Macon Day News

5 days ago

Macon-Bibb Commission Approves Grant Application to Expand Ocmulgee Heritage Trail

Macon Airport Receives $2.85M for Runway Extension Project Phase 2

On Tuesday, June 2, the Macon-Bibb County Commission accepted a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Airport Aid in the amount of $2,845,2777.03 to help fund the second phase of the Runway 5-23 extension project. This funding will go towards the lighting and paving project of the extension and it requires a local match of up to $948,425.68 from previously appropriated funds. “This investment moves us one step closer to a stronger, more competitive airport that can better serve our community and attract new opportunities to Macon-Bibb,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Extending the runway is a project we’ve worked toward for many years, and we’re grateful to our state and federal partners for helping make it a reality.” The runway extension is part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure at the airport and enhance its ability to serve corporate, commercial, and general aviation traffic. After decades of discussion about the need for the project and years of behind-the-scenes work, construction is now underway to extend Runway 5 on the southwest corner of MCN by 600 feet, increasing its total length from 6,501 feet to 7,101 feet.

Macon-Bibb Commission Honors Londyn Rodgers as Cherry Blossom Queen and Miss Macon's Teen

On Tuesday, June 3, the Macon-Bibb County Commission and Mayor Lester Miller recognized Londyn Rodgers with a proclamation, honoring her accomplishments as a student leader, scholar, athlete, and ambassador for the community. Rodgers, is a 2026 graduate of the Academy for Classical Education (ACE), has made an impact through academic achievements, leadership, athletics, and community involvement. Throughout her high school career, she represented Macon-Bibb on local, state, and national stages while maintaining a strong commitment to service and personal growth. She currently serves as both the Cherry Blossom Queen and Miss Macon’s Teen of the Miss America Organization. “My time representing Macon has been incredibly intentional. I made it my mission to represent my hometown to the very best of my ability. Macon is just more than where we live, it is the community that raised me, invested in me, and inspired me to serve others,” said Rodgers. “I love this city with all my heart and throughout this year I’ve worked to leave a positive impact on every person, organization, and community I have encountered.” In 2023, Rodgers served as Cherry Blossom Princess and represented Macon-Bibb County by traveling to Japan as an exchange student. She also participated in numerous leadership and educational opportunities, including the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, National Youth Leadership Conference, and Governor’s Honors Program. Rodgers is also part of Macon-Bibb County’s Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS), received ACE’s Student of the Year award, and earned a four-year scholarship from the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). She also played a key role in her school’s state championship-winning softball team and holds the rank of Cadet Major in Air Force JROTC. Beyond her achievements in the classroom and on the field, Rodgers has volunteered her time with organizations such as the ACE School Store, the Macon Rescue Mission, and local community events, demonstrating a dedication to giving back and making a positive impact. Rodgers is the founder of The Social Bridge, an innovative initiative dedicated to equipping young people with essential communication, confidence, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in school, the workforce, and an increasingly interconnected world. Mayor Miller said the proclamation recognizes not only Rodgers’ impressive accomplishments, but also the example she sets for other young people across Macon-Bibb. Click here to read the full proclamation.

GDOT Awards $2.85M Grant for New Taxiway at Middle Georgia Regional Airport

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the acceptance of a $2,850,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Airport Aid on Tuesday, June 2, to fund a new project at airport. “It is exciting to see airport development come to fruition before our eyes. The funding we received for the new taxiway is particularly significant, as we have not constructed a new taxiway at Middle Georgia Regional Airport in decades,” said Airport Deputy Director of Aviation Heather Lowe. “Being part of a project that enhances the airport’s infrastructure and supports future growth is incredibly rewarding.” The grant, with a local match of up to $950,000, will fund Phase I of the Taxiway E project. The new taxiway is designed to improve aircraft movement on the ground by reducing congestion and increasing operational efficiency throughout the airport. Once completed, the project will allow aircraft to navigate the airfield more smoothly and safely while supporting future growth at the airport.

