Stay safe, stay sober and stay with a buddy if you’re hitting the water this 4th of July

With large crowds anticipated for Lake Tobesofkee's Independence Day Celebration, emergency responders are stressing the importance of safe boating and swimming practices.

MACON (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re headed to the lake for the 4th of July weekend, it’s important to put safety first so everyone can have a good time. Whether you’re boating, swimming or relaxing on the beach, there are laws and guidelines everyone should follow to keep themselves and others safe. As hundreds prepare to visit Lake Tobesofkee for its…

Macon-Bibb first responders host Public Safety Day to teach kids emergency preparedness

Members from all emergency response agencies in Macon-Bibb County gave safety demonstrations to kids from Union Baptist Church on Friday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kids from Macon’s Union Baptist Church got a chance to learn about how first responders handle emergencies during Macon-Bibb County’s Public Safety Day on Friday. Responders from the Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement, Emergency Management Agency and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division were at the Macon-Bibb Fire Department to teach kids about safety and help them feel…

11th annual Unity Retreat in Fort Valley empowers youth to combat violence

The 11th Annual Unity Retreat, an initiative aimed at empowering youth and curbing violence, was held at the Camp John Hope center in Fort Valley on Friday.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The 11th Annual Unity Retreat, an initiative aimed at empowering youth and curbing violence, was held at the Camp John Hope center in Fort Valley on Friday. The retreat, hosted by the Vicki Foundation, focuses on instilling valuable life skills and promoting teamwork among young attendees. “It was founded to curb youth violence,” Charles McGhee,…

Stanley Stewart announces run for Macon-Bibb District 3 Commissioner

Stanley Stewart has officially launched his campaign for the District 3 Commission seat in Macon-Bibb County.

  MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Stanley Stewart has officially launched his campaign for the District 3 Commission seat in Macon-Bibb County. He says he’s seeking to drive economic development and improve safety in east Macon. Stewart announced his candidacy Friday as the current District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas reaches the end of her term limit. “I’ve put a lot of…

Tech Report: 5G service is coming to airlines and some are concerned

Coming up on July 1, AT&T, Verizon, and other wireless carriers will bring 5G services to airplanes. Although 80% of domestic airlines have made adjustments to prevent technology interfering with equipment, flights could still be disrupted, says Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The chances of flights being delayed or canceled due to disruptions will increase on days with bad weather and…

Warner Robins American sweeps Little League baseball district tournaments

Warner Robins American won the Georgia District 5 Tournament in the 10U, 11U and 12U divisions.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Warner Robins American baseball teams swept the Georgia District 5 Little League tournaments, winning the 10U, 11U and 12U divisions. The 11U and 12U teams defeated Dudley, while the 10U squad took down Vine Ingle. Warner Robins American 10U and 11U will now compete at the state tournament beginning July 8, while 10U will…

Doctors urge drivers to never leave a loved one in a hot car

Temperatures inside a car can rise by nearly 20 degrees above outside temperatures in 10 minutes, putting occupants at risk for heat-related emergencies.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High temperatures and high humidity make for dangerous conditions–especially inside of a car. According to Director of Clinical Practice for Pediatrics at Atrium Health Navicent,  Dr. Yameika Head, temperatures inside a parked car can rise by 19 degrees Fahrenheit above outside temperatures within 10 minutes. “Some people think if they leave the windows open, that it’s…

New and expecting mothers receive free diapers during Peach State Health Plan’s ‘Pamper Party’

Peach State Health Plan is providing new and expecting mothers with necessary supplies and resources to care for their babies.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Peach State Health Plan is providing new and expecting mothers with necessary supplies and resources to care for their babies. Parents in Jeffersonville were able to receive free diapers on Thursday during the Peach State Health Plan’s Pamper Party. Vendors such as the Twiggs County Health Department, First Choice Primary Care and the Lifelink Foundation were there…

STEM event at Bloomfield Library launches watermelons, student interest

Macon's Bloomfield Library wasn't just all about books on Thursday. The library launched a STEM event that had watermelons flying high.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon’s Bloomfield Library wasn’t just all about books on Thursday. The library launched a STEM event that had watermelons flying high. The event featured a watermelon catapult as part of the library’s summer reading program. The aim is to inspire students to delve into the world of engineering by demonstrating how catapults work. Alex Holsey, the…

DISCOVER MIDDLE GEORGIA: Go Fish Education Center

Most Middle Georgia waters host fresh water fish like bluegill and bass.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — At the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, we learn that Georgia features many bodies of water and aquatic life. There are many different lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, along with a coastline in Georgia. In those bodies of water, you can find a multitude of fish that impact their ecosystems. Most Middle Georgia waters host…

