🌱 Macon Man Acquitted After Spending 7 Months In Jail + Block Party

Hey, friends! 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:

• Saturday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 53 Low: 47.
• Sunday: Continued cloudy and cool. High: 64 Low: 45.

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Here are the top three stories today in Macon:

1. A local Macon man was acquitted on all charges for a 2020 robbery at a local store after spending more than seven months in jail. The Bibb County jury found Ronnie Chatfield not guilty on both charges related to a robbery at the First Dani Store at 1286 Anthony Road. Chatfield said the case has kept him from getting work as a security guard. (13WMAZ.com)
2. Grow Macon's block party to celebrate the grand opening of a new community garden has been moved to Apr. 15 at 1108 Eastview Ave., according to Bibb County spokesperson Chris Floore. The block party and other local events have been postponed due to expected rainfall. (WMAZ 13)
3. In Reimagining the Civic Commons' (RCC) report on civic engagement, "Investing with Intention: Our Four Outcomes," Macon is featured as a success in a report on civic engagement. According to RCC, the Macon Action Plan (MAP) shows that cities can "creatively involve residents in improving their communities." (Macon-Bibb County)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Saturday, April 8

• The Mighty Rock's 39th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun Day At Central City Park (11:00 AM)
• Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels At Grant's Lounge (7:00 PM)

Sunday, April 9

• Reclaiming The Native South Arts Festival At Middle Georgia State University (All Day)

From my notebook:

• The Bibb County Sheriff's Office will host an area-wide Neighborhood Watch Meeting for the Citizens of West Bibb County on Monday, May 8! If you live in the area bordered in red on this page, you are urged to attend this meeting at 6 p.m. (Macon Crimestoppers via Twitter)
• Macon-Bibb County earmarked $7.5 million for affordable housing developments! The American Rescue Plan Act money will create a revolving loan for housing developments and a new nonprofit will decide how it is spent in private monthly board meetings. (Laura Corley via Twitter)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Macon area at the link! (Macon Bibb Animal Welfare)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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!