Good morning, Macon.

Historic Macon Foundation named longtime downtown leader Emily Hopkins its new executive director; she will begin February 2 replacing Nathan Lott.

Hopkins currently serves as vice president at NewTown Macon where she led key community projects.

Area shelters in Macon Bibb are extending hours and services to help residents stay warm as temperatures drop this weekend into early next week.

Brookdale Resource Center offers 50 beds and essentials while Hello House serves dinner and breakfast (4 p.m. to 11 a.m.) for those in need.

County officials awarded over $400K in grants to 16 local organizations at City Hall yesterday to bolster youth programs and family support under the Macon Violence Prevention Program (including partnerships such as Big Brothers Big Sisters).

A sinkhole near 162 Desoto Place on Vineville Ave has closed part of the road in a local neighborhood.

The Macon Water Authority said a contractor is working today to install reinforced concrete pipes, and the road is expected to reopen by Friday, Jan. 23.

Z Beans closed its downtown location as the Fordhams launched a new branch of the Cochran-based Mule Barn coffee shop on 311 Cotton Avenue; meanwhile, the chain remains open on Mercer Village and at Piedmont Hospital.

On Friday, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited a local manufacturer in Macon to highlight how fair trade policies and tax changes spurred new orders, facility expansion, and hiring, with the company already growing to over 500 employees.

The Bibb County Board of Education voted 4-3 (Jan.

15) to fix a $5.5 million gap by dropping $1.275 million in unexplained cuts, which resulted in a net decrease of $60,000. An itemized list will be shared next week and another amendment is planned for February.

Students at Samuel E.

Hubbard Elementary School led a book drive that collected over 1,700 gently used books to support the district's Backpack Buddies program—earning the school School of the Week recognition today.

Jones County officials approved a new amendment for data centers at the Griswoldville Industrial Park (with standards for setbacks, buffers, noise control, and decommissioning) during a nearly three-hour meeting Friday night, despite strong public disapproval while the county’s 90‑day moratorium on applications neared its expiration.

Josh Rogers Way will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan.

21 on the Third Street median between Poplar and Cherry in downtown Macon. The street honors the late revitalization leader who spurred major downtown investments, and further ceremony details will be shared by NewTown Macon.

Pitcher Conner Strandmark signed with the Mercer Bears (his hometown team) on Friday as he commits to furthering his athletic career at his local school.

Brentwood girls basketball — boasting a 17-1 record after an 81-43 win over Windsor — will face Trinity Christian soon at home.

The team has looked forward to this matchup all season.

Public Ice Skating Session

2-3:30 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a fun public ice skating session in a community-friendly environment.

Monaleo Live Performance

9:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. — Macon Arts Center, LLC — Paid entry — Experience an exciting evening of live rap music with Monaleo at the Macon Arts Center.

Eddie 9V Live Concert

9-11 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a soulful mix of swamp soul, outlaw rock and roll, R&B, and country from this Austin-based band.