Middle Georgia job market improves as economy reopens

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— Middle Georgia unemployment rates are almost back to pre-pandemic numbers, according to data from the Georgia Department of Labor. The GDOL shows unemployment was at 4.2% in March. That’s down from a high of 10.6% in April of 2020. Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Executive Director Stephen Adams says many local industry partners are hiring right now. Hiring…

Macon STEM Festival introduces students to drones, new careers

MACON, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT)— The Real IMPACT Center hosted its Macon STEM Festival mini-series at Cirrus Academy. The festival includes three sessions to teach young girls about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). La’Quata Sumter with Focus On Me Droneworks led Thursday’s session about the science behind drones. Cirrus Academy female students had the opportunity to fly a drone…

Pan-African Festival back this weekend for 25th anniversary

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– After several losses in 2020, business owners Doretha and David McClinton, are happy to see the Pan African Festival of Georgia back in downtown Macon again. “We’re hoping for some numbers and people to come out,” Doretha McClinton said. “That’s really our prayer because we were hit tremendously hard.” The pair own DnD Fashion as well as…

Local churches create OB-GYN clinic inside freight container

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— Three churches in Houston County are coming together to create a solar-powered OB-GYN clinic inside a freight container. The clinic will include a receptionist area, bathroom, shower and a check-up room. The container will then get shipped to Ghana to help provide women with medical care. Andrew United Methodist Church Pastor Jim Dominey says construction on the…

Local businesses prepare for Mother’s Day

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— Mother’s Day is a little over a week away. Businesses like Yesterdays and Tomorrows are encouraging people to shop local. Julia Marin is the owner of Yesterdays and Tomorrows in Warner Robins. The main thing she’s noticed this year compared to last, is customers are happier. Marin says she’s already had an increase in sales. She says…

Twiggs County School District celebrates its first female Gates Scholar

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) — Twiggs County School District is celebrating its first female student selected for the Gates Scholarship. Twiggs County High School senior Aylah Birks is one of the 300 nationwide winners of the scholarship that honors minority student leaders from low-income households. The Gates Scholarship (TGS) helps cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books,…

Students prepare for social justice, spoken word contest for scholarships

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— The Griffith Family Foundation and Southwest High School plan to hold a spoken word contest with a focus on social justice. The contest gives Southwest High students a chance to earn scholarships from the Griffith Family Foundation. The contest will take place on Thursday, April 29th. Students like Xaviana Syphrtt are already perfecting their presentations. “I’m really…

Colton Strong: Toddler battles cancer, Monroe County community provides support and awareness

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – No one wants to hear a cancer diagnosis, especially not for their three-year-old child. That’s the situation for 41NBC Managing Editor/Producer Clay Poulnott and his family in Monroe County. Just weeks before his fourth birthday, his son Colton was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma in early March. Lymphoblastic lymphoma is one of the most common forms of…

1 dead after early morning shooting in North Macon

UPDATE: 7:56 AM Police identified 21-year-old Cameron Jay Ramon Ashley. Bibb County Coroner’s Office personnel contacted the next of kin. Police have no leads on a suspect(s) or the events leading up to the homicide. Ashley had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A man is dead after an early morning shooting on Thursday….

Cold fronts bring rain and cooler temps Thursday

We are saying goodbye to clear skies and above average temperatures after today, as clouds have started to push in. Overnight a cold front will continue to push into Middle Georgia bringing a chance for showers, mainly during the morning Thursday. Although we can’t rule out a few rumbles of thunder, widespread thunderstorms are not expected. A second cold front…

Perry opens newly renovated splash pad

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Perry has opened their newly renovated splash pad. The old splash pad needed many repairs. Much work went into creating a more kid-friendly environment says building maintenance manager Renia Davis. Features include: New Colors Replaced railing Updated restroom More activities for the kids Davis says they are expecting to see a lot more families in the…

Demolition begins for Macon-Bibb blight removal plan

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 7 blighted properties are marked for demolition on Wednesday. In efforts to improve local neighborhoods, Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller declared 57 blighted properties were public nuisances. The county’s Department of Code Enforcement sent out notices to the owners of those properties, offering a chance to make improvements.  37 property owners did not respond. As a result,…