WISK  /  WDEC

 "Local News"

Thursday May 8th, 2008

The population of Americus will increase, if only for one day or so, when parents and friends start arriving today for commencement ceremonies at Georgia Southwestern State University. Commencement will begin at 11am tomorrow morning in Convocation Hall at the Student Success Center on campus. Approximately 220 students will be receiving their degrees. University of West Georgia President Beheruz N. Sethna will be the commencement speaker. The community is invited to attend. Another graduation is set for next week. Americus-Sumter South Campus students will observe baccalaureate on Thursday May 15^th and graduation will follow on Friday May 16^th. Both services will be held at Finklea-Robinson Field.

After being away for months due to construction and renovation, the Sumter County Board of Education meets this evening in the new boardroom at the SCS Administration Building. The meeting will begin at 6pm in executive session to discuss personnel matters. The open session will follow at 7pm. The community is invited to attend and see the renovated facilities.

The National Association of Letter Carriers, along with the US Postal Service, will be collecting non-perishable food items like canned meats and fish, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice this Saturday May 10^th. You can help “Stamp Out Hunger” by leaving your food items in a sturdy bag by your mailbox before your regular mail pick-up on Saturday. Your letter carrier will pick up your food items and take them to the local food banks. Please, no out-of-date food items or anything in glass containers. You can help your neighbors who may be hungry right here in Americus and Sumter County by participating. Together, we can make a difference.

There is a chance of some late afternoon showers in the area today but the better chance of rain may come overnight. It will be windy and warm. Actually, the best chance of rain looks like it will arrive in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday. Highs will approach 90-degrees by the weekend, some may actually see the low 90s on Saturday.

Americus Police are investigating a false report of a crime that appears to be more prank call than anything else. The case is under further investigation.

3 arrested were made at 2:38 this morning on E. Forsyth Street near Farmer’s Furniture. Alexander Jordan and Jeremy Jamar Watts were arrested for non-compliance. Shaneequa C. Lewis was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and non-compliance.

4 juveniles were arrested for affray on N. Lee Street. 1 was also charged with aggravated assault.

A juvenile was arrested at 805 N. Lee Street on disorderly conduct charges.

A cruelty to animals’ complaint was made at 702 Magnolia Street.

Terroristic threats were reported at 1011 Oak Avenue.

A simple battery complaint was filed with officers at 515 E. Forsyth Street.

William Charles Moncus was arrested at 130 W. Dodson Street for possession of tobacco products by a person under 18 and the false report of a crime.

A criminal trespass occurred at 129 Academy Street.

Officers gave out a few traffic citations yesterday.

There were 2 accidents in the City with 1 injury complaint.

Americus-Sumter Football coach Mark Wilson reminds everyone the spring football game will be at 5:30 this afternoon to wrap up spring practice. The game was moved up a day due to the Panthers beginning baseball playoff action in Augusta tomorrow. The Odyssey of the Mind team will be manning the concession stand as a fundraiser for their trip to Maryland for the World Finals. Your attendance and help by purchasing concessions would be greatly appreciated.