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Articles by Mary Shaw
What’s Old Is New Again
There is an expression, “What’s old is new again.” I can see signs of that beginning to happen among today’s young people as they try things we associate with the older generation. Recently, I read articles and heard comments on various TV shows stating that those who grew up in the digital world are starting to see some advantages to doing things the way we “older folks” did back in the day. This applies particularly to Gen Z.
You’re a Computer Science Major. Don’t Panic.
Lincoln Riley says fake punt was ‘entirely legal’ after Big Ten rebuke Lincoln Riley isn’t backing down from his belief that the fake punt ploy USC pulled last Friday in its win over Northwestern was perfectly within NCAA rules. “The fake punt was entirely legal,” Riley said on Tuesday. “Our guys did a fantastic job of executing it. And there’s not really a whole lot …
Potential Legal Risks Arising From Common Business Practices
In light of significant changes to labour and employment laws over the past 18 months, it is important for employers to take the time to review and update their current contracts, policies and workplace practices. We have summarised the top five potential legal risks arising from common business practices to help Australian employers ensure that they are compliant with recent legislative developments. 1.
Call it by name: Racism is a sin
On Aug. 23 we recall and remember on the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This commemoration takes on special significance this year, as we recall George Floyd, Daunte White, Adam Toledo and so many more who died horrific deaths at the hands of law enforcement — not to mention what we see daily. We have an opportunity to respond to a call from Pope Francis to heal our relationships with God, our neighbors and the Earth.
Poll shows proposed Macon-Bibb budget won't be approved Tuesday
The commission is short a commissioner, which means they can only have two commissioners vote against the proposed budget Bibb County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on next year’s budget on Tuesday. This is a budget that includes a proposed 2.7 mill increase, but in order for that to happen, the budget needs approval from six commissioners. Commissioner Virgil Watkins says places like Macon’s Washington Memorial Library are resources that the county cannot do without.
'Showing me that I can do something': Disabled Macon man gets hired by Macon Transit Authority
Scott spent several years advocating for other bus riders at Macon Transit Authority meetings. A Macon man says he's not letting his disabilities keep him from helping people in the community, and he says he is able to do so because of an opportunity the Macon Transit Authority gave him. When the doors swing open and dozens of people fill the sidewalk, finding the right bus can sometimes be a bit challenging. But at Macon’s Terminal Station, David Scott's friendly face is there ready to help.
Missing documents causes concern among Bibb County Industrial Authority, following misused funds
13WMAZ.com would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. LOCAL The authority says the owners of all three companies are connected to the former chairman of the authority, Cliffard Whitby.
Mamma Mia! Opens to rave reviews at Barn Theater
Mamma Mia!, The smash hit musical featuring songs from ABBA, opened at the Barn Theater to rave reviews last weekend. The musical plays for two more weekends, June 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. and June 16 at 2 p.m. It is rated PG 13. The show features local talent at its finest. Kim and Gene Day play lead characters, Donna Sheridan and Sam Carmichael. Kristin Redford and Gage Phipps play the soon to be wedded couple, Sophie and Sky. Maureen LeDesma and Connor Nielson play colorful Tanya and Harry.
New technology helps tackle blight in Bibb County
LOCAL Tackling blight in Bibb County could soon be as simple as taking a picture on your cell phone. Tackling blight in Bibb County could soon be as simple as taking a picture on your cell phone. Frank Dixon has spent the last few weeks walking the streets of Macon and during that time he says he has seen a different side of the place he calls home. “There are a lot of houses that have been vacant. Sitting, got trees going through them,” said Dixon.
Friends from different generations
Conversations with friends always bring up interesting topics. A recent one led us to the subject of people in our lives, who, though much older than we were “back in the day”, later became our friends or coworkers as adults. Such relationships may seem a little awkward at first but can very satisfying at the same time. In my case a high school teacher, who was a nun, was helping me to find the college best suited to my interests. I knew I wanted a small school and one that offered Latin as a major.
Best Hatching Results | MOTHER EARTH NEWS
Our farm is home to rare breeds of poultry, including Dorking chickens, Ancona ducks and Narragansett turkeys. Having offspring each year is essential to our mission of helping to save these rare breeds, but hatching and caring for chicks presents different challenges each year. We purchased an incubator four years ago to give us more control in getting consistent hatches; it has done well with both chickens and ducks.