Early Voting Begins June 8 for General Primary and Nonpartisan Runoff Election

Voters in Macon-Bibb County will have several opportunities to cast their ballots early ahead of the upcoming General Primary and Nonpartisan Runoff Election. Early voting begins Monday, June 8, and continues through Friday, June 12, at three locations throughout the county. Polling sites will be open each day from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at the following locations: Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite MB101 Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center, 132 Willie Smokie Glover Drive Northminster Presbyterian Church, 565 Wimbush Drive (new temporary early voting location) The deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is Friday, June 5. Voters can check their registration status, view sample ballots, find polling locations, and request absentee ballots by visiting the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page. For more information, visit the Board of Elections office website or call 478-621-6622.

Bass Road Repaving Begins Monday as Part of Paving the Way Program

Repaving Bass Road from Providence Boulevard to Zebulon Road will continue beginning Monday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m. Paving will continue nightly until 6:00 a.m. for about 6 nights, or until the project is complete. During this time, please drive cautiously through the area and obey all traffic signals and signs, and all directional guidance from crews. “The quality of our roads has been one of the most talked about daily issues people in Macon-Bibb face the past few years, so we are making an historical investment in improving roads across the entire county,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Since we began the Paving the Way program this past summer, people have noticed a marked improvement in their daily commutes.” Repaving this major stretch of Bass Road is part of the Macon-Bibb County’s Paving the Way program, which began in the Summer of 2025. Since then, 885 segments of 352 streets totaling 119.8 miles have been repaved, with another 62.1 miles already identified and bid out for repaving. In previous years, only 7-8 miles per year were repaved per year. “I’m proud of the collaborative work of our departments, partners, Commissioners, and public to identify the worst roads in the county, as well as the most well-travelled roads, so we can have the greatest positive impact on people’s daily lives,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. About Paving the Way Roads were identified through a scan of the more than 1,100 miles of county-owned and paved roads. Every road segment was rated on a scale of 1-100, and roads were selected for this list based on the following criteria: Roads rated 30 and below. Arterial and collector roads rated below 40. Connecting, nearby roads rated between 30 and 55. Well-trafficked roads in industrial areas. “We identified the worst roads in our community and are focusing first on them, as well as roads that are heavily traveled every day,” says Mayor Miller. “There isn’t a part of our county that won’t have major improvements for daily travel.” Funding for this work comes from the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and state Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) funds. In the next few weeks, another facet of Paving the Way will begin as the county and its contractor begin evaluating the condition of existing sidewalks and identify areas that may need repairs or improvements. It will also include a review for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), helping ensure sidewalks are accessible for all residents and visitors. Using advanced technology and mapping tools, StreetScan will create a detailed inventory of sidewalks throughout Macon-Bibb. This data will give the County a clearer picture of current conditions and help guide future planning and investments.

Macon-Bibb Holds Juneteenth Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Rosa Parks Square June 12

On Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m., Macon Black Culture and Macon-Bibb County will hold a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Juneteenth. The ceremony will happen at Rosa Parks Square (701 Poplar Street) and will be live streamed on www.Facebook.com/MaconBibbCounty. “Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans, and celebrate the progress we’ve made together,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “As a community, we are proud to recognize this important day and continue building a Macon-Bibb where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Recognized as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. In observance of Juneteenth, Macon-Bibb County government offices will be closed on Friday, June 19. Emergency services will continue operating as normal. Trash and recycling pick-up routes will not be affected and will run as usual.

Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors in Savannah Area

SAVANNAH, GA (March 30, 2026) — The Eichholz Law Firm is currently accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship for High School Seniors. This year, the Savannah-based personal injury law firm will award four $1,000 scholarships to local graduating seniors to be used toward tuition costs at any accredited community college or university in the state of Georgia or South Carolina. “Our firm’s scholarship program is one of the most rewarding ways we give back to the community each year,” said David Eichholz, owner of The Eichholz Law Firm. “We look forward to continuing this tradition and supporting four new students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.” Launched over a decade ago, The Eichholz Law Firm’s scholarship program has provided tens of thousands of dollars to local students to help them achieve their academic goals. The 2026 Scholarship for High School Seniors will award four individual students with $1,000 to be used toward tuition costs at any accredited community college or university in the state of Georgia or South Carolina. To qualify, each applicant: Must submit a complete application that includes a 500-word original essay about their commitment to community service and extracurricular activities Must be a high school senior in Georgia’s Bryan, Chatham, Effingham or Liberty County or South Carolina’s Allendale, Beaufort, Hampton or Jasper County Must have a minimum, unweighted GPA of 3.25 Must be enrolling in or accepted at an accredited community college or university in Georgia or South Carolina More information and the scholarship application form is available at thejusticelawyer.com/scholarship. The application deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026 and the selected recipients will be notified in June.The post The Eichholz Law Firm Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship for High School Seniors appeared first on The Eichholz Law Firm.

