COVID testing available locally

As the numbers of COVID cases continue to rise throughout Southwest Georgia, there has been a renewed call for vaccinations and testing. Recently, the Georgia Department of Public Health identified Grady County as a ‘high transmission county’ so for those who may be concerned about their exposure to the virus, there are several local locations to be tested. Test are available at Cairo Community Care, Cairo Internal Medicine (current patients only by appointment), Grady Primary Care, Cairo Medical Care, Wellness Life Center, Quail Ridge Family Practice, Mainstreet Cairo, Walgreens, U-Save-It and Walmart.

Grady rec department registering for fall sports

The Grady County Recreation Department is now taking registration for its 2021 fall sports. You can register now for Smurf flag football, 8U, 10U and 12U tackle football, cheering and soccer. The registration deadline is Aug. 20. For more information including the age control dates and registration fees, please call the Rec Department at 377-8221 or stop by the office located at 1816 N. Broad St. in Cairo.

Unsold season football tickets on sale to general public

The Cairo High School Syrupmaker football season begins on Aug. 20 and CHS has announced that any unsold season tickets are currently on sale to the general public for the season’s home games. To purchase tickets, stop by the front office at Cairo High school. For more information, call 377-2222.

Fruits and vegetables to be given away

Grady County residents are participate in WIC, Georgia’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, are invited to a free WIC Farmers Market to be held Aug. 10-12 at the Grady County Health Department from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Supplies of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables will be made available to WIC participants free of charge during these hours, but supplies are limited so anyone interested is reminded to come early.

Back 2 School Blitz is Aug. 21

The annual Back 2 School Blitz for free school supplies will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m., sponsored by Grady County Connections. Due to the success of the “drive-thru” format during 2020, the Back 2 School Blitz will once again follow a drive-thru format at the Cairo High School Gymnasium. All those who plan to attend should enter at Syrupmaker drive and exit at CHS Gym onto Hwy. 93. School supplies and venders will be on Syrupmaker drive. One backpack per student and parent and child must be in attendance to receive school supplies.

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 on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the AA clubhouse, 3351 Hwy. 84, Cairo GA 38828. For more information call Linda at (229) 221-5469.

New fishing requirements at Tired Creek Lake

The Grady County Lake Authority has announced that it is requesting that all bass tournament participants held on Tired Creek Lake not to hold bass in live wells for extended periods of time. Bass cannot survive the stress of being held in live wells until afternoon weigh-ins during the summer’s high temperatures and the return of the fish to the lake in a healthy condition is important in order for the lake to remain strong and a thriving fishing destination.

Grady County schools require mesh or clear book bags

When students return to classes in September, they will be required to have a mesh-style or clear book bag, according to Grady County School Superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard. The new directive was recommended by school administrators in an effort to provide better security for students. In addition, masks will not be required in schools this year but will be required for students riding on school buses.

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