Macon Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to host 2025 Georgia State Cluster in Macon

President of the Macon Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zackulyn Hart, says they are expecting more than 2,000 attendees. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is set to host the 2025 Georgia State Cluster in Macon. The event is February 7-9 at the Macon Coliseum. This year’s theme is “Renaissance of the South”. President of the Macon Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zackulyn Hart, says they are expecting more than…

UPDATE: Missing man Quinton Palmer found safe

Bibb County deputies say Quinton Palmer "has been found, safe and in good health."

Quinton Palmer (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (1/10/25): Bibb County deputies say Quinton Palmer “has been found, safe and in good health.” ORIGINAL STORY (1/6/25): MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office needs your help locating a missing person who’s been diagnosed with dementia. According to a sheriff’s office news release, 64-year-old Quinton Palmer was last seen on…

UPDATE: Houston County Water Department boil advisory lifted

The Boil Water Advisory issued on January 7, 2025 is now lifted, according to the Houston County Water Department, which says it has tested and verified that the water is safe to drink.

UPDATE (1/10/25):  The Boil Water Advisory issued on January 7, 2025 is now lifted, according to the Houston County Water Department, which says it has tested and verified that the water is safe to drink. ORIGINAL STORY (1/7/25): WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Houston County Water Department issued a boil water advisory Tuesday night for residents and businesses after…

NewTown Macon announces winners of Downtown Diversity Initiative

Vice President of Community Development at Newtown Macon, Lauren Marshall, says this program was created to see a change in the number of African American owned businesses. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – NewTown Macon and the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages announced the winners of the Downtown Diversity Initiative during a news conference on Thursday.  The event took place to award five up-and coming African American entrepreneurs. Participants were selected through a competitive application process and completed a 6-session business training program designed to help participants successfully scale their…

Houston County military veteran pleads guilty to computer pornography

The charges are from a late night conversation with a minor child over TikTok and SnapChat. Ruiz offered to perform sexual acts with the child, whom he knew.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A Houston County military veteran has pleaded guilty to computer pornography and sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards. 40-year-old Jonathan Scott Ruiz pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of Houston County on January 9, 2025, to one count of computer pornography. Ruiz was sentenced to 20 years with…

Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency prepares for winter storm

"If you don't need to be on the roads, then don't,” said Spencer Hawkins, Director for the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency leaders say they have been preparing for the severe winter storm with other community partners for the past three days. Various colleges, schools and business have announced they are closing their doors tomorrow following a State of Emergency declaration from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Spencer Hawkins, Director for…

Winter weather expected tomorrow morning

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – All modes of winter precipitation are possible to begin the day Friday for parts of Middle Georgia. This Evening and Overnight Clear skies from the afternoon will see clouds move in through the overnight hours tonight. It will be a cold night as temperatures are expected to go below freezing, however it will not be as…

Inmate dead at Washington State Prison on Tuesday, investigation underway

Dontavious Carter was found dead on January 7.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- An inmate at the Washington State Prison died on Tuesday, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Dontavious Carter was found dead on January 7. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, the body was turned over to the county coroner and will be transported to the GBI crime lab to determine the official cause of death….

Middle Georgia Regional Library receives $10,000 grant

"Digital resources are considerably more expensive than print resources and so it does provide us the opportunity to kind of keep pace digitally as we do with print,” said Jennifer Lautzenheiser, Director of Libraries for Middle Georgia Regional Library System.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia Regional Library received a $10,000 grant to expand its digital library. The grant was part of a $50,000 total grant awarded alongside the Houston County Public Library System, Peach County Public Libraries, and other Georgia libraries by the Flint Energies Foundation’s Operation RoundUp. Operation RoundUp rounds up your electric bill to…

Warner Robins Mayor looking ahead to 2025, announces re-election

Mayor Patrick announces new developments, re-branding for the city and discusses plans for re-election.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Warner Robins continues to grow under the leadership of Mayor LaRhonda Patrick. 41NBC’s Monica Diaz-Meek spoke with Mayor Patrick about what lies ahead for 2025, while reflecting on 2024. MONICA- Welcome back. We have Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick joining us. Thank you for being here today. LARHONDA- It’s my pleasure. So…

Frigid conditions continue; winter precipitation possible Friday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will reach their valley for the week overnight tonight across Middle Georgia. This Evening A chilly and sunny afternoon will turn into a frigid and mostly clear night. Temperatures will fall below freezing during the suppertime hours, into the 20s ahead of midnight, and eventually stop in the lower 20s by tomorrow morning. Faucets across…

Macon Drinks shares mocktail recipes for ‘Dry January’

Co-Owner of Macon Drinks, Chasen Smith, says his business offers mocktails year-round due to the high demand of non-alcoholic drinks at events. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As people set their resolutions for the new year, some are participating in ‘Dry January’. Co-Owner of Macon Drinks, Chasen Smith, says his business offers mocktails year-round due to the high demand of non-alcoholic drinks at events. “I feel like a lot of people just go towards the mocktail” says Smith. “It tastes just as good,…

Local doctor shares resources for bariatric surgery, healthy lifestyle changes for 2025

Dr. Robert Parel says bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that focuses on the stomach, intestines, or both to achieve long-term weight loss.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –Atrium Health Navicent is offering weight management for people with a high body mass index (BMI). Dr. Robert Parel says bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that focuses on the stomach, intestines, or both to achieve long-term weight loss. “Patients will lose 30 to 40 percent of their excess weight and have multiple benefits from that,”…