Memorial Day Government Hours, Trash Schedule

Macon-Bibb County government offices, recreation centers, and the court system will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Emergency services will remain operational. Convenience Center #1 (1010 11th Street) will also be closed Monday, May 25, and will reopen Tuesday, May 27. All other convenience centers will operate on their regular schedules throughout the week. Residents can view those hours here. Trash and yard waste collection services will be delayed by one day during the holiday week, with pickups running Tuesday through Saturday. For example, Monday routes will be collected Tuesday, and Friday routes will be collected Saturday. For questions about solid waste collection, residents can contact Ryland Environmental at (866) 898-4411. Questions regarding Convenience Centers can be directed to the Solid Waste Department at (478) 803-0499.

Pleasant Hill Urban Design Master Planning Services

Purpose This project will create a walkable, livable, sustainable and beautiful urban core for Pleasant Hill employing a process of consensus building, which will ensure its success. The process and plan will respect the unique history, culture and heritage of the neighborhood as an opportunity for reinvestment while enhancing the lives of current III. Timeframe A vendor for Master Planning services will be selected in July of 2026. The Master Plan will be developed over a 12-month timeline with the draft Plan being delivered in July 2027. IV. Scope of Services Overview The successful firm will work closely with city staff, the Pleasant Hill Steering Committee, the Reimagining the Civic Commons team for Macon Pleasant Hill residents and the city at large to complete the following steps: 1. Analyze applicable information from the following documents a. Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization Strategic Plan b. Macon’s Reimaging the Civic Commons Website c. Macon Action Plan d. Pleasant Hill Mitigation Plan (GDOT) e. Comprehensive Plan for Macon Bibb County (P&Z) 2. Conduct interviews with constituent non-profit organizations, anchor institutions, neighborhood associations and businesses to develop design consensus. 3. Conduct and lead public design charrettes and incorporate findings into development of the draft Master Plan. 4. Develop a draft Master Plan, including a specific Implementation Strategy and Financing Strategy for review and comment by the County, partners, and the public with the following items addressed. a. Design improvements to streetscapes and sidewalks to connect to public parks and amenities b. Propose strategies for recruiting and retaining best use retail, commercial and residential tenants including incentive suggestions c. Propose design changes to induce spontaneous and planned neighborhood events, public events and everyday interaction d. Propose strategies for attracting walkers, bikers, students and neighbors to use parks, businesses and residences e. Proposing areas for commercial development and potential elevations of buildings f. Develop design guidelines as a planning overlay for the urban core g. Propose a phased implementation strategy and timeline h. Propose funding strategies linked to implementation strategy 5. Prepare and present the updated Plan to the County and partners. 6. Provide final working documents in both electronic and hard copy format (suitable for the web and editable). 26-047-LH Attachment A 26-049-LH Pleasant Hill Urban Design Master Planning -RFQ

community

Macon-Bibb Recreation Pools and Splash Pads Open for Summer

It’s officially summertime in Macon-Bibb County, which means several recreation pools and splash pads are getting ready to open for the season on Saturday, May 23. Pools at Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive), Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center (3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard), and South Bibb Recreation Center (7035 Houston Road) will be open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The pool at Booker T. Washington Community Center is currently awaiting an inspection and is expected to open later next week. An official opening date will be announced once it meets requirements. Splash pads at South Bibb Recreation Center and Freedom Park (3301 Roff Avenue) will also open Saturday, May 23, and will operate on the same schedule as the pools throughout the summer. Pool admission is $1, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

