UPDATE: Both suspects in Cochran armed robbery now in custody

Both suspects have been taken into custody, according to an update Friday night from Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape.

Photos: Bleckley County Sheriff’s OfficeUPDATE: Both suspects have been taken into custody, according to an update Friday night from Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape. “Once again, this was an outstanding group effort from the three law enforcement agencies involved who worked continuously to ensure Bleckley County was safe from these suspects,” he wrote in a Facebook post. The second suspect…

Chief Reco Stephens retires after 25 years with Macon-Bibb County Fire Department

After a 25-year career at the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, including almost three as Assistant Fire Chief, Reco Stephens has retired.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After a 25-year career at the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, including almost three as Assistant Fire Chief, Reco Stephens has retired. “I’ve always been told by past firefighters that you’ll know when it’s time and they’re right,” Stephens said. “It’s hard to define, but you get that feeling when you know that it’s time to retire.”…

FEMA urges disaster survivors to apply for assistance before February 7 deadline

“We are an agency that response, we are an agency that continues to serve every single minute of the day, and we are here for the people, for the survivors that are impacted.” 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Due to seasonal winter storms, hurricanes, and fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging people to sign up for assistance before the February 7 deadline. FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. FEMA media relations specialist James Wood says FEMA’s main mission is to get victims on their road to recovery. …

Atrium Health Amphitheater contributes $20 million into community

Macon Centreplex venues have set record-breaking numbers, and contributed a significant economic impact to the community. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Centreplex venues have set record-breaking numbers, and contributed a significant economic impact to the community. General Manager at the Oak View Group, David Aiello, says the Atrium Health Amphitheater, Macon City Auditorium, and the Macon Coliseum hosted more than 200 events in 2024. According to the Oak View Group, the three venues welcomed more…

Warming continues this weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will reach the 50s across the region both days this weekend. This Evening A mostly sunny day will give way to clear skies overnight as temperatures again will plummet. It will be below freezing ahead of midnight with overall lows expected to be around the 20 degree mark to begin Saturday. Wind will be gentle…

Teen sentenced to 25 years for voluntary manslaughter in R&R Quik Stop shooting

A 17-year-old has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 17-year-old has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.  The sentencing stems from the October 24, 2023, shooting of 45-year-old Shalandra Hooten at the R&R Quik Stop in Fort Valley. According to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s…

Tax season begins January 27: BBB offers tips for finding a trustworthy tax preparer

The IRS will begin accepting 2024 tax returns on Monday, January 27, and the filing deadline is set for Tuesday, April 15.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The IRS will begin accepting 2024 tax returns on Monday, January 27, and the filing deadline is set for Tuesday, April 15. As the tax season begins, the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia is urging taxpayers to choose their tax preparers carefully to avoid scams and ensure accurate filings. According to the BBB, finding a…

Bibb deputies seek public’s help in locating stolen car and motorcycle

Bibb County deputies are asking for help in locating two stolen vehicles—a black 2018 Ford Fusion and a 2021 KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle—taken from separate locations earlier this month.

Photos: Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Bibb County deputies are asking for help in locating two stolen vehicles—a black 2018 Ford Fusion and a 2021 KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle—taken from separate locations earlier this month. According to a sheriff’s office bulletin, the Ford Fusion, stolen during the early morning hours of Monday, January 20 from a home on…

Man arrested for stealing gasoline in Monroe County

The store owner reported that a total of 2,446 gallons of gas was stolen between January 19-20.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested for theft by taking on Rumble Road on Monday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release, officers were dispatched to a gas station on January 20 about stolen gasoline. The store owner reported that a total of 2,446 gallons of gas was stolen between January 19-20. During…

Country star Parker McCollum performing at Atrium Health Amphitheater on June 28

Country music superstar Parker McCollum has announced he will be bringing his What Kinda Man Tour 2025 to the Atrium Health Amphitheater with special guests Corey Smith and Vincent Mason on Saturday, June 28.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Country music superstar Parker McCollum has announced he will be bringing his What Kinda Man Tour 2025 to the Atrium Health Amphitheater with special guests Corey Smith and Vincent Mason on Saturday, June 28. Reserved seating tickets start at $34.50 and general admission lawn tickets are $27.50, according to a news release from Oak View Group,…

‘It is a little bit of a detriment’: Local businesses look to rebound after winter storm closures

NewTown Macon is offering customers who make a purchase with a downtown business between Thursday, January 23 and Sunday, January 26 the chance to win a staycation. The winner of the staycation giveaway will receive a one-night stay at Hotel Forty Five and a $250 gift card to the downtown business of their choice.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — While many people were excited about Tuesday’s winter storm bringing the region levels of snowfall it hadn’t seen in years, it cost some local businesses a day or more worth of revenue. “It does affect our business,” said Kelley Wrigley, the Owner of Kudzu Seafood Company in downtown Macon. “It is a little…

16th annual Boutique Warehouse Sale happening Saturday at Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia

