41NBC's 2013 Year in Review
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As 2013 comes to a close, 41NBC wanted to take a look back at some of the big stories we covered this year across Middle Georgia. It was tough narrowing down the choices, but our staff…
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New Year's Resolution To Get in Shape at Planet Fitness
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A new year means new year's resolutions!You've probably already started listing a few yourself. Some people hope to shed a few pounds in 2014. With just one look anybody can see, that sixty six year-old Flossie…
Food Pantry Feeds Dozens in Macon Over the Holidays
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As hundreds of middle Georgia families may wonder where their next meal is coming from, one Macon church is making sure those families stay fed all year round. About every other week, you can find Jason…
Baldwin Sheriff: Man Shot 'Almost Point Blank' on Doorstep
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office is working an active homicide investigation. Capt. Brad King tells 41NBC the victim is 33-year-old Francisco Lopez Castillo. King says he has no criminal history and is a landscaper in Milledgeville.…
UPDATE: Abducted Florida Child Found During Perry Traffic Stop
PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An abducted child at the center of a Levi's Alert Sunday was found in Middle Georgia during a traffic stop on interstate 75 near exit 136 unharmed. According to the alert, six-year-old Onnika Fisher was abducted…
Heavy Rains Close Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Until 2014
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Folks looking to go for a walk along the Ocmulgee River will have to wait until next year. The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail was closed Sunday night and will stay closed until Thursday, January 2. A release…
Company Returns to Sandersville, Additional Jobs for 2014
Sandersville, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Washington County company is reopening its doors after business went under during the recession. Trojan Battery Company shut its doors in 2009, and reopened this past July. Directors believe even though they took a hit,…
Macon Group Celebrates Start of Kwanzaa at Douglass Theatre
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Thursday marks the first day of Kwanzaa! For more than 20 years, the Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center in Macon has celebrated the week-long holiday. Thursday, dozens gathered at the historic Douglass Theatre for a night of…
Shoppers Hit the Stores for After Christmas Sales
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Shoppers were still crowding into stores in search of bargains on the day after Christmas. But the people at Best Buy in Macon braced themselves, because most of the store's merchandise is on sale. Of course,…
Macon Rabbi Builds 'Western Wall of Macon'
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The gates are always open. And behind them lies the site of a future religious refuge--a wall. But not just any wall--a replica of the infamous Western Wall in Jerusalem, where millions have traveled to pray.…
Final Preparations Under Way for Perry's New Year's Eve Buzzard Drop
PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Christmas is in the books, and New Year's Eve is right around the corner! That means celebrations all over the world and right here in the Peach State, like Perry's first annual "Buzzard Drop." For years,…
Small Business Administration Helping Middle Georgia Companies Grow
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- Georgia Bob's newest Warner Robins location is pretty impressive. It's got a gift shop, a bar, a banquet room, and of course, a cozy dining room. Co-owner, Jennifer Cox, says the size of the restaurant…
Macon Residents Hit the Road for Christmas
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Many middle georgians have already hit the road,and in about a minute some will be taking to the skies.According to AAA, more than 90 million americans will travel by plains, trains, automobiles or buses over the…
Warner Robins Bike Drive Provides Bikes For Kids
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Christmas came early for kids in Warner Robins today. At Northside High School, more than 150 bikes were given out during at a bike drive event, which is in its second year. The atmosphere was…
Macon Man Invents Credit Card Protection App
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - If you're not feeling safe when you make a credit card purchase, one Macon man may have your answer. With major retailer Target facing lawsuits for a credit card data breach that affected more than 40…
Rescue Mission Feeds Hundreds for Christmas Eve
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Today, there was plenty of Christmas spirit and a ton of home-cooked food spread around at the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia. The group served up a holiday feast for hundreds of needy people in our…
Former Milledgeville Councilman Responds to Monday's DUI Arrest
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- A former Milledgeville City Councilman was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Monday afternoon. According to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, a Georgia State Patrol Trooper arrested Phillip Joiner around 2:30 on Jefferson Street.…
