WISK  /  WDEC

 "Local News"

Wednesday May 15th, 2013

It seems as if someone asks everyday has there been word on when an election can be held for the 5 seats on the Board of Education that has been tied up in court for about a year. In checking with Bill NeSmith, attorney for Sumter County who will have to put the election together, he said that no word yet has been received from Judge Louis Sands or the Reapportionment Office that is redrawing the districts. He did state that when word is received, that the election in Sumter County will not be based on Georgia statutes. Instead the election will be court-ordered and will be conducted when the court says so. He went on to say that potential candidates will probably have 60-90 days to qualify and run a campaign. For example IF word was received today it would seem that the earliest an election could be held would be late August or early September. The longer that the court waits, the later a court-ordered election would be held.

One week from today at high noon, the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce will host a 2013 Georgia General Assembly wrap-up at the Legislative Luncheon. On the program next Wednesday will be State Representatives Mike Cheokas and Ed Rynders and State Senators John Crosby and Freddie Powell Sims. Seating is limited in the Georgia Southwestern Faculty Dining Hall so make your reservation today. The cost is $10 per person. Contact Ivy at 924-7007 or by email ivy@americus-sumterchamber.com.

Spirit Week activities continue at the schools in the Sumter County School system. The week will end with each school performing a cheer on the field this Friday night during the annual Spring Football game at Alton Shell Stadium at Finklea-Robinson Field. Spirit Week shirts are being sold at the various schools to wear at the game on Friday night. All the activities will begin at 7 this Friday night. Game tickets will be $5 at the gate.

There are 2 community events going on tomorrow. The Caregiver Support Group will meet at 5:30 Thursday at the Americus Day Health Center at 721-A Felder Street. The guest speaker will be Jennifer Cooper from M.R.S. Homecare discussing their services and equipment available to residents in their homes.

Business After Hours will be hosted tomorrow from 5:30 to 7pm by Americus Glass Company at 135 South Jackson Street in downtown Americus. All Chamber members and prospective members are encouraged to attend the “No Work Network” opportunity.

Americus Police made more arrests yesterday during traffic stops around town. After a traffic stop was conducted on Crawford Street Leon Brooks was arrested for his 2^nd DUI, for speeding and passing in a no-passing zone.

A traffic stop was made on Lamar Street resulting in the arrest of Homer Bell for his second offense of driving on a suspended license.

Adilene Messino-Barrientos was cited for failure to stop for a bus loading or unloading on E. Forsyth Street yesterday afternoon.

Virginia Renee Bruce was arrested at 1101 Crawford Street for her second shoplifting offense.

Yasmin Hasnain was arrested at 1456 E. Forsyth Street and charged with cruelty to animals.

A criminal trespass complaint for a damaged vehicle was made at 1711 E. Lamar Street.

Officers responded to a dog bite victim at 206 Hosanna Circle.

A hit-n-run accident occurred at 107 Prince Street.

Officers worked 2 minor accidents yesterday with no injuries.