Qualifying is this week for November elections

The cities of Cairo and Whigham will be holding qualifying this week for the municipal general elections to be held on Nov. 2. In Cairo, offices that are up for election are the positions of mayor and two City Council seats and in Whigham, the position of mayor and all council seats are up for election. Qualifying for the Cairo elections continues through today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and in Whigham from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., today through Friday.

Library reopened this week

The Roddenbery Memorial Library has reopened after being shut down last due to a staff member testing positive for the COVID virus. After a week for a thorough cleaning and isolation of staff, the library reopened this week for all activities.

Syrupmaker band selling commemorative bricks for fundraiser

The Cairo High School Band is raising money to purchase uniforms and is currently selling engraved bricks that will be on permanent display as part of their fundraiser. The bricks are available in various sizes and can be engraved with both lettering and clipart. The deadline to order the bricks is Nov. 3. If you are interested, call 378-5437 or email Missy Roberts at m.roberts@grady.k12.ga.us.

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. Tests 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.

GCRD registering for fall sports

The Grady County Recreation Department is now taking registration for their 2021 Fall Sports. You can register now for Smurf Flag Football, 8U, 10U and 12U Tackle Football, Cheering and Soccer. The registration deadline is Friday. 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

Cairo High School 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 CHS. For more information, call 377-2222.

Back 2 School Blitz is August 21

The annual Back 2 School Blitz for free school supplies will be held on Saturday, 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 Highway 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 they are 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 to 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 via email at jeff@summerhillcreative.com or phone  (229) 221-1030.