Less than three weeks to complete census

With approximately 50 percent of Grady County yet to complete the U.S. Census, local officials are conducting a last minute push to get more people to respond during the final days left before the September 30 deadline. The Grady Counts Committee, made up of volunteers working to ensure the community is counted accurately, is working with local businesses, churches and organizations to make sure that they employees and members are counted. Members of the committee are at the Roddenbery Memorial Library’s Grady Room every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. through September 30 to assist anyone who has not completed the census. If you would like more information about members of the committee coming to assist your organization, please call Nola Daughtry at 378-7272.

Schools open with masks required

Grady County Schools began the 2020-2021 school year last week and all parents and guardians are reminded that facial covering are required of all students who are attending the seven public schools. Superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard reminds all students and parent that because of the continued threat of the COVID-19 virus, masks are required for every student and social distancing will be practiced at all schools. The failure to wear a mask will be handled similar to violations of the school dress code. For more information, parents are urged to contact their child’s school.

September is Library Card Month 

The month of September is Library Card Month and the Roddenbery Memorial Library encourages everyone in the join the 7.900 cardholders in our community and apply for a library card. If you have lost your card, they will be waiving the $2 replacement fee during the month of September. Remember, your PINES card is good for checking out materials at all PINES member libraries throughout the state of Georgia.

Church open for in-person worship

Solid Rock M.B. Church has reopened for in-person worship on the first and third Sundays of each month. Sunday School is held at 10 a.m. with worship beginning at 11. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Library has VR for teens 

The Roddenbery Memorial Library recently obtained a grant from Dollar General stores and purchased a new Virtual Reality system. All teens, ages 13-18, are encourage to visit the library and try it out and see what you think. The VR System is available on a first come, first serve basis and no library card is necessary.

Probate court reopens

The Grady County Probate Court reopened on September 14 after being closed for several days due to the quarantine of court personnel. Grady County Probate Judge Denise Maddox announced last week that the court would close because several of her staff had possibly been exposed to COVID-19 and to protect the safety of the other staff and public, closure was the best option. The Probate Court has reopened to serve residents with full service this week.

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