday night will be around 30 so that creates the chance of frozen precipitation. IF we do get a frozen rain/sleet/snow wintry mix Friday night and overnight very little accumulation is being forecast. A better look at the approaching weather system will come throughout today.

 

It was a quiet Tuesday around town according to the Americus Police incident reports. 5 total incidents were reported. A criminal trespass complaint was made at 105-G Magnolia Court.

 

A theft took place from 222 Griffin Lane.

 

Officers checked out shots fired and found a dog had been shot at Weeks Trailer Park.

 

A shoplifting and 1st degree forgery was reported at 1301 E. Lamar Street.

 

Harassing communications were reported for further investigation.

 

Andrew Nicholas Jackson and Banita Renee Lee were arrested at 1:25 this morning for outstanding warrants.

 

There were 4 accidents worked by APD yesterday that had no reported injuries.

 

*UPDATE*

 

Tuesday overall was another quiet 24-hours for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. 3 traffic stops were conducted. At a stop on Highway 49N, Hannah Marrone was charged with speeding. Warnings were issued in the other traffic cases. 2 prisoner transports were made. Damage to property was reported at 611 E. Lamar Street. A loud music complaint was checked out at 328 Jackson Street in Andersonville. Deputies answered 1 domestic-related call. Deputies worked a deer-involved accident yesterday.

 

In the Sumter County Jail today: Catherine Hawkins for simple battery (FVA); Andrew Nicholas Jackson holding for Smithfield PD; Banita Renee Lee—holding for Crisp Co. SO; Charleston Alexander Saffi for robbery and aggravated assault; and Kevin Wesley Tannahill for felony theft by deception.

 

The Sumter County BOE held a called meeting last evening to discuss the redistricting maps. After discussion, the Board passed the resolution to adopt the amended election district plan and introduce it to local legislation. The called meeting was then adjourned.