Area News
Cairo man found dead on city street
A young Cairo man was killed when he was struck by a car last week, and Cairo police have little evidence to help in their search for the driver responsible. Walter Juan-Francisco, 21, was found lying in the street in front of 526 Ninth Ave., N.E., on Wednesday, Aug. 13. A passerby discovered Juan-Francisco at…
Read MoreSchool system contracts with architect on Southside project
In the process of addressing facility needs at the Southside Elementary School, where school officials have been told by an engineer the main building is structurally failing, the Grady County Board of Education authorized Superintendent Lee M. Bailey to execute an architectural contract with Raymond C. Finger of Thomasville. According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kermit…
Read MoreCity employees who shape up pay less
It’s now official. City of Cairo employees covered by the city’s health insurance plan will have to make healthier lifestyle choices in 2015 or show they are taking steps to improve their health; if not, they will see their annual deductible increase from $500 to $1,500 annually. The city council voted 3-2 Monday night to…
Read MoreLocal man remains in critical condition at Tallahassee hospital
A young Cairo man is still listed in critical condition at a Tallahassee hospital two weeks after he was flown there by helicopter for treatment of severe trauma he endured after being hit by a car. Blair Chastain, 23, was struck by a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix on Second Avenue, N.E., in Cairo on Wednesday,…
Read MoreEngineers pressed to avoid delay in dam construction
It appears engineering estimates were insufficient and the contractors building the Tired Creek Lake dam are within 30 days of running out of suitable soil to use in building the earthen dam for the 960-acre lake. Grady County commissioners met in a special called meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss the situation with representatives of Schnabel…
Read MoreThe cost to rest in peace is going up
The cost to rest in peace in Cairo is about to become a little more expensive. The Cairo City Council voted unanimously Monday night to increase the cost of cemetery lots by $50. Effective Oct. 1, the rates will be: Crestview Cemetery – $200 plus $10 recording fee; Cairo City Cemetery – $200 plus $10…
Read MoreCounty considers doing business with the city
The city of Cairo and Grady County could soon be doing business together. On Tuesday, Grady County commissioners heard a presentation by Peggy Maddox with CNS representing the CNS system and the city of Cairo. Grady County Administrator Carlos Tobar has been investigating the possibility of switching phone and Internet service to CNS as a…
Read MoreCounty converting to new weather alert system next week
Grady County will convert its current Automated Weather Alert System next week to a new provider, Swift911. The alert system, which is free to Grady County residents, will officially switch to the new provider on Wednesday, Aug. 13. A test message will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. Anyone currently registered with…
Read MoreBig weekend of fun for Washington alumni kicks off Friday
The 25th anniversary of the combined Washington High School Alumni Reunion will be celebrated here this weekend and the three-day event is packed with activities including a parade through downtown Cairo Saturday morning. Grady County Commission Vice Chairman LaFaye Copeland, the first female county commissioner in Grady County, has been named the Grand Marshall for…
Read MoreMan hit by car during dispute is in critical condition
A week after he was flown by a Lifeflight helicopter to a Tallahassee hospital for treatment, a Cairo man remains in critical condition. Blair Chastain is being treated after he was hit by a car on Second Avenue N.E. in Cairo on Wednesday, July 30. According to Cairo Police Chief Keith Sandefur, charges have not…
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