UPDATE: Macon-Bibb Commissioner-Elect Explains Monday's Arrest
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- A newly elected Macon-Bibb commissioner was behind bars Monday. According to Macon police spokeswoman, Jami Gaudet, 29-year-old Virgil Watkins was taken to jail after officers pulled him over for a traffic violation around 4pm. Gaudet told…
Mother: Bibb County Schools Homeless Program Made "Living Possible"
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- For one Bibb County mother, spending money on small items like pencils and notebooks, is just one of her many struggles. "I have to pray that my check is just enough so that I can get…
Fire Investigators Probe Suspicious Blaze
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Firefighters are calling an early morning fire "suspicious."The blaze destroyed a downtown building, which was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived around 5:30 a.m., Monday morning.Only a charred building frame remains from the Mid-State Automotive…
Man Plead Guilty to Sex Trafficking
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A macon man plead guilty to sex trafficking children,over the internet.27-year-old Arthur Reid entered a guilty plea in federal court, today.From 2011 til 2013 he prostituted a juvenile from various Macon motels and in Tybee Island.Police…
‘Santa in the Park’ Brings Joy to Middle Georgia Children
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 10th annual 'Santa in the Park' event hosted by the Macon Police Department drew more than 400 children and their families to Central City Park for a chance to win free bikes and toys for…
Macon Church Hosts Bike-A-Rama
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The gift of giving continues this holiday season, and one Macon church is hoping to wheel in some Christmas cheer for kids across the city. It's never too early to give a kid a gift for…
Naming Ceremony Held for Elmo Richardson Macon-Bibb Fire Station
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A new fire station now bears the name of a former Bibb County Commissioner. Elmo Richardson junior was honored today, as Macon-Bibb County Fire Station # 109, was renamed the Elmo Richardson fire station. Richardson has…
Middle Georgian Part of A Cappella Group In NBC Singing Competition
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One middle Georgian will be in the national spotlight along with his band in the NBC a cappella singing competition, "The Sing Off." Humble as can be, when Austin Brown sings, his voice will amaze you.…
NAACP Hosts Anti-Violence Balloon Release
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Violence continues to be a problem in society, and as the community in Macon remembers the death of Sammie Davis Jr., the NAACP hopes to remind everyone the violence needs to stop. Saturday afternoon, the organization…
Glorious Hope Baptist Church Showers Seniors With Holiday Joy
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The Holiday season is in full swing around Middle Georgia, and while the focus may be on what we may receive, a church in Macon took a moment to focus not on receiving, but on giving…
Crawford Deputies Find Man Fatally Shot
ROBERTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- The Crawford County Sheriff's office is investigating after deputies found an elderly man fatally shot Friday afternoon. According to a news release from the sheriff's office, around 3:15, deputies found the body off of Highway 341…
Macon Police Searching for Suspect Wanted for Debit Card Fraud
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- Macon police are searching for a man (pictured left) wanted for debit card fraud. Police say the suspect used a counterfeit debit card at local convenience and liquor stores all over the city on October…
Rosa Jackson Center Set for Re-Grand Opening
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents in Macon is invited to the grand re-opening of the Rosa Jackson Community Center. Tracy Colbert is working hard. She's putting the final touches on the new and improved Rosa Jackson Center. Tracy's worked for…
Riley Elementary Community Rallies To Avoid Closure
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Interim Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith has a lot to think about before his next recommendation to the Board of Education, one that the future of Riley Elementary in Macon hinges on. After last night, the plan…
Major Traffic Accident Shuts Down Part of Hwy. 247
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A major accident shut down part of Highway 247 northbound. The Macon-Bibb Fire Department and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office were on scene. The Sheriff's Office says the car's driver was holding his hand over his…
BOC Re-Name Highway "Brigadier General Robert L. Scott Jr., Memorial Highway"
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb County Board of Commissioners approved re-naming a portion of Highway 247, to the Brigadier General Robert L. Scott Jr., Memorial Highway. The county BOC made the decision during a meeting, held Friday. The newly named…
Bibb BOC to Hold Last Meeting After Christmas
