🌱 Local Bar Sues County Officials + Man Arrested For Stealing 3 Cars

Hello and happy Thursday! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening in Macon these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and beautiful. High: 69 Low: 47.
• Friday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 71 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories today in Macon:

1. On Mar. 13, the owners of the Overtyme Bar & Grill in Macon filed a federal lawsuit against Macon-Bibb County mayor Lester Miller and sheriff David Davis for shutting down the bar over alleged COVID-19 violations. The lawsuit demands $9 million, or $3.2 million from both the mayor and sheriff, for allegedly violating their rights by shutting down the bar in March 2021. Davis said his deputies cited the bar for violations which included the use of masks, social distancing, and large gatherings. Davis said the bar was cited at least four times before it was temporarily closed. (13WMAZ.com)
2. Bibb County deputies arrested 35-year-old Eric Ivan Searcy-Bryson in connection with three stolen vehicles in Macon. The vehicles were stolen from Cherokee Brick Company at 3250 Waterville Road. Deputies say they found Searcy-Bryson not far away in a wooded area, asleep in one of the stolen vehicle and surrounded by the other two stolen cars. Searcy-Bryson has been charged with three counts of Felony Theft by Taking Auto and Probation Violation. (13WMAZ.com)
3. After 14 years, the Macon Housing Authority wants to sell the Buck Melton Community Center at Felton Avenue and Anthony Road, which helps the community with resources including an auditorium, a gymnasium, and a computer lab. The Boys & Girls Club of Central Georgia asked if the housing authority would consider selling the building. Due to the financial burden, housing authority CEO Mike Austin said, "We thought it was a good idea to sell it to a like-minded agency who has the same type of mission." It is up to the the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Chicago to decide if the housing authority can sell the property, because they paid for the renovation in 2008. (wgxa.tv)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Thursday, March 16

• Wini McQueen’s - The Canopy: Preview Celebration At Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway (5:00 PM)
• Pottery Wheel Date Night At The 567 Center for Renewal (6:30 PM)

Friday, March 17

• Wini McQueen’s - The Canopy: Opening Weekend Reception At Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway (12:00 PM)
• Lantern Light Tours At Ocmulgee Mounds National Park (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Macon's "International Cherry Blossom Festival" is back! The 41st year of the “Pinkest Party on Earth” will talk place on Mar. 17 at Carolyn Crayton Park, formerly known as Central City Park, located at 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive. (The Telegraph)
• Speaking of cherry blossoms — the Macon Downtown Visitors Center Van Tours are now booking 2023 Cherry Blossom tours! (Visit Macon via Facebook)
• Bibb County Sheriff's Office Animal Services is searching for a loving family to adopt Zac! Zac is an adorable and friendly one-year-old puppy. Call Elvin at 478-972-4975 to schedule a visit to Bibb County Sheriff's Office Animal Services. (Bibb County Sheriff's Office Animal Services via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. See you all soon for another 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!