Cash donations will be collected from customers at the door for early entry into the sale, and these cash donations go directly to the rescue mission. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 16th annual Boutique Warehouse Sale is set for Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p-m at the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia Dining Hall. Early entry donation shopping starts at 8 a.m. Each year, 11 boutiques are offered the opportunity to be a part of the sale, allowing them to reach thousands of…

Another frigid night expected; warming continues Friday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will climb into the upper 40s Friday afternoon as snow continues to melt. This Evening High cirrus clouds have been present across Middle Georgia this afternoon and will remain overhead through this evening and tonight. It will be a slightly warmer night than the last two, however it will still be well below the average…

Man charged with aggravated assault after baseball bat used during domestic dispute in Perry

According to the news release, the Perry Police Department responded to an aggravated assault with a baseball bat that happened during a domestic dispute.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was charged with aggravated assault after a domestic dispute on Wednesday in Perry, according to a news release. The incident happened at 10:45 p.m. on January 22 at Pecan Grove Mobile Manor, located at 1998 Sam Nunn Boulevard. According to the news release, the Perry Police Department responded to an aggravated assault with a…

GDOT encourages people to stay off roads, offers tips for those who have to drive

District Communications Officer at the Georgia Department of Transportation , Gina Snider, says GDOT had been monitoring the situation since last week and brining the roads since Sunday. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) says people need to stay off the roads due to unsafe driving conditions. District Communications Officer at the Georgia Department of Transportation, Gina Snider, says GDOT had been monitoring the situation since last week and brining the roads since Sunday. “We put put over 300,000 gallons of brine in the…

UPDATE: Macon-Bibb Transit Authority opens Thursday after winter storm

The Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority will be closed on Wednesday, January 22 due to inclement weather.

UPDATE (1/22) – According to the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority, buses routes will resume operations on Thursday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)  – The Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority will be closed on Wednesday, January 22 due to inclement weather. “We will resume normal operations on Thursday, January 23,” MTA stated in a news release. Categories: Bibb…

Moonhanger Group withdraws request to sell alcohol at H&H in Macon

Owner of the Moonhanger Group, Wes Griffith, says "We did not anticipate such fervent opposition and have no desire to engage in divisiveness."

Courtesy: H&H via FacebookMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Moonhanger Group has pulled H&H Restaurant’s application for a conditional use permit to sell beer and wine, according to a news release. Owner of the Moonhanger Group, Wes Griffith, released the following statement: “The Moonhanger Group has withdrawn H&H Restaurant’s request to Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning for a conditional use to sell…

UPDATE: Macon-Bibb government offices to reopen Thursday, trash pickup delayed

Trash pickup is delayed as winter weather creates hazardous road conditions.

FileUPDATE (1/22): Government offices along with the court system will reopen at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, according to Macon-Bibb County. It includes Amerson River Park, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, and recreation centers. They say an opening time for Historic Bowden Golf Course will be decided after staff has a chance to assess the conditions of the greens. Trash pickup…

Girl Scout cookie season underway

Girl Scout cookie season began January 2 and ends March 9.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Girl Scout cookie season is officially underway and local Girl Scouts are already selling in Middle Georgia. Local Girl Scouts and sisters, Abigale and Cayleigh, have been Girl Scouts for 6 years in Middle Georgia. The sisters both hope to sell 2,000 boxes of cookies. Girl Scout cookie season began January 2 and ends March 9….

Macon-Bibb EMA offers winter weather tips

Middle Georgians are navigating icy conditions and below-freezing temperatures in the aftermath of a winter storm that brought snow to the region.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Middle Georgians are navigating icy conditions and below-freezing temperatures in the aftermath of a winter storm that brought snow to the region. “The cold is going to be very impactful,” Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Spencer Hawkins said Tuesday. “On top of that, we’re also going to see some snow, some wintry mixed precipitation, fall….

Cherry Blossom Festival Royal Court applications open

Applicants can apply online by January 24. The cost to apply is $50.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Preparation is underway for the 43rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Royal Court applications are open for the community. Director of Marketing and Fulfillment for the Cherry Blossom Festival, Hannah Theus, says they are looking for enthusiastic ambassadors for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Here are the following age groups for the Royal Court: Little Mr and Ms…

Macon shelters increasing capacity during winter storm

Those without shelter can head to Depaul USA Daybreak, where they will be assigned a warming bed at either the Hello House, Brookdale Resource Center or the Salvation Army.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While officials across Middle Georgia have urged everyone to stay inside during the winer storm, not everyone has that luxury. That’s why shelters across Macon have increased their capacity to account for those in need. “It is uncommon that we see temperatures that are this low,” said Jake Hall, the Executive Director for the United Way…

Christian Friends Baptist Church warming shelter is open in Hawkinsville

"I felt the Lord talking to me and saying that there was a need and through him that we can do anything," said Emily Smith, Church Member of Christian Friends Baptist Church.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)UPDATE (1/23) – Pastor Davis says though the warming shelter is no longer open they have been able to put multiple people in hotels for the weekend and they are currently still receiving and accepting donations and passing them out to people in need. HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As snow began falling even in Hawkinsville a local…