🌱 New Rules At County Park After Drownings + Missing Murder Suspect

Hello there, Macon. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 83 Low: 54.
• Friday: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 83 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Macon today:

1. After two drownings of a 17-year-old girl and a 22-year-old man at Amerson River Park near Macon in Bibb County, officials have set new park rules. On Mar. 21, commissioners voted to require everyone of all ages to wear a life jacket when entering the river, and anyone under 16 years old must have adult supervision. Those not following the rules could receive a verbal reprimand, be removed from the park, or be fined up to $500. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Macon local and murder suspect Christian Williams is still missing after his alleged kidnapping on Mar. 6. The District Attorney's office released a video of Williams being dragged from his front porch ten days after another murder suspect named Keymarion Manor was shot and killed in Macon. Both suspects were supposed to be monitored via ankle monitors by SuperCom, and Chief Superior Court Judge Howard Simms has banned SuperCom from monitoring suspects in the county after questions have arisen regarding whether or not the company is doing its job. (13WMAZ)
3. A local church has been providing food and water for free to those in need through a community fridge. Steward Chapel AME runs the Community Fridge Macon located at 877 Forsyth Street to help address food insecurity in the community. For anyone who would like to learn how to donate to the fridge, call the church directly at 478-742-4922 or visit the Macon Community Fridge page on Facebook by clicking here. (41 NBC News)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Thursday, March 23

• McKenzie Reed At Bearfoot Tavern (6:00 PM)
• Evil Woman, The American ELO At The Grand Opera House (7:30 PM)

Friday, March 24

• Cherry Blossom Festival At Carolyn Crayton Stage At Central City Park (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• John Demetrius Simmons, 30, pled guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection to the death of a Macon child. He has been sentenced to serve 20 years in the state penitentiary. (41 NBC News)
• Jason Partin, 50, pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. In 2021, Partin's vehicle slammed into 18-year-old Tyler Hart's vehicle, which was stopped, resulting in the death of the Macon teen. (wgxa.tv)
• The local housing scene is buzzing with activity, and there are a variety of homes to browse these days! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Macon area, including a three-bedroom on Woodsdale Terrace for $94,900. (Macon Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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!