Breezy and warmer Thursday

Partly cloudy skies will be hanging around Middle Georgia this evening and into early Thursday morning. This will keep our lows mainly in the mid 30s with a pretty quick warm up tomorrow into the low 60s. A short wave of energy will quickly move through during the day Thursday which will bring some breezy conditions by afternoon. Wind gusts…

Johnson County Schools shifting to virtual learning Friday

Johnson County Schools will shift to virtual learning on Friday, January 14.

That’s according to a post on the Johnson County Schools Facebook page Wednesday. “This is necessary based on a staff shortage in the district due to CoVID,” the post said. “It is important that we are able to effectively maintain a safe and secure learning environment.” Monday, January 17 is a scheduled school holiday. The district says it is hopeful…

‘Bears in Bibb’ gives Mercer education students unique opportunity

Mercer University education students spent the day in the Bibb County School District touring different types of schools.

Mercer Education Students toured Bibb County Schools Wednesday.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Mercer University education students spent the day in the Bibb County School District touring different types of schools. From different age groups to different types of programs, they call the day “Bears in Bibb.” About 40 Mercer students traveled throughout the district Wednesday in order to immerse themselves in…

Cochran City Hall closes temporarily due to Covid-19 exposure

"A notice will be posted of a date City Hall will reopen," the post said.

Cochran City HallCOCHRAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cochran City Hall is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 exposure. That’s according to a Facebook post on the City of Cochran’s page. The post says payments should be placed in the drop box at City Hall and that residents should call 911 for any emergencies. “A notice will be posted of a date City…

Macon-Bibb bringing more culture to local businesses

The most recent international businesses to set up shop include Sakura Poke and Hibachi on Thomaston Road in October.  Zam Zam Market on Eisenhower Parkway opened its doors at the start of the year, and Mr. Pingo's House, a Brazilian restaurant on Vineville Avenue, opened its doors on January 4.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  The Macon-Bibb Office of Small Business Affairs has been busy bringing in different cultures to Macon during the past few months. According to director Charise Stephens, the office has helped open at least five culturally diverse businesses since November. “It’s all about equity and diversity,” she said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do.” The most…

What mask should you be wearing to protect yourself against the new variant?

According to Dr. Edward Clark, the Medical Director of the Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital, the N95 mask is the best choice of protection.

What mask should you be wearing?What mask should you be wearing to fight the new covid-19 strandMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — We are adjusting to a new normal with Covid-19, but the Omicron variant has led to an increased push to stay safe. The CDC has adjusted mask wearing guidelines several times since the pandemic began and is now debating another…

Macon’s Carolyn Crayton Park to get more lighting

The final vote for the new lights will take place at next Tuesday's commission meeting.

The area next to Luther Williams Field was designed with youth sports and recreation in mind. Mayor Lester Miller says he hopes more lighting can make it a nice area for sporting events that may run into evening hours. “We want to make sure we get those lights in those fields done, not only for people to use them here…

Atrium Health Navicent doctor encourages Covid booster for kids

Doctors with Atrium Health Navicent are encouraging parents with children over the age of 12 to get their Covid-19 booster vaccines.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Doctors with Atrium Health Navicent are encouraging parents with children over the age of 12 to get their Covid-19 booster vaccines. Dr. Edward Clark, the Medical Director and Chief for the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, tells us children getting boosted can help curb the spread of the virus. He says vaccines helped eradicate other diseases…

Former Peach County Trojans participate in college football’s national title game

Two former Peach County High School students participated in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game Monday.

Peach County High School Football fieldFORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two former Peach County High School students participated in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game Monday. Terrence Ferguson II, a 2021 Peach County High School graduate, is a freshman offensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He appeared in two games this season. Kearis Jackson, a 2018 Peach County…

Covid testing location relocating in Baldwin County

If you need Covid-19 testing in Baldwin County, you will have to visit a new location starting Friday.

Covid-19 testing relocationBaldwin County Health DepartmentMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — If you need Covid-19 testing in Baldwin County, you will have to visit a new location starting Friday. The Baldwin County Health Department is moving its Covid-19 testing to Walter B. Williams Jr. Park on Highway 22 West. The relocation follows an increase in people getting tested at the health department….