Former Macon Ramada reopening after being vacant for 6 years
Downtown Macon's skyline could get brighter now that a company plans to reopen the old Ramada Hotel. The 16-story building has been vacant since closing in 2012. Now, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said they plan to reopen the former Ramada early next year. RELATED: No reservations: What's going on at the Ramada in downtown Macon Annette Dominey said she walks past the vacant former hotel almost every single day. “It’s real big and you can see it starting to decay.
'A bullet doesn’t have a name:' Neighbor reacts to fatal shooting of Macon teen
A 16-year-old boy is dead after a drive-by shooting took place overnight during a cookout in south Macon. According to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, they found 16-year-old Calvin Bernard Harvey dead on a stoop at 325 Edgewood Lane. Robert Curry lives right across the street from where the shooting happened. “I heard the gun go off. It woke me up,” said Curry. Curry says his street is usually quiet, but on Sunday he says it was anything but calm.
VERIFY: Are property tax increases a trend?
Bibb commissioners are looking at raising property taxes to prevent a projected $16 million budget deficit. Assistant County Manager, Julie Moore, told commissioners Tuesday that it is an issue the whole country is facing. “If you have seen the ABC National News where they pointed out that every municipality in the nation is struggling with a property tax increase,” says Moore. But is that statement true?
Bibb County looks at implementing hotel-motel tax to Airbnb rentals
As Bibb County works to prevent a deficit in next year's budget, they are also looking at ways to keep future shortfalls from happening. One idea is adding the hotel-motel tax to Airbnb rentals, and according to the company’s website there are more than 100 homeowners in Macon using that service. One of the people using the service is Felicia Butler. “I was thinking, 'What was I going to do with it?'” says Butler.
Bibb mayor warns they could be sued if they do not approve next year's budget on time
Bibb County has less than 20 days to approve next year’s budget. Right now, that budget includes a 3.29 millage rate increase, but when Commissioner Virgil Watkins took a poll at Tuesday’s meeting of who would support that, no one raised their hands. It made it clear that the proposed budget will not go through. Several commissioners say that number is too high and others do not want to make any more cuts, but the budget needs at least six votes.
Fire breaks out in Forsyth cotton mill
Forsyth Fire Chief David Herndon could not give an exact number, but he says this is around the 20th fire of the year. FORSYTH — UPDATE: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday The fire was caused by a lightning strike, according to Fire Chief David Herndon. He said you could clearly see where the lightning struck and traveled through the building. Chief Herndon also said the mill was vacant at the time of the fire. The building was in operation and used to manufacture yarn.
Bibb Commissioners discuss adding red light and speed cameras around the county
Commissioner Joe Allen is asking commissioners to support a resolution to begin the bidding process to find a company to install the cameras. Speed cameras and red light cameras could be coming to several intersections and roads across Bibb County, but it depends on what commissioners decide at Tuesday’s meeting. When the light changes, it is a sign to slow down and stop, but Bibb Commissioner Joe Allen says unfortunately that is not always the case.
Man missing on Lake Blackshear marks 7th drowning in Central Georgia since May
The search continues for a man missing in Lake Blackshear, making it the seventh reported drowning in Central Georgia since May. Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock says around 4 p.m. Saturday, a witness saw a man's kayak capsize and he did not return to the surface. When it comes to getting in the lake, Andy Murdock says he always takes extra caution. RELATED: Summer Safety Guide | Ways to keep your kids safe and healthy this summer “If you can’t swim, you should be wearing a life jacket.
Hawkinsville man gets ready to reopen 70-year-old grocery store his grandpa built
Back in September, Harris' Kuntry Meats and Store was gutted after an electrical fuse box caught on fire. A 70-year-old Hawkinsville grocery store is getting ready to reopen after a fire that destroyed their building. The store’s owner, Chris Dollar, says he will never forget watching as a fire consumed his business. “Coming across the bridge and seeing the flow, flames just roaring, it was unbelievable,” says Chris.
