The Telegraph week in review

By This digest was produced using AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division.

October 29, 2025 7:26 PM

J Walker Brisket Company owner Janice Walker poses in her restaurant on Oct. 23. Walker opened her casual barbecue restaurant last month after teaching herself to cook brisket during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

New Macon barbecue joint sells out daily since opening

J. Walker Brisket Company has been selling out of food nearly every day since opening over Labor Day weekend, according to owner Janice Walker. Walker, who didn’t start cooking barbecue until 2020 during remote work, describes brisket as “therapy” and arrives at 5 a.m. to fire up the smoker. The restaurant serves homemade ribs, chicken, sausages and brisket with sides like macaroni and cheese and green beans, all made from scratch. Brisket is smoked for eight to 12 hours until tender. After losing her corporate job in 2024, Walker enrolled in NewTown Macon’s entrepreneurship course and opened the restaurant with family support. Operating Thursday through Saturday, the busy eatery has built a loyal customer base through Facebook promotion.

Reported by Lucinda Warnke, published Oct. 24

10-year-old boy shot in leg at south Macon home

A 10-year-old boy was shot in the leg while inside his home on Oct. 26 in south Macon, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say a man allegedly fired shots into the boy’s home on the 3900 block of Mathis Street, off Houston Avenue, with one bullet entering the residence and striking the child. The incident was reported through a 911 call after 9 a.m., and the child was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition. Surveillance footage from a nearby store shows a potential suspect wearing glasses, a gray hoodie under a dark zipper jacket, dark pants, and slides. The case is being investigated as aggravated assault, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

Reported by Jesse Fraga, published Oct. 27

SNAP in Middle Georgia at risk amid shutdown

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued Nov. 1 if the federal government shutdown continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Oct. 24. A DHS notice cited “insufficient funds” to maintain benefits absent restored federal funding. DHS said it is monitoring the situation. The shutdown began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, risking food assistance for thousands across Middle Georgia. In 2024, 23% of Bibb County residents received SNAP. Houston County had 12%, Monroe County 10%, according to Georgia Budget and Policy Institute data. Georgia Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock urged the administration to sustain SNAP, calling USDA’s instruction to halt November processing “deeply disturbing.”

Reported by Lucinda Warnke, published Oct. 27

Macon court sets bond for men in gambling case

Two Middle Georgia men tied to an illegal gambling case involving NBA coach Chauncey Billups appeared in Macon federal court Oct. 23 and were granted bonds. Tony Goodson of Forsyth received a $50,000 bond requiring $5,000 payment for release, while John Mazzola of Gray was granted a $25,000 bond requiring $2,500 payment. The men are among dozens indicted in a major case alleging rigged poker games that defrauded victims of over $7 million, with connections to organized crime families including the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese and Genovese families. The defendants will have their cases transferred to New York where the main proceedings are based .

Reported by Alba Rosa, published Oct. 24

Suspect surrenders in east Macon triple homicide

A 21-year-old Macon woman turned herself in to authorities Oct. 27 in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Oct. 19 on Williams Street East, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office [1]. Rekeymia Shatayla Henley was charged with three counts of murder, one count of aggravated assault, and one count of tampering with evidence, deputies say. The victims were identified as Markell Bonner Jr., 16, Brandon Devonta Thomas, 21, and Quantayrias De’Monte Townsend, 27. Henley is being held without bond at the Bibb County Jail. Investigators found guns and shell casings at the scene, and the shooting has prompted local discussions about reducing gun violence in east Macon.

Reported by Jesse Fraga, published Oct. 28

Professional rodeo coming to Macon with $30K prize

Macon will host its first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event when Rodeo Macon takes place at the Macon Coliseum on Jan. 10 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The event will feature top professional rodeo competitors from across the United States competing for more than $30,000 in prize money. Competition events include bareback bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, roping challenges, and women’s barrel racing. The rodeo will be Georgia’s third-largest PRCA sanctioned event and will transform the Coliseum interior covered with dirt. Tickets range from $17 to $75 and go on sale in the coming weeks, with VIP packages and behind-the-chutes tours available.