The (Macon) Telegraph week in review
Macon judge welcomes new citizens, discusses rights
A Macon federal judge welcomed 17 new U.S. citizens from 11 countries during a naturalization ceremony on April 8. Judge Tilman Self III emphasized their fundamental rights that “cannot be infringed upon” and spoke about due process protections. Former Georgia State Sen. John F. Kennedy addressed the petitioners, acknowledging their “effort, sacrifice and hope” in gaining citizenship “the right way.” Self also discussed immigration enforcement amid nationwide controversies, stating Americans have rights against unreasonable searches and detention without probable cause. The ceremony comes as ICE faces criticism over detentions and protests, including recent incidents in Minnesota and Georgia detention center disputes.
Reported by Alba Rosa, published April 12
Macon schools efficiency review flags key risks
The Bibb County Board of Education reviewed a consulting report flagging serious operational inefficiencies across 10 noninstructional departments. The $58,050 study by LEAN Frog Consulting found fragmented workflows, unclear accountability and heavy reliance on institutional knowledge, warning that operations could collapse as staff retire. Thirteen percent of reviewed employees are retirement-eligible now, rising to 28% within five years. The school nutrition department is in financial distress, with food costs climbing from 50.8% to 75.3% of revenue in two years. The district faces a projected $16.9 million deficit for FY27, down from an earlier estimate. Final recommendations are expected by May or June.
Reported by Myracle Lewis, published April 13
Macon airport adds Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore routes
Middle Georgia Regional Airport is expanding its travel options with new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and the return of flights to Baltimore, both operated through Contour Airlines. The Fort Lauderdale route was previously planned through Spirit Airlines, but those plans were cancelled in September 2025 after the airline filed for bankruptcy for the second time that year. Contour had previously served Baltimore but shifted those flights to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The new routes were introduced in response to community demand for more travel options. Flights to Baltimore will run daily, with a second flight on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fort Lauderdale service will operate four times a week on those same days.
Reported by Lucinda Warnke, published April 9
Monroe County Buc-ee’s breaks ground
A new Buc-ee’s travel center broke ground April 7 in Monroe County, marking the fourth location in Georgia. The 74,000-square-foot facility, situated off Rumble Road near I-75, drew about 100 residents to a Monroe County Commission meeting in December 2025 when the project was approved amid local controversy. Supporters highlighted job creation and tax revenue as key benefits. Buc-ee’s co-founder and president Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the groundbreaking and estimated the location will create around 250 jobs, which he described as high-paying, though he did not clarify whether those positions are full or part-time. The site is projected to generate roughly $30 million annually, with Monroe County’s general fund expected to collect around $900,000 and the Monroe County Board of Education receiving approximately $300,000. Aplin estimated the location will open in just over a year.
Reported by Lucinda Warnke and Katie Tucker, published April 12
BID hires outreach specialist to aid unhoused residents
Downtown Macon’s Business Improvement District has hired Shakita Howard as an outreach specialist to connect unhoused individuals with local services. The BID, which spans between Riverside Drive and Oglethorpe Street and is bounded by Spring and Fifth Streets, invested more than $100,000 in the role and related efforts. The hire followed a Block by Block report finding that city resources were not aligned with the needs of the unhoused population and that agencies were working in silos. Howard walks the BID area Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., proactively building relationships rather than waiting for individuals to seek help on their own. BID operations manager Richard Bingaman emphasized the importance of immediate action when someone agrees to accept services, noting delays often result in refusals. Howard is already active and recently visited encampments alongside Daybreak staff to make referrals to existing resources.
Reported by Gabriel Kopp, published April 12
Houston County school board names new member to Post 5
Angel Brown has been appointed to Post 5 on the Houston County school board, filling the vacancy left by Helen Hughes, who retired after nearly 20 years of service. Hughes’ last day was March 31, and Brown will serve the remainder of her term, which runs through December 31, 2028. At least seven candidates competed for the seat, addressing the board during a work session held at Northside Middle School. Those candidates included Maria Smith, Tannya Duncan, Louis Guerra, Mark Scott, Lauren (Rani) Roberts, and David Jackson. A motion to appoint Duncan instead failed on a 2-4 vote before Brown’s appointment was approved. Several current board members are also seeking re-election, with the general primary scheduled for May 19.
Reported by Myracle Lewis, published April 12
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:08 PM with the headline "The (Macon) Telegraph week in review."