GCAPS Class of 2026 Graduates From Program

Students in the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) program celebrated a major milestone on Friday, May 15, as they graduated after completing a year focused on learning about how government works. GCAPS is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn first-hand the roles and services that Macon-Bibb County government provides. Throughout the course of the program year, GCAPS participants took part in team building exercises, toured county facilities, and interacted with local and state elected officials. “Programs like GCAPS are incredibly important because they give students real-world experience and expose them to careers and opportunities that can help shape their future,” says Macon-Bibb County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “We are proud of these graduates and excited to see where their hard work, leadership, and dedication take them next.” During the ceremony, several students and community members were recognized for their leadership, service, and dedication throughout the year. The Bert Bivins Leadership Awards were presented to William Martin, Keziah Milton, Londyn Rodgers, Devin Reaves, and Ja’Cora Anderson. Appreciation Awards were also presented to Chief Shane Edwards, Carlene Howard, and Keith Butler for their support and contributions to the program. Additional student honors included the Sophomore Superlative Award presented to Madisyn Yarbrough, the Junior Superlative Award presented to Devin Reaves, and the Senior Superlative Award presented to Keziah Milton. Students also received the Lester M. Miller Academic Scholarship, which were also presented during the Mayor’s Sneaker Ball in December. The three Merit Scholars, Amari Scott, Adeline Cooke, and Tabais Williams, received $500 each. The three Mayor’s Scholars, Marley Battle, Zaris Odoms, and Karrington Williams, received $1,000 each. Graduates left the program with not only classroom knowledge, but practical experience and professional skills they can carry into future careers and opportunities. Congratulations to the 2026 GCAPS graduates! Magaly Abarca Sophomore Southwest High School Genesis Aguilar-Barajas Sophomore Southwest High School Athena Cheyenne Alonzo Junior Howard High School Ja’Cora Anderson Junior Northeast High School Marley Battle** Senior First Presbyterian Day School Nicholas Battle Sophomore Northeast High School Shaelin Calder-Denny* Senior VIP Academy Adelene Cooke** Senior Mount DeSales Academy Karmen Hill Sophomore Rutland High School Nyla Howard* Senior Northeast High School Caleb Hughes Sophomore Rutland High School Salter Hutchinson* Senior Central High School Zion Jones Junior Mt. DeSales High School Kayla Lee* Senior Northeast High School Makiya Lundy* Senior Northeast High School Getzemany Mancio Junior Howard High School William Martin Junior Academy for Classical Education Mami Masoka Junior Howard High School Anamaria Miller Sophomore VIP Academy Keziah Milton* Senior Howard High School Zaris Odoms** Senior Northeast High School Devin Reaves Junior Southwest High School Izabella Rivers Junior Southwest High School Londyn Rodgers Junior Howard High School Amari Scott* Senior Northeast High School Mylee Terry* Senior Northeast high School Karrington Williams*** Senior Howard High School Tabais Williams** Senior Howard High School Madisyn Yarbrough Sophomore Mt. DeSales Academy

Macon-Bibb EMA to Host Free Preparedness Fair May 30

Macon-Bibb County’s Emergency Management Agency will hold its 4th annual Preparedness Fair on Saturday, May 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Theron Ussery Community Center (815 North Macon Park Drive). People will be able to hear from nearly 20 different preparedness and safety agencies about how they are helping keep the community safe. They will also be able to take information and materials home to help prepare their families and homes, including disaster kit giveaways, CPR and first aid training, public safety vehicle tours, and more. “We are dedicated to empowering our community with the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to help people be ready to face any emergency or disaster,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “We are working to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience, equipping our residents to protect themselves and their loved ones during uncertain times.” “This is one of our most fun outreach efforts each year,” says Special Projects Officer Sophie Rosen. “People are super appreciative for the opportunity to meet different community partners and learn about the resources available to help keep them safe.” Outreach efforts such as this are part of the EMA’s overall work to help create a safer Macon-Bibb County. Other efforts include making sure people get severe weather notifications in a timely manner and get safety information throughout the year. People can sign up for MBCAlert by going to www.maconbibb.us/mbcalert or getting the free mobile app, and people are encouraged to follow the Agency on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. They can also download the MBCAlert App on both the App Store and Google Play. In the past several years, more than 4,000 weather radios have been distributed to Macon-Bibb County residents by the EMA, and the next distribution event is currently being planned for August. Hawkins also wants to stress to people that follow local media and weather forecasters on their social media channels to make sure they get as much information as possible about emergencies and severe weather. Currently the entire emergency siren system is being replaced and expanded. The nearly $3 million upgrade will replace the 56 current sirens and add 27 new ones. During the upgrades, the current emergency siren system will remain operational. The new sirens are part of a spectrum of notifications used by the EMA to let people know of severe weather; it also includes weather radios, a phone/text/email notification system, a mobile app, social media, and the local media.

