Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Centerville Police Department working toward state certification

The Centerville Police Department is working to get certified through the Georgia Association of Chiefs.
Ariel Schiller,

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Centerville Police Department is working to get certified through the Georgia Association of Chiefs. If the department receives the certification, it will become a certified agency through the state. Chief Cedric Duncan says the process can take up to three years, but it ensures departments have the best practices. He says the certification would also…

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Bibb County, Featured, Health, Local News

Macon-Bibb announces new Covid-19 testing facilities

Macon-Bibb County announced Friday the opening of two new Covid-19 testing facilities.
Cameron Branscomb,

District 3 Commissioner Elaine LucasMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County announced Friday the opening of two new Covid-19 testing facilities. One will be located in the old Health Department building at 171 Emery Hwy. The other will be located on the north side of Macon Mall. The announcement comes as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in middle Georgia. Macon-Bibb County…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

2021 Cherry Blossom Queen returns to Rutland High School

2021 Cherry Blossom Queen Alicia Ford returned to Rutland High School Friday to speak to the senior class girls.
Cameron Branscomb,

Alicia Ford speaking at Rutland High SchoolMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- 2021 Cherry Blossom Queen Alicia Ford returned to Rutland High School Friday to speak to the senior class girls. Ford spoke about her experience as Cherry Blossom Queen. Ford is now a sophomore at Wesleyan College. “It’s a huge honor,” she said Friday. “I actually went to Rutland Middle School, and…

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Bibb County, Crime, Featured, Local News

Man and Woman arrested in connection to personal armed robbery in Macon

Haley Janes,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man and a woman have been arrested in connection to a personal armed robbery that happened at Tom’s Food Mart on PioNono Avenue on Thursday night around 10:30 p.m. According to a release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, it was reported to investigators that a male victim pulled into the parking lot of Tom’s…
Crime, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Mary Persons and Jackson High School basketball games to be played to empty stands due to risk of violence

Haley Janes,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Mary Persons and Jackson High School basketball games scheduled for Friday evening on January 7th will be played with no fans in the gym. According to a release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the decision to make the games go with empty stands was based on information from multiple sources (including the Monroe County…

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Crime, Featured, Georgia News

UPDATE: Arrest made in Arizona for Vidalia double shooting

Haley Janes,

UPDATE (1/12/22): The mother, Pamela, who was in critical condition at the hospital passed away from her wounds. The GBI has released an update, saying that 27 year-old Joshua Sanders of Birmingham, AL, has been arrested in connection to the shooting deaths of Latorey and Pamela Harden. Sanders was arrested on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, felony murder, possession of…

Court Sentenced
Featured, Georgia News, Houston County, Local News

Governor Brian Kemp makes 4 judicial appointments, intends to appoint a District Attorney for Houston Judicial Circuit

Haley Janes,

Governor Brian Kemp announced four judicial appointments and his intentions to appoint a district attorney for the Houston County Judicial Circuit on January 7th. According to a release from Kemp’s office, Judge Charles E. Bailey will fill the seat on the DeKalb County State Court, Ana Maria Martinez will fill the seat on the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, Judge Richard Read…

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Bibb County, Crime, Featured

Six arrested in Macon on gun and drug charges; Two of which are juveniles

Haley Janes,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Six people were arrested by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit and S.W.A.T. Team after narcotics search warrant executed on January 6th led to the discovery of 3 handguns, 2 of which were stolen, over a pound of marijuana, digital scales, and packaging materials. Among those arrested were: 28 year-old Deontress Marquis Moore 19 year-old…

Full Color Announcement
Bibb County, Cherry Blossom Festival, Featured, Local News

Cherry Blossom Festival announces first headliner

Brandon Long,

The Cherry Blossom Festival announces Walker Hayes as the first of three major headliners to perform at the 40th Cherry Blossom Festival. Hayes will perform on the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage at Carolyn Crayton Park on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (Photo provided by Cherry Blossom Festival)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Country music artist Walker Hayes will be one of the headliners at this…

Sports

Rant and Rave: January 6th – Championship Breakdown

Georgia and Alabama are ready to face off for the college football national championship.
David Tufts,

It’s almost time for Georgia and Alabama to meet up once again, this time the national title is on the line and nothing is left on the table. Bill Shanks and Tucker Sargent give us a breakdown of both teams and why this game is going to come down to the wire. Categories: Sports

Ams Test
Motorsports, Racing, Sports

Atlanta Motor Speedway reconfiguration complete, NASCAR set to visit in March

It's the first major reconfiguration at the track since 1997.
Shaaz Peerani,

HAMPTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atlanta Motor Speedway recently went through its first major reconfiguration since 1997. Crews narrowed the track’s racing surface from 55 feet to 40 feet in most areas, increased the track banking to 28 degrees from 24 degrees, added technology to help dry the surface much quicker and also resurfaced the entire track’s asphalt. NASCAR Cup Series…
Featured, Georgia News, Law Insights, Local News, Politics