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Crimestoppers announce ‘Most Wanted’ list

Crimestoppers provides automatic rewards of $1,000 minimum payout.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) —The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and local law enforcement needs help finding the ‘Top 15 Most Wanted’ fugitives identified by Macon Regional Crimestoppers. The fugitives are wanted for charges ranging from malice murder, aggravated assault, rape, armed robbery, trafficking an elder person and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony…

UPDATE: Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Deputy placed on administrative leave after involvement in officer-involved shooting

UPDATE (01/12/2022) : A press release from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office says that CCSO Deputy William Owenby was the deputy involved in this case, and that he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the GBI’s investigation and review by the Macon Judicial Circuit. Owenby has been involved in a similar situation before, in May of…

Commission renames “Complete Streets Policy” to “Irene’s Law” in honor of victim of hit and run

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — One of Macon-Bibb’s road policies is being renamed to add a human element to the law, reminding drivers that lives are at stake when you get behind the wheel. Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, during a Macon-Bibb Committee meeting, commissioners approved to rename the “Complete Streets Policy” to “Irene’s Law”. The law was adopted with the thought…

Macon-Bibb’s Fire Chief to be Shane Edwards approved by commission; final vote to take place next week

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon-Bibb County is another step closer to having a new fire chief. During committee meetings on Tuesday, commissioners approved the appointment of Shane Edwards as the new Fire Chief of Macon-Bibb County. Edwards has been serving as the Interim Fire Chief for over a year, since January 1st, 2021. Edwards, a Macon native, graduated from Central…

Tech Report: Pfizer, Facebook, and smart guns

Pfizer is removing hundreds of jobs, Facebook’s lawsuit continues, and “Smart guns” could change the game for gun owners. Pfizer is decreasing  it’s U.S sales staff by removing a few hundred jobs, and creating new jobs in place of those lost. Investors are given caution from security regulators as  crypto scams become a top threat. A federal judge issued the…

Houston County Sheriff’s Office Deputy suspended pending termination after social media comment on Arbery murder trial

  WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Houston County Sheriff’s Deputy has been suspended pending termination after making a comment on social media that violates policies within the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. According to a letter from the HCSO, as of January 10th, 2022, Deputy Paul Urhahn was suspended without pay pending termination. The HCSO says the decision was made…

Pio Nono Avenue to have final traffic pattern shift in resurfacing project, GDOT says

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Traffic patterns will be shifting on a portion of US 41/ SR 247/ and Pio Nono Avenue in Macon this week. According to a release from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT),  the shift is scheduled to happen Saturday, January 15th to one eastbound and one westbound lane with a center turn lane. The release says…

Morning Business Report: Airlines release COVID information amongst employees

Delta is pushing the CDC to reduce quarantine time to 5 days instead of 10. United Airlines reports no COVID-19 deaths among vaccinated employees in the past eight weeks. Around 3,000 United Airlines workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Bank of America is cutting overdrafts fees from $35 to $10 starting May. This revision is said to help those that…

Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller withdraws support of Brightmark

Brightmark is planning to build the world's largest plastics recycling and renewal facility in south Macon.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Brightmark is planning to build the world’s largest plastics recycling and renewal facility in south Macon, but the project has now potentially hit a road block. We told you previously about concerns citizens have with Brightmark’s process called pyrolysis, which turns plastic into fuel. Mayor Miller sent this letter to the Macon Bibb County Industrial Authority…

“The Wonder Twinzz” read to students at Bernd Elementary School

Students at Bernd Elementary School got a visit from Sgt. Latricia Gittens and her twin sister Felicia Kim, also known as "The Wonder Twinzz."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Students at Bernd Elementary School got a visit from Sgt. Latricia Gittens and her twin sister Felicia Kim, also known as “The Wonder Twinzz.” They are not only Bibb County School District employees, but  also authors of a children’s book called Mirrors. They read the motivational book to a group of 2nd graders at the school…

Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin opens drive-thru Covid testing

Drive-thru Covid-19 testing is now available at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin.

Baldwin NavicentMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Drive-thru Covid-19 testing is now available at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin. The hospital is offering PCR testing. It takes 24 to 72 hours to get results. Hospital officials say people with insurance or Medicare can expect to pay zero out of pocket cost. Anyone getting tested should enter from the Cobb Street entrance near entrance…

Washington Memorial Library temporarily shifting to curbside pickup

The Washington Memorial Library is temporarily shifting its services to curbside only.

Washington Memorial Library shifting to Curbside onlyCurbsideMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Washington Memorial Library is temporarily shifting its services to curbside only. The library says it’s to minimize the spread of Covid-19. The library used the method at the beginning of the pandemic, and now it’s back in place until Saturday, January 15. All you have to do is pull…

Staying cool and dry Wednesday

High pressure kept us clear and cool today across Middle Georgia with high temps limited to the low 50s. Tonight we will continue to cool quickly into the 20s, which means we are in for a cold start Wednesday morning. Sunshine will help us once again warm into the mid 50s, but we will see an increase in cloud cover…