WISK  /  WDEC

 "Local News"

Tuesday January 31st, 2012

 

Organizers of a community meeting to discuss the recent school board decisions were surprised at last night’s turnout. The cafeteria was full and extra chairs were brought in, which was a good thing. The meeting was for taxpayers to get their chance of asking Board members and the Superintendent their questions and actually hearing their responses. Unfortunately, only 3 Board members—Mike Busman, Meda Krenson and Mike Mock were the only ones in attendance along with Dr. Roy Brooks. 2 of the missing 6 had replied they had conflicts and the others did not respond to the request. The questions ranged from attorneys to school closings along with a few personal comments thrown in. One question was asked about any violations by Board members and what could be done. The response was only a guess but that it should be reported to the District Attorney’s office only to have DA Plez Hardin in attendance and he responded. He said that allegations had come to his office and that an investigation was ongoing. He said nothing criminal had been reported but assured those in attendance that the investigation into all the allegations would continue. There were maps on hand to show existing school board districts, proposed districts and County Commission districts. Many had no idea who their school board representative was until they looked it up on the maps. The meeting ended with moderator Jerry Perkins telling those that a Board work session will be held on February 6th at 6pm and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education would be on Thursday February 9th at 7pm.

Today is the deadline to purchase NAP Insurance. Non-insured Assistance Program Insurance (NAP) covers crops for which a multi-peril crop insurance is unavailable. The cost will be $250 per crop or $750 for all crops in a county. Producers must purchase insurance for both the spring and fall plantings by today’s deadline. There are no late-filed provisions. Contact the Sumter/Schley FSA Office for any last minute questions.

A cotton production meeting will be held at 6:30 this evening at the Sumter County Ag Center at 127 William Bowen Pointe. If you plan on attending tonight’s cotton production meeting, call 924-4476.

Americus Police made contact with a missing 13-year old from a Muscogee County Group Home in the early morning hours. The 13-year old was picked up at 4:47 this morning at Lot 21 Weeks Trailer Park and taken to the LEC where she would be picked up by Columbus authorities.

Officers responded to an animal case yesterday morning on S. Lee Street.

Thefts were reported yesterday at 206 Warren Avenue and at 1448 E. Forsyth Street.

Officers along with the Coroner’s office went to Lot 3 840 Railroad Street where Nathaniel Harris had been found deceased.

After a traffic stop was conducted on E. Lamar Street, Edward Howard Smith was arrested for driving on a suspended license, operating a vehicle with suspended registration and no proof of insurance.

A criminal trespass complaint was made at 1107-B Oglethorpe Avenue.

A counterfeit bill was turned over to police at 804 Adderton Street.

Markel Antoine James was arrested for fire on private lots for an illegal burn at 109-D Bush Circle.

A burglary was investigated last night at 139 Taylor Street.

Officers issued quite a few traffic citations yesterday mainly for speeding.

There was only 1 reported accident yesterday in the City with no injuries.

The delay in redistricting has qualifying up in the air. 5 school board members are up for re-election this year. Unless something is done real quick it appears that the qualifying will have to be done based on the 9 school district seats. Those up for reelection include Carolyn Whitehead, Willa Fitzpatrick, Mike Mock, Meda Krenson and Michael Lewis. Qualifying is supposed to begin at 9am on May 23rd and end at noon on May 25th.