Proposed Constitutional Carry law: What it means for Middle Georgia

A proposed law aims to eliminate the need for a Weapons Carry License in Georgia.
Peyton Lewis,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Howard Reed has been a gun owner for more than 40 years. He says his love for collecting guns motivated him to open a gun store in Macon 20 years ago. As someone who handles guns every day, he’s hoping it becomes simpler for others, too. “I would say in a heartbeat that if it was…

Houston Medical Center
Bibb County, Featured, Health, Health & Fitness, Houston County, Local News, Medical, WMGT

Local hospitals awaiting Georgia National Guard troops

Governor Brian Kemp announced recently he would deploy Georgia National Guard troops to help 11 hospitals across the state with Covid response.
Ariel Schiller,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Local hospitals are feeling the strain as Georgia feels the impact of the fifth wave of Covid. Houston Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Stewart says the hospital is full, and it currently has more than 40 Covid patients. Governor Brian Kemp announced recently he would deploy Georgia National Guard troops again, like he did…

January 6th anniversary
Featured, Local News, Politics, WMGT

Middle Georgia Representatives share thoughts on Capitol attack anniversary

Middle Georgia lawmakers Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop shared their thoughts on the anniversary of the Capitol insurrection.
Ariel Schiller,

Credit: ZUMA / MGNMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgia lawmakers are sharing their thoughts on the one-year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection. District 8 Representative Austin Scott was unavailable for an interview Thursday, but he did provide this statement: “The peaceful transitions of power and the First Amendment right to free speech are two of the hallmarks of our democracy….
Bibb County, Featured, Health, Local News

Macon-Bibb County announcing two new free, drive-up COVID-19 testing sites Friday

A news conference will be held in Commission Chambers at City Hall.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County and Heritage Pharma Group will hold a news conference Friday morning to announce two new free, drive-up COVID-19 testing sites. The sites will include both PCR and rapid testing, according to a Macon-Bibb release. The news conference will be held in Commission Chambers at City Hall at 10:30 a.m.. The public can stream the…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Cold air and clear skies return Friday

Cecilia Reeves,

Rain is pushing through Middle Georgia this evening along a cold front that will bring a big change to our weather overnight. We will start to see some clearing after midnight, and a big cool down that will start tonight and continue into Friday. Wind chills early Friday will drop to the 20s, so make sure you bundle up as…
Education, Featured, Local News, Peach County, WMGT

UPDATE: FVSU responds following failed USDA inspection

FVSU has been cited by federal regulators for breaking U.S. laws in the treatment of animals.
Clayton Poulnott,

UPDATE (1/10) – Fort Valley State University issued the following statement in reference to the inspection mentioned below: “The FVSU College of Agriculture takes the welfare of its animals very seriously. The humane and responsible treatment of animals in our care is and has always been a priority.We work closely with the USDA to ensure the health and welfare of…

Bs Report: January 6th Georgia Prepares For The Championship
Sports

BS Report: January 6th – Georgia Prepares for the Championship

Georgia is ready for the rematch against Alabama for the College Football National Championship
David Tufts,

It’s the first BS Report of 2022 and the Dawgs are heading to face Alabama for a chance at the national title. Bill Shanks goes over the plan of attack and the Dawgs chances to make history this year. Categories: Sports

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Featured, Jones County, Local News

Jones County High School administrators to begin random screening with metal detecting wands

It's part of an effort to "enhance school safety and provide a safe and orderly learning environment" for students.
Tucker Sargent,

Jones County High School (File)Jones CountyGRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jones County High School administrators will begin random screening of entire classrooms of students using handheld metal detecting wands. That’s according to a letter posted on the Jones County High School Facebook page Wednesday night by Principal Lance W. Rackley. Rackley wrote it’s part of an effort to “enhance school safety…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Rain returns to Middle Georgia Thursday

Cecilia Reeves,

High temperatures ahead of the front will be warming into the mid 60s with a bit of an increase in humidity as well. Although we will be starting out with mostly clear skies, clouds and rain will be pushing in during the afternoon and evening. We are not expecting severe weather, but we could see a few areas of moderate…

The Society Garden
Bibb County, Business, Entertainment, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Grilled Cheese Festival returns to Macon this weekend

Following an overwhelming response last year, the Society Garden says it has worked out the kinks to make sure you can get a grilled cheese sandwich as quickly as possible.
Ariel Schiller,

File: January 2022MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Grilled Cheese festival is back in Macon for a second round. Following an overwhelming response last year, the Society Garden says it has worked out the kinks to make sure you can get a grilled cheese sandwich as quickly as possible. Satterfield’s Barbecue now serves food at the Society Garden, and it will…

downtown convenience center
Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Macon-Bibb residents excited for expanded waste convenience center hours

Matt Childers uses the temporary convenience center on 11th Street in downtown Macon every four to six weeks.
Ariel Schiller,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Matt Childers uses the temporary waste convenience center on 11th Street in downtown Macon every four to six weeks. He was there Wednesday getting rid of cardboard and excess trash. He says the center is to use, but there’s one issue. “The only downside was trying to find some time during the week to get down…