2012: A Review of This Year’s Top Local Stories

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 2013 is almost here, but before we ring in the new year let’s take a look back at some of this year’s top local stories.

There goes 2012, and here comes Honey Boo Boo. The young TV star put Wilkinson County and Middle Georgia on the map with her wild antics and catchphrases.

Milledgeville police handcuffed a six-year-old girl after she allegedly threw a temper tantrum at her elementary school.

Helicopters and large search groups spent days searching for 10-year-old Kit Colburn. An exterminator found the missing Warner Robins boy two days later hiding in the buses.

Decision 2012: In Taylor County, the race for Distrcit Four County Commissioner ended in a dead tie. Both candidates received 343 votes each, making Taylor County history.

Bibb County voters passed consolidation. Now a task force is figuring out how to merge the city and governments into one.

Long time Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena is retiring after working with the Sheriff’s Office for more than 40 years.

Bibb County schools unveiled and adopted the Macon Miracle. Some new changes include technology upgrades, adopting a new emergency response plan, and teaching students Mandarin Chinese.

In high school football, the Dooly County Bobcats made it all the way to the Class A State Championship Game at the Georgia Dome, but they lost to Emanuel County Institute.

Macon police round out the year with an investigation into one of their own. An officer fatally shot Sammie Davis Jr. in front of a Kroger off Pio Nono Avenue. His family and the community are demanding justice. Many are calling this Macon’s own “Trayvon Martin” case.

Bibb County sheriff’s deputies dragged Aurie Bonner III by his hands and feet into the Bibb LEC courtroom for his first appearance. He’s accused of killing 87-year-old Christine Cook back in October.

The Warner Robins man accused of hiring two men to kill his wife was sentence to life in prison. James “Eddy” Clements was found guilty of malice murder.

Carmen Collins, the 17-year-old Houston County girl charged with murdering her sister and then setting her parent’s house on fire, plead not guilty, The District Attorney’s office expects her case will likely go to trial in 2013.

And finally, Hollywood came to Middle Georgia. Sevearl movies were filmed in Macon and Warner Robins, including “Trouble with the Curve” starring Clint Eastwood, “42,” and a film based on Christian singer Rich Mullins’ life.