'Get back and work': Bibb County commissioners vote to delay vote on next year's budget
Tuesday, Bibb County Commissioners decided to hold off on approving next year's budget. In a six to two vote, commissioners agreed to spend more time working on the budget that right now includes a 3.29 mill increase. During that vote there were dozens of watching inside the commission chambers, including Johnny Rowe. “As a property owner in this county and an employee of this county, we are tired. Leave us alone. Y’all are making these decisions on our backs.
A look into the impact consolidation has had on Bibb County's budget
This comes after several deficits have made the county come close to draining their general fund. As Bibb County discusses raising property taxes again to prevent yet another projected deficit, many people in the community have questioned why this keeps happening. Now, several commissioners are speaking up and blaming part of the problem on how fast the county reduced their budget and rolled city taxes back during consolidation.
Bibb Sheriff on deputy fatally shooting armed robber: ‘The deputy showed dedication and bravery'
Bibb County deputies shot and killed a man after he allegedly robbed a gas station and began fighting with the officers. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, it all started Saturday night after an officer responded to an armed robbery at the Circle K off of Riverside Drive. The sheriff’s office says 39-year-old Shamir DeAngelo Terry went inside the Circle K and approached an employee. He allegedly pulled a handgun out, fired a shot inside of the store, took money and ran away.
Bibb commissioners change 2019's proposed budget to increase outside agency funding
This comes after several deficits have left the county with about $7 million left in their general fund. As Bibb commissioners look into implementing furlough days and making employees contribute to their pension plans, they are also looking at adding funding to outside agencies. Friday, the operations and finance committee updated next year's proposed budget to give more than $10 million to these agencies. That is over $600,000 more than what the mayor initially proposed.
'It is a salary cut': Bibb Sheriff speaks against proposed budget changes during deputy shortage
In 2017, there were 30 homicides in Bibb County. We are not even halfway through the year and there have already been 18 homicides in Bibb County. But at the same time that is rising, Sheriff David Davis says the number of deputies are going down. Davis says right now, they are short about 100 employees. Flashing lights and the sound of sirens is a scene Earth Bey says is all too common in her neighborhood. “Children out here getting kidnapped, raped and murdered.
'Tired of being shafted by these outrageous and unnecessary tax increases': Homeowner on Bibb budget
This comes after several deficits have left the county with about $7 million left in their general fund. Tuesday, people in Bibb County got to voice their opinion over the proposed budget for next year. That budget includes three furlough days, employees contributing to their pension plans, and a possible property tax increase. Earlier this month, Mayor Robert Reichert proposed a 3.7 mill increase, but after commissioners made their adjustments, that increase was down to 2.97 mills.
Bibb County commission seat will sit vacant through next year's budget vote
Thousands of people in Bibb County will not have someone representing them as the county votes on next year’s budget. This comes after results from the special election show Lynn Wood and Valerie Wynn heading into a runoff for the District 1 commission seat. Getting representation for this district has been a huge debate since March when the seat was vacated. But just when people in that district thought they would have a commissioner voting on the budget next month, it turns out they will not.
Bibb Co. assistant principal helps student become first in family to graduate
This week, Bibb County high school seniors will walk across the Centreplex’s stage and get their diplomas. That moment will be a first for the family of one senior at Northeast High School. What started off as a ride to summer school quickly turned into a different kind of drive for Gabriel Miles. “[He said] 'I’m going to pick you up from school every day. I’m going to make sure you have perfect attendance Miles.' Mr. Lanier had a plan for me.
Two Bibb County commissioners ask to conduct forensic audit on county
This comes after several deficits have left the county with about $7 million left in their general fund. Two Bibb County Commissioners say they want a forensic audit conducted on all Bibb County finances. This comes after Mayor Robert Reichert's proposed budget showed that the county is heading towards a projected $16 million deficit next year. Commissioners Joe Allen and Elaine Lucas say they want to know exactly where the county's money is going.
Bibb County's projected deficit for next year's budget goes up $6 million
This comes after several deficits have left the county with just $4 million in their general fund. Bibb County's projected deficit for next year's budget is up $6 million from what they originally thought. In January, the county was expecting a $10 million deficit, but now it is up to $16 million. Assistant County Manager, Julie Moore, says the budget that the mayor presented, with a 3.7 mill increase and four furlough days, is aimed at fixing that deficit.
