Fire on Central Avenue in Milledgeville ruled arson; $10,000 reward offered

Baldwin County Fire Rescue says the fire damaged an unoccupied home and caused no injuries.

Credit: Baldwin County Fire RescueMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Investigators say a fire that damaged a home on Central Avenue early Friday was intentionally set, and Georgia Arson Control is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. According to Baldwin County Fire Rescue, crews were called to the single-story,…

Wedding bells ring at Bibb County Magistrate Court ahead of Valentine’s Day

Couples line up in Macon to say “I do,” sharing excitement and advice about love and marriage

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Wedding bells are ringing at the Bibb County Magistrate Court, and many couples like Tony Chatfield and Venus Causey lined up Friday to take the next step in their relationship. The couple says they’re excited to always have their anniversary around Valentine’s Day. “I’m a grown man, and I want me a grown woman, you feel…

Goodwill providing high schoolers with inexpensive prom dresses

She says 86 cents of every dollar that is spent on the dresses goes back into the community to fund jobs, career services and educational purposes. 

Goodwill prom dresses (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Prom night is a night every girl looks forward to, but affording that dream dress can get expensive. 41NBC spoke with Shaneika Raines, the manager of the Goodwill store on Zebulon Road in Macon, about their annual prom dress pop-up sale, where they provide every girl her dream dress at a…

DA: Macon man pleads guilty in domestic violence shooting, avoids prison time

The defendant fired at his former girlfriend and her daughter, then received a suspended prison sentence.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Macon man pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting at his former girlfriend and her daughter during a domestic violence incident in 2022, just after a jury was selected for his trial. According to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Darius McKenzie entered guilty pleas to two counts of aggravated assault and…

Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health offers programs for substance use, addiction

Kyle James, an addiction counselor at Piedmont Macon’s Behavioral Health, said the facility has multiple resources for those seeking help.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health is urging community members to seek help if they are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Kyle James, an addiction counselor at Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health, said the facility has multiple resources for those seeking help. According to Piedmont, an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from substance use disorder. Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health…

Local florist says Valentine’s Day is biggest holiday of the year for business

Lawrence Mayer Florist prepares for strong holiday as roses remain the top seller

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Valentine’s Day coming up, one local florist says the holiday is the biggest time of the year for their business. Lawrence Mayer Florist has been family-owned since 1948. Owner John Mayer says his father started the business, and he has been running it for about 30 years. Mayer says Valentine’s Day makes up a big…

Georgia Business Focus: Tariff debate, air ambulance expansion, STEM growth, fiber coverage, and fuel prices

Georgia's senior senator, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Subcommittee overseeing tariffs, says households are bearing the cost of the administration's trade policy.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia is making headlines this week with major developments affecting households across the state. From debate over the economic impact of federal tariffs to life-saving upgrades in emergency healthcare, a surge in STEM job opportunities, expanded high-speed internet access, and steady energy prices, here’s what you need to know right now. Warnock Criticizes Trump Tariffs Impacting…

Man arrested after commercial burglary on Emery Highway

The burglary happened about 6 a.m. Thursday at Thunderbird Package, 2585 Emery Highway.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man was arrested in connection with the burglary of a commercial business, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The burglary happened about 6 a.m. Thursday at Thunderbird Package, 2585 Emery Highway. According to a news release, deputies responded to Thunderbird Package in reference to a burglar alarm. A witness reported an unknown man inside…

Spoon Risper named head football coach, athletic director at Macon County

The longtime Westside coach is heading to Montezuma.

Credit: Sheddrick Spoon Risper/FacebookMONTEZUMA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Sheddrick “Spoon” Risper has been named the new head football coach and athletic director at Macon County High School. The Macon County School System announced Thursday, in a release titled “Legendary Leadership,” that the Macon County Board of Education approved Risper’s appointment during its Tuesday meeting. Risper, who spent the past 17 seasons…

Former Vice President Kamala Harris brings 107 DAYS book tour to Macon, looks ahead to 2026 midterms

Downtown Macon was the site of a national political conversation as former Vice President Kamala Harris brought her 107 DAYS book tour to City Auditorium.

Vice President Kamala HarrisMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Downtown Macon was the site of a national political conversation as former Vice President Kamala Harris brought her 107 DAYS book tour to City Auditorium. Middle Georgians gathered at the venue to hear Harris reflect on her historic presidential campaign, her time in public office, and what she believes lies ahead for the…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for aggravated assault in Bibb County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon Regional Crime Stoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its ongoing effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crime Stoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals…

Warner Robins approves rezoning for homes, small commercial site on Lake Joy Road

The plan includes 43 single-family homes, limited commercial space, and road and safety improvements.