Macon-Bibb County Celebrates Public Works Week

This week, Macon-Bibb County celebrated National Public Works Week by recognizing the employees who help keep the community running every day, from maintaining roads and collecting trash to beautifying public spaces and supporting infrastructure across the County. Throughout the week, departments celebrated their teams with appreciation lunches and gatherings, including fish fries hosted by the Public Works Department, Parks & Beautification Department, and Solid Waste Department. National Public Works Week highlights the behind-the-scenes work by public works professionals who help improve quality of life for residents across the community. Public Works Director Tim Wilder says the week serves as an important reminder of the dedication employees bring to their work every day. “Public Works is about service, and our employees show that commitment every single day,” said Wilder. “Whether it’s maintaining roads, responding after storms, supporting other departments, or handling daily operations, our team takes pride in doing the work that helps keep Macon-Bibb moving forward.” Solid Waste Manager Maurice Jackson said the week was an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and teamwork shown by employees every day. “I can’t put enough words together of how proud I am of my crew,” said Jackson. “Though we are small in numbers, we are big on productivity. The daily tasks we have never go unwavering, and I am so proud of my team. Without them, there would be no me. Our theme, ‘Team Work Makes The Dream Work,’ and they exude that each and every day.” Parks & Beautification Director Michael Glisson says Public Works Week also recognizes the personal connection many employees have to the work they do each day. “I’m proud to celebrate Public Works Week with a group that is so deserving,” says Glisson. “Most of our staff live in Macon-Bibb County, so they take extra pride in their work that beautifies their own community. It’s been a great week.” From early mornings to long days in the field, public works employees play a critical role in making sure Macon-Bibb remains clean, safe, and operational for residents and visitors alike.

Macon-Bibb Rededicates Medal of Honor Monument for Sgt. Rodney M. Davis

Forty years after a monument was first dedicated in his honor, family members, veterans, community leaders, and residents gathered at Rosa Parks Square to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant. Rodney Maxwell Davis, a hometown hero who gave his life serving his country during the Vietnam War. “We are here to remind ourselves that heroes are not born in history books. They come from neighborhoods like ours, they grew up in communities like Macon-Bibb County,” said Macon-Bibb County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “Seargeant Rodney Davis was one of ours.” Forty years ago, Dr. Moffett stood in the same square as a Northeast High School cadet and watched the monument be dedicated for the first time. The rededication ceremony on Thursday, May 21, held ahead of Memorial Day, marked the return of Sgt. Davis’ Medal of Honor monument following the recent reimagining of Rosa Parks Square. The monument was originally donated and dedicated in 1986 by the Northeast High School JROTC program, honoring one of its own. Sgt. Davis attended Appling High School, a historically Black high school in Macon that operated from 1958 until integration in 1970. It later became a junior high school and then a middle school when Northeast High School was created by combining H.S. Lasseter High, Mark Smith High, and Appling High. “Everyone should remember his name as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Northeast High School Alumnae, Scherryl Grayer-Morgan, who was part of the original monument dedication in 1986. As the newly renovated square filled with family, friends, elected officials, veterans, and community members, the ceremony served as both a remembrance and reflection on the lasting impact Sgt. Davis continues to have on Macon-Bibb generations later. “This is why we put the time, resources, and effort into reimagining this public space. To bring people together as one and celebrate what makes us a community, to recommit ourselves to common ideals that move the entire community together,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We are here together in this moment in a place named for an icon in our past, with a monument placed in honor of a hero from our past, and we mark this moment as we look forward to our future.” Sgt. Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor after sacrificing his life to save fellow soldiers during combat on September 6, 1967. While serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam, Davis threw himself on an enemy grenade to shield the Marines around him, saving their lives. But Thursday’s ceremony was about more than Sgt. Davis’ heroism in combat. It was about the man his family is still proud of and remembers lovingly decades later. Among those in attendance were his daughters, Nichola Davis and Samantha Steen; his grandsons, Dylan and Tyler Steen; his brother Gordon Davis; siblings Debra Ray and Robert Davis; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. For Nichola Davis, known as Nicky to family and friends, the ceremony carried deep emotional meaning. She was only two years old when her father gave his life in Vietnam. “It’s always emotional for me because I don’t really remember his touch or feel, but I have great memories of him through family,” said Davis. “I love him and am so proud of him. I’m proud to see that Macon has done this for him.” She also reflected on visiting the site in Vietnam in 2024. “We went to the site my dad was killed. We were in the trenches with the grandson of a Marine that he saved,” she said. “It meant a lot just to see the terrain of it. I just couldn’t imagine being there and going through that.” Even decades later, she says it means everything to see her father’s hometown continue honoring his sacrifice. “It means so much because this is his home and to know that his home has never forgotten him and continues to look for ways to honor him,” said Davis. “It will always be important to our family, but to see how important it is to others, it means so much.” During the ceremony, Gordon Davis shared memories of the brother he knew long before the world recognized him as a hero. “To me, he was a little brother who took on the role of a big brother,” said Gordon Davis. He described Rodney as someone who spent his life looking after others, even from a young age growing up in Pleasant Hill. “Rodney had been protective his whole life of everything that was his,” he said. From his years at St. Peter Claver through graduation from Appling High School, Gordon said his brother was known for his kindness and friendships throughout the community. “Rodney was everybody’s friend,” he said. “So, when Rodney did what he did in Vietnam, I had a gut feeling all along that Rodney had done something he had no business doing.” Gordon also recalled the final conversation they shared before Sgt. Davis deployed overseas. “The last conversation we had before he went to Vietnam was, ‘Don’t do nothing crazy. You got a wife and two babies you have to come back home to,’” says Gordon Davis. “And he said, ‘All I know is how to go to work and do what’s asked of me to do.’” Sgt. Davis’ sister, Debra Ray, remembered the determination that defined him early on. “He was very tall and would take these long steps, so we were always trying to keep up with him,” says Ray. “He used to tell me, ‘If you’re in this family, you need to keep up.’ And that’s what we did.” The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the monument and the playing of Taps, as many in the crowd stood silently, some wiping away tears while looking toward the memorial honoring Sgt. Davis’ extraordinary legacy. You can watch the full ceremony here.