Macon man sentenced to prison on Tuesday after distributing fentanyl in 2022

31-year-old Gary Hollingshed was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on January 7. Hollingshed pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon resident who distributed fentanyl and other narcotics into Middle Georgia was sentenced to prison on Tuesday, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia. 31-year-old Gary Hollingshed was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc…

Atrium Health Navicent implementing temporary visitor restrictions due to increased respiratory viruses in community

According to a news release from Atrium Health Navicent, visitor restrictions for acute care hospitals, emergency departments, rehabilitation units, behavioral health facilities, inpatient hospice, infusion centers, and certain cancer areas will take effect on January 8.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is limiting visitors to help protect patients as respiratory illnesses rise in the community. The hospital is also encouraging residents to take preventative measures, including vaccinations, good hygiene and staying home when unwell. According to a news release from Atrium Health Navicent, visitor restrictions for acute care hospitals, emergency departments, rehabilitation units, behavioral…

High School Basketball Region Openers; Brentwood & CFCA Split; MDSA beats FPD

Tuesday night GIAA High School Basketball

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Here are highlights from the High School hardwood in Macon Tuesday. GIAA Region openers between Brentwood and Central Fellowship saw the Lady Lancers win 64-51, while the War Eagles boys team beat the Lancers 67-53 to remain undefeated on the season. Mount De Sales boys won their GIAA Region opener against First Presbyterian Day at…

FVSU defeats MGA 67-57 in Women’s Basketball

The Fort Valley State Lady Cats beat the Middle Georgia Lady Knights Tuesday evening 67-57 in Cochran

COCHRAN, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fort Valley State Lady Cats (5-8) beat the Middle Georgia Lady Knights (1-8) Tuesday evening 67-57 at Morris Gymnasium. Categories: Local Sports, Sports Tags: Fort Valley State University, FVSU, Lady Knights, Lady Wildcats, MGA, Middle Georgia State University

Macon-Bibb Commission approves charter change proposal to equalize term limits

The Macon-Bibb County Commission voted 6-3 on Tuesday to send a proposal to the local legislative delegation, seeking a change to the county charter that would make term limits equal for all elected officials.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon-Bibb County Commission voted 6-3 on Tuesday to send a proposal to the local legislative delegation, seeking a change to the county charter that would make term limits equal for all elected officials. Right now, the charter limits the mayor to two four-year terms, while commissioners can serve up to three four-year terms. The proposed…

Middle Georgia plumbing company shares tips to avoid frozen pipes

Operating Manager Rob Wixom says there are a few signs you will notice if you have a burst pipe.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The arctic blast in Middle Georgia could mean major problems to your plumbing. That’s why Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is sharing a few tips to help prepare your home.  Operating Manager Rob Wixom says there are a few signs you will notice if you have a burst pipe. “Temperatures play a big role in it,…

Perry Fire Department Prevention Chief shares space heater safety tips after recent fire

"Anything that's combustible. You don't want to leave it up against it and just walk away," said Ephraim Wheeler, Prevention Chief for the Perry Fire Department.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s been colder than normal the last few days, and it’s getting even colder, so you may be inclined to use a space heater to battle the current winter temperatures. Using said heaters could potentially become dangerous if you are not careful. A recent fire in Perry is bringing safety to the forefront….

Phase One of the Lofts at D.T. Walton Project has begun

"This is a piece of property that is right at the heart of so many things that we're planning," said Alex Morrison, Executive Director of Urban Development Authority and Director of Planning and Public Spaces.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Urban Development Authority and other development partners held a groundbreaking ceremony in the parking lot behind City Hall Tuesday to celebrate the start of a more than $15,000,000 parking deck that will include more than 350 spaces. This is part of phase one of the Lofts at D.T. Walton Project, which has…

UPDATE: Skeletal remains identified as missing Dodge County man John Snellgrove

The Eastman Police Department says skeletal remains found on Hawkinsville Highway belong to John Snellgrove, a man who had been missing since May 29, 2021.

UPDATE (1/7/25): EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Eastman Police Department says skeletal remains found on Hawkinsville Highway belong to John Snellgrove, a man who had been missing since May 29, 2021. Snellgrove, who was 55 years old at the time of his disappearance, lived in Chauncey and Eastman, according to a news release from the Eastman Police Department. The remains…

Frigid temperatures could lead to plumbing problems

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Temperatures will drop into the lower 20s the next few nights around Middle Georgia. This Evening A clear and cool afternoon will lead to a clear and frigid night as temperatures drop to around freezing through the late evening and into the low to mid 20s by tomorrow morning. Middle Georgians will need to drip their…

Perry house catches fire Tuesday morning, space heater suspected as cause

The preliminary investigation and homeowner accounts indicate a space heater as the cause. The investigation is still underway. 

Courtesy: Perry Fire Department Assistant Chief Kirk CrumptonPERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A home caught fire Tuesday morning in Perry, according to Perry Fire Department Assistant Chief Kirk Crumpton. Crumpton says the fire happened at 7:59 a.m. on January 7. The incident happened at a residence on Milton Way in Perry. The preliminary investigation and homeowner accounts indicate a space heater…