Good morning, Macon.

As America marks 250 years of independence, community leaders and educators in Macon are reflecting on progress and inclusion while strengthening education and innovation (notably at local universities and arts centers) to prepare students for a changing world.

The Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission will review a proposal on Monday, Aug.

10 for Saddlebags Macon—a country-themed restaurant, bar & nightclub—to open at the former Crazy Bull building on Second St. The venue would feature an 85-seat dining area, live music, line-dancing lessons and mechanical bull riding with sound controls required.

Applications are open for Miss Macon and Miss Central Georgia pageants for young women (ages 5 to 28).

Contestants (14 to 28) compete while girls (5 to 13) join as Belles; registration ends Sept. 1 and event is Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at The Grand Opera House in Macon.

Construction began on a multi-million-dollar Unified Legacy facility on Barnes Ferry Road last Monday, Aug.

3, with plans to create 500 jobs and boost local manufacturing. Officials including Governor Kemp and community leaders celebrated the start.

The Macon-Bibb commission approved a new sidewalk at the intersection of Jeffersonville and McCall roads to improve walking safety.

A larger project will add more city sidewalks soon.

Macon-Bibb planning officials will consider rezoning 7 acres along Northside Drive for a proposed 9,100-sqft Dollar General Monday, Aug.

10 at the Macon Mall’s Planning and Zoning conference room — the developer, Teramore Development LLC, must secure further approvals before construction begins.

Macon's Bacon won 7 to 2 against Forest City and advanced to the CPL Championship Series; they will face the Wilmington Sharks in a best-of-three series starting tonight at Luther Williams Field.