A truly rough 2020 ended with a stabbing in Midway and while there was a New Year’s baby born at Winn Army Community Hospital, 2021 started with a house fire in Hinesville.

Christopher Lumkin, of Midway, was stabbed during an altercation with Jeffery Vasser on Hanna June Lane in Midway shortly before midnight Dec. 31, 2020.

According to Liberty County Chief Deputy, Max Brown, Lumkin was stabbed twice with the most serious wound being to the abdomen. Lumkin was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah by ambulance. Brown said he is listed in stable condition.

Vasser, who had fled the scene was later arrested by Liberty County deputies at the intersection of Charlie Butler Road in Midway.

Vasser was later released after posting bail.

Hinesville firefighters were on the scene of a house fire on the 100 block of Deerwood Way in Hinesville on the evening of Jan. 2, 2021.

According to Capt. John Tupper, all occupants managed to get out of the residence.   There were two adults, and two children in the home as well as three cats.

Tupper said the homeowner said they were cooking when they heard a pop possibly coming from a ceiling fan causing flames to appear. The fire got into the attic and also damaged the kitchen cabinets.  

When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the eaves of the home.

Everyone was able to exit the residence except the cats.  One firefighter was seen passing a cat through the window while another cat squirmed from the grip of another firefighter and ran off.  

They are currently looking for the third animal. The fire is under investigation and the Red Cross was called and is assisting the family.