Bibb County mayor proposes to fund new agency after cutting funding for several others
With a projected $16 million deficit looming over next year's budget, Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert's had to make a lot of cuts to put together a balanced budget. But among the cuts, he is actually proposing to add 96,000 of funding to a new outside agency. That money would go towards turning Little Richard’s house into a resource center for the Pleasant Hill neighborhood. Naomi Johnson says the neighborhood is full of more than just Little Richard’s House.
Early voting numbers low in Bibb County, days away from election
Even though the numbers are low, they are up from the last time there was a gubernatorial race in 2014. This is the final week of early voting in Bibb County for next week’s primary and special elections, but according to the Bibb County Board of Elections, the number of early voters is low. The right to vote is a privilege that Merle Hazard, Pat Donnelly, and Barbara Dean say they never miss. “It’s a right that we shouldn't take for granted.
People in 11 Central Georgia counties to vote on transportation sales tax
The sales tax would add a penny to every purchase. In just a little over a week, voters will head to the polls in Georgia. One of the items that will be on the ballot for some Central Georgians is a transportation sales tax, also known as TSPLOST. Jarius Chatman calls the intersection of Wesleyan Drive and Bowman Road dangerous. “There have been plenty of times I thought I was going to get hit,” said Chatman.
Bibb County commissioner asks county to consider loan following mayor's tax increase proposal
One Bibb Commissioner is asking the county to consider taking out a loan rather than raising property taxes. This comes after Mayor Robert Reichert proposed to raise property taxes 3.7 mills to prevent a projected $10 million deficit in next year's budget. When it comes to raising property taxes, Commissioner Elaine Lucas says her vote is no. “We need some breathing room. We do not need to raise taxes on our taxpayers who just had an increase last year,” says Lucas.
'This is actually drying this town up': Bibb homeowner discusses proposed tax increase impact
This comes after several deficits have left the county with just over $4 million in their general fund. Tuesday, Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert proposed to raise property taxes 3.7 mills. This is a part of his balanced budget for next year that is aimed at fixing a projected $10 million deficit. The 3.7 mill increase would generate more than $15 million a year for the county.
WATCH LIVE: Bibb mayor to present next year's budget, following projected $10M deficit
Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert will present his balanced budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday. This budget is projected to have a $10 million deficit, so Reichert has been working to find ways to prevent that shortfall. The mayor will have to look at either raising revenues through changes like property tax increases, or decreasing spending through changes like cutting department spending.
'The government is bleeding us dry': Bibb homeowner responds to proposed property tax increase
Last year, Bibb County homeowners saw a three mill property tax increase. Bibb County property owners could see an even bigger property tax increase this year than they did last year. This comes after Mayor Robert Reichert presented his budget for next year which includes a 3.7 millage rate increase. But if they do not make these changes, they could drain their savings in just a few months.
Bibb commissioner gives stance on future property tax increases
If the county does not fix the projected deficit, they will drain their savings. Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert will present his balanced budget for next year on Tuesday. This is a budget that is projected to have a $10 million deficit. To fix this shortfall, the mayor's budget either has to include ways to decrease spending like department cuts, or ways to increase revenue like a property tax increase. Commissioner Elaine Lucas is already putting her foot down on this budget.
Bibb mayor to present next year's budget Tuesday, following projected $10M deficit
This comes after several deficits have left the county at a point where they could drain their savings within the next year Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert will present his balanced budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday. This budget is projected to have a $10 million deficit, so Reichert has been working to find ways to prevent that shortfall.
'We all need somebody:' Bibb nonprofit works to find advocates for people with disabilities
For 40 years, Macon-Bibb Citizen Advocacy has worked to help people who have disabilities by pairing them with advocates. Nine years ago, a friendship bloomed when Lori Johnson became an advocate for Meredith Woodruff. “Everybody needs somebody, but especially if you have a disability. It makes it hard to advocate for yourself,” said Johnson. Johnson met Woodruff through Citizen Advocacy, a nonprofit that pairs people with developmental disabilities to advocates.
