Good morning, Macon.

Dickey Farms in central Georgia sees peach trees blooming and hopes for a fruitful season if late frosts are avoided.

Farm teams will closely track weather + take steps to protect the crop if conditions worsen.

Macon Water Authority will host the 21st Kids Fishing Derby on March 7 at Javors Lucas Lake (150 Broach Lane in Jones County); registration opens at 7 a.m. with fishing at 7:30 a.m. The free event is open to children 3 to 16 who provide their own gear.

A local artist marks 35 years of painting cherry blossoms, with his work seen on vehicles and businesses during the festival in Macon.

His long-running tradition adds unique charm to the community's cultural celebration.

Local artist Cedric Smith will open his exhibit Layers of Becoming on Friday at the Wesleyan College Leadership Lab gallery on Cherry St, where the free event will include an artist talk at 6 p.m. and showcase reinterpretations of traditional advertising to highlight Black representation.

Farmers in Central Georgia (including Taylor County's Michael Knowles) face fertilizer price hikes as slowed shipping and rising insurance costs linked to regional tensions in the Strait of Hormuz drive up expenses; local growers are already incurring losses per acre and further increases may later affect grocery prices.

AAA reported that gas prices in Macon have risen to an average of $3.12 per gallon, up forty cents from last week.

Locals are bracing for higher travel costs amid global tensions.

Bibb County Schools will host 'Meet Me Where You Are' events across Macon to boost attendance and literacy.

Parents may sign up for summer programs, get testing tips and enjoy performances, with events from Wednesday, Mar. 11 at Harrell's & Sons Barber Shop to April 14 at the Macon Mall.

Sen. Jon Ossoff urged Congress to ban out-of-state companies from bulk buying single-family homes, saying these purchases limit starter home options for families in Macon.

He noted that corporate cash buys add to rising rents and affordability struggles in the area.

A Georgia lawmaker is proposing that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline be printed on student ID badges after two Central Georgia middle schoolers died by suicide this year — a measure that would give students quick access to help.

Employees at Taylor Regional Hospital (Hawkinsville) experienced payroll delays that left some unpaid for several days due to funding gaps under a rural emergency designation.

The hospital is working to catch up on pay and will take steps to prevent future delays.

Piedmont clinicians in Macon report that early tree pollen and high flu activity have led to confusion as patients struggle to tell if their symptoms are from allergies, a sinus infection, or the flu.

Providers advise anyone with a fever lasting over 72 hours or severe signs to seek care.

Southwest beat Model in a 62-60 overtime win in Macon on Wednesday to reach the Final Four of the GHSA Class A-Division I tournament.

The Patriots will face No. 1 Vidalia in the semifinals at Fort Valley State University on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Birmingham Bulls at Macon Mayhem

7-9 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — $5 parking — Cheer on the Birmingham Bulls as they face the Mayhem in an exciting hockey showdown.

Couples Line Dance Class

6:00-6:45 p.m. — South Bibb Recreation Complex — Registration covers 2 people — Learn fun line dances together regardless of your experience level.

Sweet Georgia Jamz Music Festival

2-7 p.m. — Brad Henderson Memorial Stadium — $10 Adults, $5 Kids — Enjoy a lively music festival featuring local and national artists along with family activities and health screenings.

Cherry Blossom Festival Ball

7-11 p.m. — Macon City Auditorium — Black-tie optional — Experience a night of elegance with dining, décor, and entertainment themed 'Cirque de Sakura'.

Kindred Valley Live Performance

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. — Grant's Lounge — Ticket information unavailable — Experience the harmonious sounds of indie folk band Kindred Valley as they take the stage.

Cherry Blossom Parade

3:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Cherry Blossom Festival — Free entry — Celebrate Central Georgia's spirit with vibrant floats and lively marching bands in a family-friendly parade.

Micro Wrestling Federation

8-11 p.m. — Society Garden — Tickets from $76 — Experience the unique entertainment of the Micro Wrestling Federation in a lively venue.

Captain Midnight Band Live at Grant's Lounge

10 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Tickets available — Experience the unique 'Waterbed Rock & Roll' with the electrifying Captain Midnight Band.

9th Annual MCAC Fit to Achieve 5K

8:00 – 9:30 AM — Monroe County Achievement Center — Check registration for fees — Promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise and healthy food choices.

Huntsville Havoc vs. Macon Mayhem

3-4 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — Parking $5 — Catch the exciting ice hockey action between the Huntsville Havoc and Macon Mayhem.