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb County Board of Commissioners went behind closed doors to discuss how to handle building the county an animal shelter. Friday's meeting was scheduled to be the last time the board of commisioners were to meet.…
U.S. Marshals Catch Wanted Macon Man Near Atlanta
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A Macon man on the run from police was caught just outside of Atlanta, Friday. U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Task Force arrested 21-year-old Roberto Thorpe in East Point, on Barge Road. Thorpe had been on the…
No Bond for Accused Child Molester
KNOXVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A Crawford County High school employee, charged with five counts of child molestation went before Superior Court Judge, Phillip Brown, Friday for a bond hearing. Carlteze James Saffold, 28, of Roberta is also charged with multiple counts…
Bolingbroke Taxidermist Mounts Lifetime Memories
BOLINGBROKE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- When a picture just won't do, wildlife enthusiasts find themselves opting for a mounted memory. Some people consider it art, but for owner of Casteel Taxidermy, Rodney Casteel, it's more of a favorite pastime. "Everybody's got…
Middle Georgia REACT Helps Keep Community Safe
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - It's a unique hobby--and one that helps the community stay safe during the holidays. A select group of individuals rides around and helps patrol for the Bibb County Sheriff's office. It's REACT--the Radio Emergency Associated Communications…
Houston School Bus Cameras Catching Large Number of Violators Who Speed By
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Numbers are in for the first full semester from the number of traffic citations issued from drivers speeding past school busses. Houston County's Board of Education voted to install cameras on several busses to make…
Macon Fire Department Holds Safety Demonstration
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - As the cold weather continues throughout this winter, the Macon Fire Department wants you to be safe. On Thursday afternoon, Fire Chief Marvin Riggins and Safety Fire Commissioner Talph Hudgens held a gathering to show the…
Fire Breaks Out at Former Redding School
LIZELLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - A fire broke out Wednesday night just before 7 p.m. at the former Redding School on Eisenhower Parkway. About 40 firefighters fought the flames and managed to get the fire under control. Firefighters remain there…
Postal Christmas Rush Underway
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Christmas is just around the corner and people are crowding into post offices, to get those last minute gifts shipped out. At times the line at the Peake Road Post Office was long. Although, there were…
Macon Business Hands Families Computers for the Holidays
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - One business owner is forgetting about the debt his customers owe, and he's giving away computers to 16 families for the holidays. Quality Computer Services is spreading the joy to families in the Connect2Compete program who put…
Monroe County Library Renovations Almost Complete
FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Renovations at Monroe County's public library are almost complete! The facility is getting a brand new look. Construction crews are putting the final touches on a renovation project that is three years in the making. The…
Warner Robins Residents Upset With Zoning Decision
A group of Warner Robins residents is disappointed after city council re-zoned property near their community. At Monday night's city council meeting, several residents showed up to ask leaders to re-think the change--but council voted to move forward with it.…
Local Businesses Partner to Provide Free Outpatient Surgery
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Volunteers launched a program to provide free surgery for those who can't afford it. Leadership Macon partnered with the Medical Center of Central Georgia, the Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Macon Volunteer Clinic to start…
Healthcare Blitz Plans to Help Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Residents who haven't signed up for healthcare, now have a chance thanks to officials at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. They're preparing for a health care blitz, where medical professionals are aiming to help as…
Additional Arrest in "Total Care" Personal Home case
GORDON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Two more people have been arrested for beating a disabled adult patient at a personal care home. 29-year-old Audrey Ray and 27-year-old Taketia Kine were taken into custody Monday. Ray is charged with battery for striking…
Cops Take Over Walmart, Provide Annual Shopping Spree for Needy Families
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Police cars lined the front of Walmart on Harrison Road Monday night. There were no crimes going on. They were there for "Shop with a Cop." Every year, the Fraternal Order of Police teams up with…
State Representative Peake Slammed on Social Media, Responds to Critics
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- State Representative Allen Peake is being slammed on social media for supporting Macon-Bibb Mayor-elect, Robert Reichert, and Monday he sent an e-mail defending his decision. On the "Georgia Gun Owners" Facebook page, three posts criticizing Peake,…