Qualifying for city elections under way

Qualifying for the City of Cairo elections to be held this fall begins this week for three district city council seats. Council seats for Districts 1, 3 and 5 will be up for re-election this fall and anyone wishing to run for election in these districts will have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 to qualify at the Cairo City Hall. The qualifying fee is $219.

Al-Anon chapter meets on Thursdays

Does someone close to you have a drinking or drug problem? Al-Anon Family Groups have one focus: to help friends and families of alcoholics. The local group meets in Cairo, on Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the AA clubhouse, 3351 Hwy. 84, Cairo, Ga 38828. For more information call Linda at (229) 221-5469.

Ringers are needed

If you are interested in learning how to become a handbell ringer, there will be classes starting on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Contact Judy Sheffield at (229) 319-3257 for more details. All ages are welcome.

Reserved parking spots for games on sale

Syrupmaker fans who wish to purchase a reserved parking space for the Cairo High School football games are reminded to come to the school and purchase their permits as soon as possible. The amount of reserved parking spaces are limited because of the construction of the new JROTC building near the stadium so anyone wishing to purchase a permit are encouraged to get them as early as possible. The permits are $100 and will be good for all five home games.

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church to hold homecoming

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, located on Old 179 North near Whigham, will be holding its annual homecoming services on Aug. 24 and 25 starting with a sing at 6 p.m., Saturday featuring “The Threads of Hope.” The homecoming will continue on Sunday with services at 10 a.m. with special singing by “New Voice Quartet” and guest preacher Pastor Nathan Fowler. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Grady County schools seeks bus drivers

The Grady County School System is currently in search of part-time bus drivers for its transportation department. Applicants will be provided with the necessary training to obtain a CDL and must have high school diploma, love children and be available to drive mornings and afternoons. For more information, contact Adrienne Cruel at 377-2124.

Youth Sunday planned at Whigham Baptist

The youth of Whigham Baptist Church invite everyone in the community to join them for Youth Sunday on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. as the youth share their experiences from their recent summer camp. Following the morning service, there will be a spaghetti lunch fundraiser with proceeds being used to help fund the group’s winter trip. Everyone is invited to attend.

Library’s used bookstore reopens

The Roddenbery Memorial Library has announced that its used bookstore has reopened on Mondays from 12 to 3 p.m. and every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The used bookstore is located in the Grady Room behind the library.

Duck hunting season announced for Tired Creek

The Tired Creek Lake Authority has approved an opportunity for local youth to experience duck hunting on the lake this fall and winter. The duck hunting season will be for youth hunters only, 17 years of age and younger, and will be held on Nov. 23, 27 and 30, Dec. 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, and Jan. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29. The duck hunting will only be permitted in the upper, three “fingers” at the north end of the lake. For more information, call the tax commissioners office at 377-3322, extension 2.

Camp Heal is October 19.

Hospice of Southwest Georgia will be conducting their annual day camp for children ages 6 to 17 who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Camp Heal will be held at Camp Piney Woods in Thomasville on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers educational discussions on grief and bereavement, an information memorial services and other activities designed to help young people deal with their grief. For more information or to sign up, call (800) 290-6567.

To submit an item to Cairo Newsbeat, contact Jeff Lovett at (229) 221-1030.