Residents asked not to go to ER for COVID testing

With the recent rise of COVID in our community and the higher transmission rates for the new Omicron variant, state and local officials are asking residents not to go to Grady General Hospital for testing. Individuals with mild symptoms should find testing sites other the hospital emergency departments such as local physicians offices, MainStreet Family Care and Walgreens. Thomas County’s Health Department is offering testing Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Mitchell County is offering testing at the First Baptist Church in Camilla on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Providence Baptist holding gospel sing

Gospel singer/songwriter Mark Lanier will be appearing in concert at the Providence Baptist Church this Sunday at 11 a.m. Lanier has written many songs that have been performed by some of the biggest groups in gospel music and is a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Everyone is invited to come enjoy this program.

Library seeks collections for display

The Roddenbery Memorial Library is seeking collections to share and put on public display with the community. If you collect items such as stamps, figurines, or other types of collectibles in categories, please contact the library if you are interesting in sharing these collections.

Basketball registration at rec department

The Grady County Recreation Department is currently taking registration for the Rec Basketball league. For more information or to sign up your child, stop by the Recreation Department on North Broad Street.

Library offering watercolor classes

Watercolor classes with Tom will restart in January and meet every Tuesday at 4 p.m. Classes are held in the Market Space and the library will furnish the materials. No registration is required.

Grief support group now meeting

Grief Share, a support group offering help and encouragement after the death of a loved one, is now meeting on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. at Faith Christian Center in Cairo. The meeting is free and open to anyone who has lost a loved one or someone close to them.

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.

Library offers tech help

Need help with your phone, tablet, laptop or other device? The Roddenbery Memorial Library invites you to stop by during Tech Tuesday, each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for assistance. Both appointments and drop-ins are welcome.

SRTC offers free GED classes

Southern Regional Technical Center is offering free GED classes in Cairo, both in person and online. The classes are taught by Christopher Hunt from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday at no cost to students. These classes will help students pass the high school equivalency exam and improve their job opportunities. For more information, call (229) 378-2909.

Officials begin inspecting property in January

Grady County has hired a qualified vendor, Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions and Services (GMASS) to perform a total county-wide revaluation of property values, which will include commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural properties. Personnel from the Grady County Tax Assessor’s Office and GMASS will be inspecting properties throughout Grady County beginning in January 2022 using vehicles which will be marked with the Grady County seal or GMASS seal. If you have any questions, please call the Tax Assessor’s Office at 377-3325.

To submit an item to Cairo Newsbeat, contact Jeff Lovett at jeff@summerhillcreative.com or call (229) 221-1030.