Macon Violence Prevention forum addresses bar and club owners

After seeing a growing number of homicides, Macon-Bibb leaders are turning to the community for solutions.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb leaders,  including Commissioners Virgil Watkins, Paul Bronson and Al Tillman, met with bar and club owners at Niche 385 Monday night to address nightlife safety during a Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) forum.

Several people have been killed due to club violence in the last year, and county administrators want your help to help solve the issue.

“I haven’t met anyone yet who is pro gun violence, so we’re all looking for solutions,” District 8 Commissioner Watkins said.

Topics discussed included everything from police presence to underage teens going into the clubs. Most business owners agreed they want to see more patrolling officers at night in downtown.

Some offered law and program-based solutions, while others wanted to see more cultural and community solutions.

Bar and club owners thought about pooling resources when it comes to security, hosting teen nights and changing the way their DJs play songs.

The Thirsty Turtle in Macon has had three deaths on its doorstep within the past year. Club Owner Tim Ogelboger, and his son who manages the club, Matthew Ogelboger, both made an appearance at the forum. Both told their side of the story about the tragic events near their bar and professed their innocence in the shootings which caused a few arguments from those attending.

“In November, the community felt like you lied to us,” Unionville Neighborhood Association member Shekita Maxwell said. “Let’s be blunt. You said that it didn’t happen in your club, it didn’t happen around your club, and later on you had to come back and recant. So understand this, we feel like we don’t trust you, but we still let our kids come down there thinking that you improved and did better. It’s not to blame you. Our kids have to make better decisions, too.”

After a few arguments, the conversation was only open to those offering solutions to the safety issues.

“These kids need somewhere to go,” local promoter Ray Wilson said. “They need somewhere to go. But lets stop the bickering. We’ve got kids dead.”

Commissioner Watkins hopes the bar and club owners take the opportunity to meet more frequently. He says all of the suggested solutions will be taken into consideration to become part of the Macon Violence Prevention Action Plan that will be presented in September.