Macon man sentenced in gun trafficking operation

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man received the max sentence for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. An undercover gun trafficking operation in 2019 led to the arrest of 32-year-old Darrius Allen of Macon. United States District Judge Tripp Self sentenced Allen to five years in federal prison. “Gun trafficking is a deadly business that feeds violence…

Kroger looking to fill 863 positions

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kroger is looking to fill more than 800 positions with a one-day job fair at stores in Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. This Saturday, Kroger wants to fill more than 863 positions for the holiday season. If you are interested in working at Kroger, apply at jobs.kroger.com prior to the job fair. Then you can…

Election officials count thousands outstanding ballots in Laurens County

Laurens County election officials are counting over 1,700 ballots. DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — At 8 a.m. Friday, there were over 8,000 outstanding ballots in Georgia, with over 1,700 of those coming from Laurens County.  “The focus for our office and for the county election officials, for now, remains on making sure that every legal vote is counted and recorded accurately,”…

Local veteran, tailor gets surprise for 90th birthday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — One Macon man got a surprise he never saw coming. Friends and family celebrated the army veteran James Johnson with a 90th surprise birthday party. Friends of Johnson highlight his phenomenal work ethic and kind heart. Johnson says he has seen it all at his age, living through segregation and seeing the first black president take…

Dog of the week – Chance

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Chance is a 7 month old Staffordshire mix. He’s sweet, playful, and is good with other dogs. He’s also in need of a forever home. You can adopt him at All About Animals Rescue in Macon. Anyone that goes to the shelter to adopt is required to wear a mask and gloves.  To learn more about…

Staying warm Friday, with some clouds

Clouds and increased humidity have pushed in across Middle Georgia this afternoon and should be sticking around through tomorrow. Highs tomorrow will be warming to the mid and upper 70’s with mostly to partly cloudy skies. Although we will continue our increase in humidity tomorrow, rain should hold off until the weekend. Much of Saturday will see cloudy skies, but…

Fresh, local produce to-go at Macon Centerplex

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Fresh produce for communities in Georgia and money for local farmers, create a win-win situation. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, they hope a new series of events will reach this goal. The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown program, partnered with local organizations to create a drive-thru farmers market in Macon. Macon Centerplex opened…

Perry named WaterFirst Community

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The city of Perry is named a WaterFirst Community by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). The city received the honor during its November 3rd city council meeting. According to a Perry news release, the WaterFirst program is a voluntary partnership between local governments, state agencies, and other organizations. They work together to improve quality of…

Loaves & Fishes Ministries helps local restaurants

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Loaves & Fishes Ministries is celebrating its 4th annual Foodie Fundraiser but it looks a bit different for 2020.  Executive director Jake Ferro says 2020’s theme is “giving back.” He says restaurants have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The fundraiser is more about donating.  According to Ferro, there are about 26 Macon restaurants participating. He says…

‘Less than a teaspoon’: Saliva COVID-19 testing comes to Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The first-ever saliva COVID-19 testing arrived. Now, Middle Georgia lab doctors say goodbye to nasal swabs testing and hello to the more efficient method. “Only an ounce of saliva is required. That’s less than a teaspoon,” said William Knopf, CEO of Middle Georgia Lab. Doctors at a Middle Georgia Lab say that’s all it takes for…

STEM teachers receive grant for “Bright Ideas”

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two SOAR Academy teachers received a grant from Flint Energies Thursday morning. The grant allows teachers to plan innovative lessons while maintaining safe and healthy classrooms. Students will return to in person classes on November 9th with more opportunities for hands on learning thanks to the grant. Benita Blackwell and Firdos Sayed are the two teachers…

Daybreak interview: 3rd Annual CCAA Silent Holiday Auction

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thursday morning, Angela Polk with Critical Care for Animal Angels spoke to 41NBC about an upcoming fundraising event. Friday CCAA is hosting its 3rd annual silent auction. Polk says the auction is the perfect opportunity to get some early holiday shopping done. Watch the full interview to find out more. Categories: Daybreak, Local News

Gun sales in Middle Georgia on the rise

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Gun sales have seen an uptick across the nation. According to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, over 31,000 Georgians received a license to carry permit last month alone. Stores in Middle Georgia have seen the trend grow firsthand. Owner of Eagle Gun Range in Macon, Hamp Dowling, says his store started to see a…

Two GDOT projects focus on safety near Georgia College and Baldwin High

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Baldwin County leaders are celebrating two transportation projects that hope to improve traffic safety for students and teachers. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Monday afternoon at Georgia College and State University. During the event the Georgia Department of Transportation announced the completion of a reduced conflict U-turn at West Campus Drive and Highway 441. GDOT…

Cirrus Academy students take part in mock debate, election

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Students at Cirrus Academy Charter School in Macon took part in a mock debate ahead of the 2020 election. School leaders say Friday’s virtual event allowed students to gain knowledge on the issues and learn their American history. According to a Cirrus Academy news release, seventh grader Destiny Curry represented the Democratic concerns. And eighth grader…

Decision 2020: Breaking down key state, local races and election surprises

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the election results come in for Decision 2020, 41NBC’s Shelby Coates discusses the election trends, surprises and upsets with Middle Georgia State University Political Science Professor Dr. Brooke Miller. Miller explains Georgia’s role in the presidential race and if Georgia will go to President Donald Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden. Miller also shares…

Mercer University’s fall enrollment sets new record

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Mercer University’s fall enrollment set a new record surpassing 9,000 students for the first time. Currently, there are a total of 9,026 students enrolled at Mercer’s 12 campuses. The university also set a record for its freshman-to-graduation retention rate of 73.2 percent. Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Penny Elkins says Mercer credits its personalized…

DECISION 2020: Loeffler/Warnock Runoff

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Shelby Coates talks with Dr. Brooke Miller — Professor of Political Science with Middle Georgia State University — about what Georgia can expect as Loeffler and Warnock head into a runoff election. These are the latest numbers as of election numbers for the 2020 Election. CLICK HERE FOR ELECTION RESULTS. Categories: Elections, Featured

Macon Water Authority works with packaging plant to solve spillage issues

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon Water Authority is working with a packaging manufacturer to fix an ongoing spillage of millions of gallons of wastewater. MWA Executive Director Tony Rojas says the wastewater is coming from graphic packaging in Macon. He says there’s too much production waste in the water coming from the plant. Rojas, the spillage does not affect…