Section of Macon-Bibb Animal Shelter Quarantined after Parvo Outbreak

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A section of the Macon – Bibb Animal Welfare is quarantined after a parvo outbreak. They were alerted to the problem after a dog adopted by a community activist died just days after coming home. Community activist Irving Martinez picked up the last dog. Upset and outraged, Macon community activist Irving Martinez held a news conference…

Community Garden Helping Haddock Residents Eat Healthy

HADDOCK, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A community garden may not mean much to those of us who live near grocery stores, but for some residents in one Haddock community it’s their only option for healthy eating. Calvin Middlebrooks walks up to a garden in his Haddock neighborhood every few days to grab all different kinds of vegetables, but when he first…

Macon Police Chief Mike Burns Officially Retires

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The lobby at Macon City Hall was packed Tuesday afternoon, as hundreds paid tribute to Chief Thomas Michael Burns, now retired. “It’s a tough day…” said Burns. Macon’s 22nd police chief fought back tears as his colleagues and friends shared memories and laughs about their time with him. His wife, Bobbie, was all smiles. “I’ve been…

Unadilla Digs Deeper for Solution to Dry Water Wells

UNADILLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The city of Unadilla has been pumping its wells dry, literally. Officials hope digging deeper will solve the problem. “It’s been going on for a while but it’s really been getting bad since we had the drought last year,” said Unadilla’s Public Works Director Teriano Felder. His crew is responsible for monitoring the town’s two wells…

Downtown Milledgeville Businesses Get Help with BOOST Program

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Owning a small business is a big undertaking. That is why the Milledgeville community is working together to help downtown shops with a new grant program that gives these businesses the boost they need. Amber Simmons always wanted to run her own salon and that dream came true two months ago. She and her husband, Allen…

Salvation Army Welcomes Two New Faces

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Salvation Army welcomed a new duo to middle Georgia. Major Alan Hill and his wife Belinda have been spreading the Salvation Army’s mission throughout the country for nearly three decades. Major Hill served in the Air Force for 9 years before he and his wife fell in love with what the nonprofit was doing in…

Ivey Citizens Call Mayor, Council ‘Corrupt’

IVEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents in a one town in Wilkinson County claim the mayor is corrupt and question the city’s policies and procedures. From mishandling of funds to holding “private” meetings, the citizens of Ivey put it all on the table at Monday night’s council meeting; many of the small town residents raising some large legal and ethical concerns….

RAFB Furloughed Worker: When Will Cuts End?

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A tough few months began Monday for Robins Air Force Base civilian employees who each face 11 furlough days from now until September. “The not knowing factor of everything in the situation is terrible,” said Heather Campbell, RAFB employee. Campbell is an electronic technician. She’s one of at least 15,000 civilian employees who’s being furloughed…

Macon Transit Authority Building New Bus Shelters

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Transit Authority has partnered with Main Street Macon and others to unveil a new design for downtown bus shelters. Representatives from MTA along with the Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority, NewTown Macon and the College Hill Alliance spoke at a news conference about the new design. When Macon Transit Authority passengers get their day started…

Georgia Company Aims to Make Guns Safer with Fingerprint Scanners

COLUMBUS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the gun control debate continues in Washington, a Columbus, Georgia company has what it says is the answer to make guns safer without putting any restrictions on the owner. The technology of the gun has been around for hundreds of years, designed for a specific purpose. But a new technology might be changing the old…

GBI: Hawkinsville Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The man and woman found dead in a home in Hawkinsville died in a murder-suicide, according to the autopsy. The bodies of Jesse Calvin Edge Jr., 67, and Misty Lee Oliver, 31, were found by friend at 43 Riverview Drive in Hawkinsville on Friday. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI are currently investigating the…

Taylor County High School Teacher Facing More Charges for Alleged Sexual Assault of Student

BUTLER, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Taylor County teacher who was arrested for taking a student across state lines is facing more charges. In addition to the charge of interstate interference of a person in custody, 42-year-old Shannon Walker, is charged with two counts of sexual assault against a person in custody, one count of theft by taking, and one count…

‘Chords Of Kindness’ The Kody Lucas Fund

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgians will have the chance to remember and celebrate the life of Kody Lucas. Lucas, a Perry High School graduate, lost his battle with cancer in April 2012. At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a very aggressive brain tumor. Doctors said he had a 20 percent chance to live…

‘United in Pink’ Offers Support To Families Of Breast Cancer Survivors

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The nonprofit organization, “United in Pink” is known for serving families in middle Georgia of breast cancer survivors. The group started after the Executive Director Laura Paxton’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. They wanted to do something to offer support not just to survivors but their families. “We believe this journey affects the entire family…

17-Year-Old Dead, 3 Others Shot At Macon Nightclub

MACON, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) — A deadly shooting at a Macon nightclub early Friday morning left a 17-year-old dead and 3 others shot. According to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, the call came in around 3:30A.M. 17-year-old Jamonni Bland was shot dead in the parking lot near the Zodiac Lounge, at the River View Ballroom on Walnut Street. Gary Lester, a witness…

Skies Clear for Lake Tobesofkee Fireworks, Hundreds Turn Out After Slow Day

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It rained all day Thursday, but hundreds still turned out at Lake Tobesofkee to watch the annual fireworks celebration. Earlier in the afternoon, it was very bare on the beach.  Only a few families were out braving the rain to cook out and celebrate America’s independence. The live entertainment, “The New Skrews Band,” was canceled because…

Cooking is Leading Cause of Fires in Bibb County

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Within minutes fire investigators say oil heating on your stove can turn into a full blown blaze. Macon-Bibb County Fire Lieutenant Ellen Kicklighter says cooking fires are the most common in our area because people tend to start cooking, then walk away. “Lately it’s been about two to three per week,” said Kicklighter. In late June…

State Educating Boaters on New BUI Law

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thursday’s rain did not stop boaters from spending their Fourth of July out on Lake Tobesofkee. And for some, popping a cold one is just part of enjoying the holiday. But are you aware of a new state law cracking down on drunk boaters? Boats and booze—they make a great pair of the holiday weekend, but…

Pulaski State Prison Inmates Rescue Abused Horses

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — It may look like just another work detail, but it’s more than that for some of the women at Pulaski State Prison. “It actually puts my life in a new perspective, I have my priorities straight now,” said inmate Pamela Jones. Through the Equine Rescue Program women like Jones receive animal healthcare training, while nursing beaten…

Unadilla City Hall Renovations Near Completion

UNADILLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After years of battling budget issues, Unadilla’s new million dollar city hall is almost complete. The 8,600 square foot facility will house the city’s municipal offices and the new senior center. “We’re about 1//3 of the way complete,” said Unadilla Mayor Bobby West. The transformation of the 100-year-old building in downtown Unadilla cost the city a…

Authorities Asking Travelers to Use Caution Over Holiday Weekend

CENTERVILLE, Georgia — Authorities says wet weather and crowded roads are a recipe for more accidents this holiday weekend. According to Captain Roger Hayes with the Centerville Police Department, by this time last year there were 499 deaths on the roads. This year that number has increased by 4% to 520. Hayes says this 4th of July weekend, the goal…

Warner Robins Fireworks Celebration Set to Be One to Remember

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The fireworks show set up for the Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration is still scheduled after the concert on Sunday. Despite the rain, crews were putting the final touches on the Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration. Organizers made sure lights, band equipment, and even the VIP section were ready to go for the big performances….