Bibb County discusses cutting outside agency funding for next year's budget
Bibb County's Mayor Robert Reichert is just five days away from presenting next year's budget. The budget is going to require cuts and/or revenue increases to prevent a projected $10 million deficit. So, for the last few weeks members of the commission have met to look at how the county funds outside agencies. One of those agencies is River Edge Behavioral Health. “You need us to help people recover their lives,” says the Executive Director of River Edge, Shannon Gordon.
Missing documents causes concern among Bibb County Industrial Authority, following misused funds
The authority says the owners of all three companies are connected to the former chairman of the authority, Cliffard Whitby. We are continuing coverage on three companies that allegedly took $2 million from Macon-Bibb's Industrial Authority for work that was never done. Through an open records request, we asked the authority for documents showing those company's contract bids and how they were selected.
Bibb mayor says county official did no wrong by not mentioning Whitby's ties to companies
This is following Bumpus announcing that he is resigning a few weeks ago. The Director of the Bibb County Small Business Affairs office, James Bumpus, says he knew about the relationship between Clifford Whitby and the three companies that they now were involved in the misuse of $2 million of Industrial Authority funds. Whitby is the former chair of the authority who was indicted in august on federal charges for allegedly bribing Bibb County's school superintendent.
Bibb County Solicitor-General works to offer more support to victims of crime
Bibb County's Solicitor General's Office is working to hire a new advocate to assist victims of violent crime, but before they can bring on the new employee, they need the county to match a $50,000 grant they were awarded. For more than 20 years, Dottie Stafford says she has served as an advocate to sexual assault victims. “You don’t have to look at the offender, you can look at me, and when you look at me, I want you to know how supported you are,” says Stafford.
Bibb commissioners look at incentives to fill empty stores after Kroger closure
Bibb County could soon offer incentives to encourage business owners to open stores in certain places like vacant buildings. But before they do, commissioners would have to vote on Tuesday to have a group explore what these incentives could look like. If you head south out of downtown Macon, you will find an auto shop at the corner of Hazel and Third Street. “There’s so many vacant lots right here,” said store owner, Anthony Johnson. Johnson says his shop is one of few active places in the area.
$105M Peach County greenhouse nears completion
If you have driven down Highway 96 in Peach County recently, you may have noticed a big structure being built near Lane Southern Orchards. Back in August, a company called Pure Flavor announced plans for a $105 million greenhouse on that land. For more than six months, Michael Bryant says he and other crew members have been hard at work building a hydroponic greenhouse.
VERIFY: Are Instagram pictures of moldy food at Peach County High School real?
Some parents say they are disgusted with the food their children are being served at Peach County High School. This comes after some students took to Instagram to post pictures of their meals. Now the Georgia Department of Public Health says they are investigating the cafeteria at the high school. When the lunch bell rings at Peach County High School, Robbie Deguevara says her daughter usually opts not to eat. “She would rather go hungry than eat the food there,” says Deguevara.
Bibb County Small Business Affairs Director resigns, discusses involvement with Industrial Authority
He would not say why he is leaving, but he did talk with us about his connection with Cliffard Whitby, the former industrial authority chairman now facing criminal charges, and three companies accused of misusing more than $2 million from the authority. The Bibb County Industrial Authority says when they found out about the improper billing, they tracked the spending back to three companies which were all owned by people connected to Whitby.
New managers prepare Sandy Beach Water Park for Memorial Day weekend opening
Memorial Day is a little over a month away, which means a lot of people will be looking for a place to cool off and relax. One of Macon's most popular spots is Sandy Beach Water Park. However, last year the park faced a lot of changes including new management, so we wanted to check in on the condition of the park to see if they are planning to open this year. According to the management group, Jeff Ellis Management, a bank still owns the park, but they are running the day-to-day operations.
New managers prepare Sandy Beach Water Park for Memorial Day weekend opening
Memorial Day is a little over a month away, which means a lot of people will be looking for a place to cool off and relax. One of Macon's most popular spots is Sandy Beach Water Park. However, last year the park faced a lot of changes including new management, so we wanted to check in on the condition of the park to see if they are planning to open this year. According to the management group, Jeff Ellis Management, a bank still owns the park, but they are running the day-to-day operations.
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