🌱 Children's Hospital Adds Music Park + Unemployment Rising In Macon

Hi there, Macon! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partial sunshine. High: 56 Low: 36.
• Sunday: Cool with periods of sun. High: 56 Low: 28.

Are you a real estate agent in Macon struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Macon newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Here are the top stories in Macon today:

1. Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital in Macon has opened a musical playground to further improve the patient experience. The hospital has partnered with Panda Express to raise money to help care for their patients, Panda Express's general manager has a special connection with the hospital as her daughter was once a patient. Whether a child needs continuous care or is coming in for a check-in they love the addition of the park for a moment to smile and play. Panda Express will continue to support the hospital until 2030 and has already raised over $110,000. (13WMAZ.com)
2. Two men were arrested in Macon on Thursday after one suspect was carrying a firearm. Police were trying to pull over a vehicle that was driving too slowly as the driver changed lanes and the passenger jumped out of the vehicle attempting to flee while carrying a semi-automatic handgun. The driver was immediately arrested while the passenger was chased down and also arrested shortly after. Both the driver, Ahmad Roberts, and the passenger, Jayvyn Whetstone, received multiple different charges following the arrest. (wgxa.tv)
3. Newly-released data shows that Macon's unemployment rate experienced a slight increase of 0.7 percent from December to January, bringing the percentage to 3.8 percent, said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. However, the rate is still better than the January 2022 rate of 3.9 percent. Despite economic challenges, Thompson credits investments in Georgia's labor force and thriving business community for the state's strong economy, making it his priority as labor commissioner to help more Georgians return to work. (wgxa.tv)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Macon Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Macon Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Saturday, March 18

• Crank to Coffee Bike Ride through Downtown - Bike Tech (8:00 AM)
• Clash Of The Titans Reverb - Serenity Entertainment Complex (7:00 PM)
• Stained Glass - Westside High School (7:00 PM)

Sunday, March 19

• Ostara Festival: A Day Of Growth - The Society Garden (12:00 PM)
• Read with a Ranger Program - Ocmulgee Mounds National Park (2:00 PM)
• Georgia Big Band - Vineville United Methodist (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• There have been some major changes in the Bibb County School District and the holders of leadership. Angel Woodard has been appointed Principal of Alexander II Magnet School, Dr. LaQuonta Williams-Smith was appointed Principal of Matilda Hartley Elementary School, and Dr. LaToya Smith the Principal of Howard High School, was appointed Executive Director of Personnel. (Bibb County School District via Facebook)
• If you are a senior in the Bibb County School District and interested in college, don't miss this announcement! During the month of March, college application waivers will be waived for students looking to apply to universities. (Bibb County School District via Facebook)
• Southwest High School law academy students took place in a beautiful ceremony this past week laying down a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A true honor for both the students involved and Southwest High School to be represented. (Macon+Bibb County via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!