3 weeks ago

Historic Macon Honors Reimagined Rosa Parks Square

Historic Macon recognized the newly reimagined Rosa Parks Square with its Josh M. Rogers Revitalization Award at its annual awards event in May. These awards honor significant restoration projects. “We’re so proud of this year’s Preservation Award winners and their commitment to preservation,” Executive Director Emily Hopkins said. “And we want to thank our members, our volunteers and our partners, all of whom stand with us to forge a stronger Macon through the power of preservation.” After years of community advocacy and collaboration, the downtown park underwent a reimagining that strengthens its role as a place for gathering, reflection, and civic life. Updates include additional seating, a stage, picnic tables, improved lighting, and a memorial wall honoring Rosa Parks’ legacy and the park’s place in the community. “If a park is not used, is it a park? If we reduce it to the word ‘greenspace,’ is it doing what it’s supposed to do?” Alex Morrison, Director of Planning and Public Spaces and Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority said at the Park’s grand opening, and who accepted the award from Historic Macon. “This park, in its redesigned form, forces people to come together. It provides opportunities to meet each other, to protest, to amplify voices, to gather for joyful occasions, and to host concerts.” The project was brought to life by architects at HGOR and Stafford Builders & Consultants. Funding included dollars raised by the Friends of Rosa Parks Square and a $2.5 million allocation approved by the Macon-Bibb County Commission in 2024.

3 weeks ago

Macon-Bibb Hires Company for Encampment Remediation

At a meeting in early May, the Macon-Bibb Commission approved a contract with new England Trauma Services to assist with public encampment remediation services, on an as-needed basis. The company would be used when the cleanup included threats to public health, like human waste, needles, and other hazardous material. “Our crews have been doing this work for several years, but in some situations, we needed to bring in experts trained in removing specific – and potentially dangerous – types of material,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “While we are trying to help people get into housing, we also need to make sure we are taking care of our own employees and not putting them in harm’s way.” He stressed these cleanups occur after social service outreach efforts are conducted by Root Analytics. That outreach helps get people needed services, transportation home, and even access to safer living at the Brookdale Resource Center. “Our goal is to help people experiencing homelessness get on the path to stable and safe housing; we want to make sure we’re taking care of the people who need us the most,” he says. However, some people do not avail themselves of the services and housing, but the presence of the camps can create public safety and health threats from open fires and other materials being left out.