Rezoning in Warner Robins (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Warner Robins city council approved a rezoning request this month for 16.3 acres along Lake Joy Road near Duskmoore Drive as part of the city’s comprehensive plan. City Administrator James Drinkard says the rezoning aligns with long-term planning goals and addresses concerns raised by residents and county officials. “Addressing…

Bibb County jail expansion could add 150 beds by 2027

Sheriff David Davis says the addition will help relieve overcrowding and allow renovations to older sections of the jail.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with plans to expand the jail after being allocated funding to build an addition to the current facility. Sheriff David Davis says while he has wanted a new jail built, that’s not financially possible right now. “I’ve always advocated for a new jail, a complete new jail, but…

Free wellness classes coming to Spirit of Macon Park starting in March

Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority says the free classes are aimed at helping older residents stay active and connected.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new free wellness program is coming to downtown Macon, aimed at helping older residents stay active and connected. The Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority announced Monday the new Spirit of Macon Park will host free monthly wellness classes starting in March.   Every second Thursday of the month, the park will offer activities like Zumba, yoga and meditation from 1 to 2 p.m. Fitness instructor Miriam Langley says the goal is to remove cost barriers…

Macon small business owner says tariffs are driving up costs at Cherry Street shop

Bohemian Den owner Scott Mitchell says increased tariffs are forcing tough financial decisions

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scott Mitchell says the impact of rising tariffs has been difficult to absorb for his small business on Cherry Street. Mitchell purchased The Bohemian Den in 2018, creating a space focused on handcrafted goods and items not typically found in big-box stores. “I’ve met some wonderful people and been able to have things here in Macon…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores February 2-6

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, February 2 and Friday, February 6.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, February 2 and Friday, February 6. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Perry police searching for endangered missing woman Genia Vickers

Police say Genia Vickers has not been seen or heard from since June 23, 2025

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Perry Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Genia Vickers, who has been classified as an endangered missing person. According to police, Vickers was last heard from on June 23, 2025, and was last seen walking near Sam Nunn Boulevard in Perry. “The last date of contact we had with her was June 23rd…

Five products recalled for choking, burn, fire and fall hazards — here’s what to check at home

Chips Ahoy cookies, Chrysler vehicles, PurSteam steamers, an AROEVE air purifier and Lancaster Table & Seating outdoor chairs are among the recalled items. Consumers are advised to stop using affected products immediately.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Five consumer products are under voluntary recall, with hazards ranging from choking and burns to fire risk and falls, according to federal safety officials and the companies involved. Chips Ahoy Baked Bites Brookies expanded to more carton units Mondelez Global has expanded a voluntary recall of Chips Ahoy Baked Bites Brookies to include additional carton units, following…

Fort Valley State University Professor fights back against hunger

The market is located at 1149 John Hope Road in Fort Valley.

FVSU professor opens market stand (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Fort Valley State University professor is fighting hunger with a local market to serve Peach County residents. Fort Valley State University professor Hamidah Amanyi, owner of Sweet Valley Farm in Fort Valley, said she comes from a long line of farmers, dating back to her great-grandparents in the…

Historic Bibb Theatre prepares for new life after decades of vacancy in downtown Macon

NewTown Macon invites the public inside ahead of restoration plans for the longtime vacant landmark

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After sitting vacant for decades, the historic Bibb Theatre in downtown Macon is preparing for a new chapter. Before construction begins, NewTown Macon is giving the public one final opportunity to step inside the building and see the space that once served as a popular movie theatre. NewTown Macon purchased the Bibb Theatre in 2018 and…

BS Report: Hawks Make Moves at Deadline

Well, we talked on Wednesday about the possibility of the Atlanta Hawks making some more moves before the trade deadline on Thursday, and they did just that on late Wednesday night. They made a huge trade with the Golden State Warriors, sending Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State in exchange for two players Jonathan Kuminga and also Buddy Hill. Now Porzingis…

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful to host Hands On Bloomfield Neighborhood Cleanup

The cleanup will be held February 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at Village Green Park and the Rocky Creek Foods parking lot.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful is hosting the Hands On Bloomfield Neighborhood Cleanup this weekend. The cleanup will be held February 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at Village Green Park and the Rocky Creek Foods parking lot. Macon-Bibb County Commissioner for District 8 Donice Bryant says the event aims to help a “forgotten” and “neglected” part of…

Warner Robins Little Theatre to present “The Constant Wife”

Performances will run from February 7-22 at the Warner Robins Little Theatre, located at 502 S. Pleasant Road.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Warner Robins Little Theatre is presenting “The Constant Wife.” Performances will run from February 7-22 at the Warner Robins Little Theatre, located at 502 S. Pleasant Road. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased online in advance….

BS Report – Hawks: Trade Deadline

Tuesday night, the Atlanta Hawks beat the Miami Heat by the score of 127 to 115. The Hawks moved to within two games of the 500 mark at 25 and 27 on the season, and they were boosted by another triple double the night of the season by Jalen Johnson, who had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Johnson,…