🌱 Bus Stop Shelter Artwork Winners + Friends Food Mart Torn Down

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 90 Low: 64.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and less humid. High: 86 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories today in Macon:

1. Nearby Warner Robins is considering expanding the Wellston Trail as part of its plan to become a live-work-play community. The city has explored three options for expansion, including extending the trail from Corder Road to Watson Boulevard and connecting it to Wellston Park. Another option is to extend the trail outside the fountain park parking lot from Kimberly Road to Moody Road. The city owns the land and would need to do less paving, and this extension would increase accessibility for people with limited mobility. The last idea is to expand the trail from Wellston Park to Center Park at Centerville, adding over two miles of trail space, with the ultimate goal of connecting all city parks. (13WMAZ.com)
2. The Macon-Bibb Transit Authority, Mama Hawk Draws, and the Knight Foundation partnered to feature artwork at six bus stop shelters in downtown Macon. Cash prizes were awarded to eight adults and two students who created 10 art pieces, with adult winners receiving $1,000 and student winners receiving $100 each. Two semi-finalists also received $250 each. The new art installations aim to bring more life to the downtown area and make public transportation more appealing. (wgxa.tv)
3. The owner of Friends Food Mart, a convenience store on Houston Avenue, has torn down the store less than a year after fighting the county to stay open. The store had been linked to violent crimes, with more than 200 calls to 911 in the past six years. The store became widely known after 16-year-old Kymelo Early was shot and killed in the parking lot in May 2020. The owner was allowed to keep the store open provided he enforced rules, such as banning gatherings and alerting the police, but it is unclear why he has now decided to demolish the store. (wgxa.tv)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Tuesday, May 9

• Beach Read Book Swap At The Web (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 10

• Art At The Park (Drawing) At Ocmulgee Mounds National Park (2:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Macon to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Did you know Macon’s own Fincher's Barbecue is the only place where you can find barbecue that has been served in space? Macon native Sonny Carter was one of the astronauts selected for NASA Space Mission STS-33. Carter decided to bring a little bit of Macon to space with him – opting to bring Fincher’s Barbecue with him into orbit in 1989 – making it the first and only barbecue served in space! (Visit Macon via Facebook)
• The new Photo Spots Trail is now live in the Tour Macon app! To celebrate, Visit Macon is hosting a giveaway; visit the link for details about how to enter. All posts until Wednesday, May 10 will be entered to win free tickets to see Sunny War at the historic Grant's Lounge on Thursday. (Visit Macon via Facebook)
• It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Macon Mental Health Matters has several opportunities for you to take care of your mental health, starting with its new Lunch & Learn series. Those interested can learn more here. (Macon+Bibb County via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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!