WISK / WDEC
"Local News"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** *
Friday, May 9th, 2008
The monthly meeting of the Sumter County Board of Education was held for
the first time in the newly renovated Administration Building. Although work is
continuing, the boardroom was available for last night’s meeting. The financial
report and accounts payables for April were approved. The preliminary cash flow
report was also approved. Under personnel, the Board accepted 1 retirement and
accepted 12 resignations including 2 assistant principals. 29 were hired, which
included new principals and 1 assistant principal. The newly named principals were
Shawn Davidson at the North campus site; James Fowler at the Performance
Learning Center and Dr. Walter Phillips at Sumter Middle School. The new
assistant principal is Walter Knighton at the South Campus. 3 policies that
were on the table were approved last night. The Board heard an update on
construction underway around the system. The Board approved a modified work
schedule for 12-month employees. A memorandum of understanding between the
Board of Education and Georgia Southwestern State University for Early College
was approved. It was announced that baccalaureate
services will be this Thursday evening May 15th at 8pm at
Finklea-Robinson Field. Graduation will be the next night, Friday May 16th
at 8pm also at Finklea-Robinson. After a few more announcements, the meeting
was adjourned.
Commencement
ceremonies for Georgia Southwestern State University will be at 11 this morning
in Convocation Hall in the Student Success Center. Approximately 220 students
will receive their degrees. Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, President of the University
of West Georgia will be the featured speaker. The community is invited. We welcome
all the parents and friends to Americus for today’s big event.
The 16th
annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive is finally here. The National Association of
Letter Carriers along with the US Postal Service are sponsors of the event. You
can participate by leaving non-perishable food items in a sturdy bag next to
your mailbox prior to your regular mail pick-up. Non-perishable food items
include canned meats, soups and vegetables, pasta, cereal and rice. Please, no
out-of-date food items or anything in glass containers. Your letter carrier
will pick up the food when your mail is delivered and take the food to the
local food bank. You can help stamp out hunger by participating tomorrow May 10th.
We got
some rain early this morning. The rain started about 5:20 and it rained, then
stopped and then really opened up. But as quick as it started, it ended just as
abruptly. There is now a chance of late Saturday afternoon showers in the
forecast but it still appears the best chance of rain will unfortunately fall
on Mother’s Day. We need the rain and after the rain on Sunday, expect somewhat
more seasonable temperatures.
Americus Police had a rash of criminal trespass complaints filed
yesterday with the department. A criminal trespass complaint was made on US 280
for a damaged vehicle when rocks were thrown at the car. Criminal trespass
complaints were made at 105 Peachtree Street, 406 S. Hampton Street (door) and
109 Lilly Lane.
Beau Aaron Bridges was arrested for shoplifting, his second offense, at
Harvey’s at 106 Prince Street.
A 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, maroon with tag ALB 9144 was stolen
from 126 Belinda Circle. A lookout has been posted.
An auto was entered and criminal damage to property in the 2nd
degree occurred at A9 817 N. Mayo Street.
Hit-n-run accidents occurred in the City of Americus and at 1048 E.
Forsyth Street.
A juvenile was arrested on unruly charges at 109-D Magnolia Village
Apartments.
A criminal damage to property in the 2nd degree was reported
at 730 MLK Boulevard at the Americus Garden Apartments for a damaged vehicle.
An assault battery was reported early this morning at 1402 MLK Boulevard.
Officers worked 3 accidents in the City with no reported injuries. Officers
did issue numerous traffic citations for various offenses yesterday.