Tech Report: How you can learn to work with AI for free

As early as next month, TikTok may launch an online retail store in the United States. The upcoming in-app shopping section will feature Tiktok’s own line of products, supplied by manufacturers in China. Semafor reports that the new store will sell toys, kitchen gadgets, and other items. This would allow the company to directly compete with Amazon, Shien, Temu, and…

Morning Business Report: Calls to the Social Security Administration are still frustrating

In recent years, people seeking help from the Social Security Administration have reported long wait times, dropped calls, and an inability to access the agency’s services. On some days, the rate of unanswered phone calls reaches 80%. The disruptions began during the pandemic, when the agency limited its in-person services. The government says that it is upgrading the system to…

Korean automotive supplier to bring 80 new jobs to Macon in 2024

Boogook Industries, a Korean automotive supplier that specializes in fluid containers for vehicles, has announced plans to bring 80 new jobs to Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Boogook Industries, a Korean automotive supplier that specializes in fluid containers for vehicles, has announced plans to bring 80 new jobs to Macon. The company is set to redevelop the former Brown and Williamson cigarette plant on Weaver Road. Stephen Adams, the Executive Director of the Macon Industrial Authority, calls the development a stride forward for…

Experts explain how to stay safe as Middle Georgia braces for 100-degree temperatures

Temperatures are expected to be higher than 100 degrees in Middle Georgia this weekend, and local officials and health experts are urging residents to be cautious.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Temperatures are expected to be higher than 100 degrees in Middle Georgia this weekend, and local officials and health experts are urging residents to be cautious. They’re highlighting the risk of dehydration and potentially life-threatening conditions like heat stroke. Macon-Bibb County EMA Deputy Director Robert McCord expects the sweltering heat to persist throughout the weekend. He…

Discover Middle Georgia: Why native plants are important

Lewis says the presence of native plants can affect more than just how your lawn looks.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Nestled in Perry, Flat Creek Natives Nursery lies tucked away specializing in plants native to Georgia’s Coastal Plain– the region that takes up more than half of the state. Owner and founder of the nursery, Greg Lewis, who also works as a Director for the Georgia Native Plant Society, defines a native plant as one that…

Piedmont makes charitable donations to Macon Volunteer Clinic and Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Piedmont’s Community Benefit Program has made charitable donations to 21 community clinics, totaling to $200,000 — including 2 Macon agencies. The Macon Volunteer Clinic and Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia have both received $10,000 grants. The Macon Volunteer Clinic says it plans to use its grant to further its mission of providing “comprehensive healthcare for…

Milledgeville receives grant funding for housing

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Milledgeville will be receiving grant funding to improve affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity of Milledgeville is getting a $600,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The funding will be used for new construction. This is part of the Community Home Investment Program — or CHIP. More the five million dollars will go to 12…

Armed Robbery at Family Dollar on Jefferson Rd

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Family Dollar on Jefferson Road. According to the BCSO, the robbery happened just before 1 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s reported that the store clerk entered the store and, upon entry, felt a blunt object against her back. The suspect demanded money…

Tech Report: Google cancels drag show by performer Peaches Christ

After pushback from some employees, Google shut down a Pride event featuring performer Peaches Christ. Hundreds of employees signed a petition to stop the show, claiming that it sexualizes and disrespects Christian workers. Those opposed to the show also accused Google of religious discrimination. Peaches Christ’s performance has been removed from Google’s internal events page. A judge approved Overtstock’s $21…

Thomaston Rd Circle K robbed

MACON, Georgia (WMGT/41NBC) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an armed robbery suspect. A man entered the Circle K located at 5602 Thomaston Road this morning just after 5am. The man demanded money and after taking it the suspect fled in an older grey Cadillac. This incident is under investigation. Anyone with…

Otis Redding to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

The King of Soul is getting his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The King of Soul is getting his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Otis Redding has been posthumously inducted into the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2024 in the category of live performance. The announcement was made Monday by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The Director of Special Projects at the Otis Redding…

Baldwin County receives $5 million grant for streetscape, safety improvements

A $5 million grant has been awarded to Baldwin County, providing a significant boost to rural development, according to County Manager Carlos Tobar. The funding will be used for safety and infrastructure improvements in local neighborhoods.

BALDWIN COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A $5 million grant has been awarded to Baldwin County, providing a significant boost to rural development, according to County Manager Carlos Tobar. The funding will be used for safety and infrastructure improvements in local neighborhoods. “It was very important that we pursue a grant to try to make it more safe here in this…