Religious leaders prepare for Covid safe holidays

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Religious dwellings adapted to pandemic guidelines overnight, with many switching to online services. That was the case for Temple Beth Israel. A year into the pandemic, they still plan to host services through Zoom. It was no different when Passover started last weekend. Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar says they plan to host an in-person, socially distant Yizkor…

New State Senate Bill can help struggling businesses increase sales

MACON, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) — Georgia General Assembly passes Senate Bill 236, now on its way to Governor Kemp’s desk for signing. Lawmakers passed the bill to allow restaurants to offer cocktails to-go with food orders. Originally introduced by the Georgia Restaurant Association, the helps restaurants recover lost sales due to the pandemic. The Senate Bill also helps provide new income streams…

New Georgia Election Law to bring changes to local elections

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Georgia Senate Bill 202 has been signed into law, making changes to elections moving forward. The 95-page bill included details about election issues the state has experienced in the last few years and makes nine big changes to the election process. After signing the bill into law, Governor Brian Kemp said it will help protect the…

Local businesses thankful for more business with Cherry Blossom Festival

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Local businesses are thankful for the increase in foot traffic resulting from the Cherry Blossom Festival. Mary Kathryn Stewart works as director of public relations for Z Beans. She says they’ve seen more customers in their downtown and Mercer Village shops this week. A welcome change after the cancellation of the 2020’s festival. “It’s really nice…

Broadway Does Divas offers socially distant entertainment

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Grand Opera House ‘Broadway Does’ series returns with Broadway Does Divas. The show spotlights community singers and performers. You’ll hear from stars like Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, and Whitney Houston. The theater has been turned inside-out, using the industrial fire escape as a stage. As you seat picnic style in the parking lot, you can…

R.E.A.D Foundation hosting PPE driveby

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) —  Personal protective equipment bags will be provided this weekend to low to moderate-income families in need. The READ Foundation partnered with three churches to provide these bags. Each gift bag contains items like: Masks Hand Sanitizer Disposable Masks Gloves T-shirt This helps stop the spread of COVID, keeping everyone safe. You will need to fill out…

Woman dies following early morning single car crash in Macon

MACON, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) — A woman is dead following a car crash in Macon early Friday morning. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened on Spring Street at the I-16 east bound off ramp at 3:45 a.m. Deputies say a Nissan Rouge, driven by 67-year-old Octavio Gomez-Moralez, was driving towards Spring Street after being on I-16 when the…

Covid vaccine eligibility expanded to all Georgians over 16

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Covid vaccine eligibility is now expanded to everyone over 16-years-old in Georgia. Vaccination sites say they’re prepared for the increase in patients. It’s been a month since the mass vaccination site opened across the state. Kerry Futch serves as site commander for the Macon mass vaccination site. Futch says the first day of expanded eligibility is…

UPDATE: Milledgeville Police identify body found in vehicle fire

UPDATE: According to a Facebook post by the Milledgeville Police Department, they have identified the body of the victim found inside of a burning car Monday. They say 42-year-old Merri Rebecca Jackson of Washington County, died due to a car crash. The department says the investigation is ongoing and they’re waiting on toxicology and autopsy results. If you any information…