Good morning, Macon.

Dozens gathered at a ghost bike ceremony near State Highway 22 north of Macon to honor Michael Ryan, the cyclist killed in December 2025, and to stress the need for safer road designs.

The event—organized by Bonnie Gehling for the Georgia Wilderness Society—highlighted calls for better road improvements.

Former fire prevention chief Larry Smallwood, who served for 44 years, died Sunday at age 77.

Visitation will be held Thursday (5 to 7 p.m.) at Snow’s at Macon Memorial Park, with a celebration of life service Friday at 2 p.m.

The Junior League of Macon launched the Little Black Dress Initiative on March 8 to raise awareness of poverty.

Participants wear matching dresses for five days and the campaign ends with a Fashion Show Finale at Dillard’s at The Shoppes at River Crossing on March 14 at 2 p.m.

Retired fire prevention chief Larry Smallwood dedicated over 40 years to fire safety and community outreach in Macon-Bibb County.

He retired in 2015, earned the George M. Lanier Memorial Fire Inspector of the Year award in 2019, and continues training others at the Georgia Fire Academy (M-BCFD).

A 12-year-old's suicide—reported as a result of ongoing bullying—has prompted local officials and community leaders to plan a review of school policies for better student protection, with meetings expected soon.

The inaugural 2026 Isekai Maid Café runs Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

This family-friendly event offers a meal, live performance (photo ops included) as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival Isekai Convention; tickets cost $38 online and $40 at the door.

The International Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Provisions Trail returns on March 20 at Cherry St. Plaza in downtown Macon (3 to 7 p.m. preview party) and will continue through March 29, offering small bites, curated cocktails and jazz by Sam Stephens and Friends via the Visit Macon app.

The Senate passed a bill that would let a state depository store gold and silver so people can convert it to cash — a move meant to hedge inflation while avoiding state taxes, though federal tax may apply when gold is sold.

The bill awaits House and governor approval.

A veteran and local CEO is lobbying for two mental health bills moving through the Georgia General Assembly to reshape care in the state (details pending further debate).

Sleep specialists warned that the lost hour from daylight saving time over the weekend disrupted sleep and increased risks of accidents, heart attacks, and strokes this week in Macon (residents are urged to get morning sunlight to reset their internal clocks).

Macon residents should check for recalls on Miss Vickie’s chips, some Ford and Lincoln vehicles, Weber grill brushes, Halo Dream Magic Sleepsuits, kids’ pajama pants and Elite Treats dog treats, with details provided by manufacturers emphasizing safety and free repairs or refunds.

Follow local instructions and stop using affected products.

Piedmont Primary Care doctors in Macon report early signs of allergy symptoms, like sneezing and itchy eyes, as tree pollen season begins while flu cases remain high.

They advise residents to check for fever (rare in allergies) and use treatments such as Claritin and nasal sprays.

The Red Cross is hosting blood drives across Middle Georgia to help ease a severe national blood shortage declared in January; one event in Macon is scheduled for March 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (donors must be 16 with parental consent) and welcomes all blood types.

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.

Deaf Andrews Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — Grant's Lounge — Entry price varies — Experience the electrifying blend of indie pop rock from Charlotte's own Deaf Andrews.