The (Macon) Telegraph week in review

GCSU tracks vanishing warblers in Georgia wetlands

Georgia College & State University researchers are tracking the prothonotary warbler, a species listed by the state Department of Natural Resources as a “greatest conservation need,” in a DNR-funded study centered in the Milledgeville area. The project monitors 12 nest boxes — 10 at Andalusia Farm and two at the Oconee River Greenway — to measure nesting success and, for the first time in Georgia, migration routes. Tagged birds carry devices recording light and pressure data to reveal wintering and stopover locations. The warblers winter in Colombian mangrove forests, where habitat loss poses additional threats. Findings will be shared with the Prothonotary Warbler Working Group and could guide landowners on simple steps like installing nest boxes or preserving dead trees. Master’s student Sarah Kennedy will lead data collection, with undergraduates already helping build and install boxes. Professor Michelle Moyer described the birds as ecological indicators and simply “gorgeous.”

Reported by Margaret Walker, published April 21

Macon schools extend $2,000 bonus to more workers

The Bibb County Board of Education unanimously approved extending a one-time $2,000 state-funded salary supplement to additional school district employees, including those not covered under state funding. Full-time eligible employees and contracted personnel will receive $2,000, while qualifying part-time workers will receive a prorated $1,000. The Georgia General Assembly approved the fiscal year 2026 midyear payment for staff funded through the Quality Basic Education formula. Bibb County Schools received $5.07 million in late March to cover supplements for 2,465 state-funded staff. The district will use local funds for workers not covered by state funding, costing approximately $2.4 million from general funds and $327,000 from federal, state, and local sources. Payments are scheduled no later than May 15, 2026. Short-term substitutes are not eligible. State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised the investment in educator compensation.

Reported by Myracle Lewis, published April 18

Houston County judge retires after nearly 30 years

Former Houston County Chief Judge Edward Lukemire stepped down from the bench on April 1 after nearly three decades presiding over criminal and civil cases, citing a recent health scare as the deciding factor. Lukemire, who studied psychology at Mercer University before being redirected to law school, reflected warmly on his career, saying he often felt fortunate to serve. He acknowledged the challenge of work-life balance but emphasized that one’s profession should not define their entire identity. Lukemire will still work as a senior judge for the Third Judicial District. In the role, he’ll replace judges who are sick or have a conflict that requires them to step back from a case. Ultimately, his health scare reinforced his desire to embrace more life beyond the courtroom, saying simply, “I want to live.”

Reported by Alba Rosa, published April 19

First Presbyterian marks 200 years with steeple renewal

First Presbyterian Church in downtown Macon celebrated its 200th anniversary on April 19, marked by the completion of a newly renovated steeple that rises nearly 190 feet over Lamar Park. The renovation, which began in 2024, replaced the church’s copper roof and spire cladding. The steeple’s steel structure dates to 1968, when the original was replaced after termites consumed its wooden timbers. The current renovation was timed alongside other long-term projects at the church. The Historic Macon Foundation praised the effort for maintaining architectural integrity, though the project drew criticism for demolishing the office of Ellamae Ellis League, the first woman to join the American Institute of Architects. The church’s broader “First For All” initiative aims to make the space more accessible and welcoming to the wider Macon community.

Reported by Gabriel Kopp, published April 19

CGTC secures $100M for health care worker training

Central Georgia Technical College received more than $100 million in public and private funding to expand health care workforce programs. The investment includes funds from the Georgia General Assembly, governor’s office, Houston County officials, and $10 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The money will support the new STEM/Allied Health Academy in Houston County, opening August 2027, where high school students can earn college credentials in nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy technology, and medical laboratory technology through dual enrollment. Students will participate in clinical training at local hospitals including Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont facilities. The program aims to graduate students directly into health care careers without college debt, serving over 2,000 students across central Georgia’s 11-county service area over five years.

Reported by Myracle Lewis, published April 19

Four-story extended stay hotel rises in Warner Robins

A new four-story Extended Stay America hotel with 111 rooms is under construction at the corner of Osigian and Tom Chapman boulevards in Warner Robins. The hotel sits on a 2.49-acre site with 119 parking spaces and will feature fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and pet-friendly accommodations. The property is owned by 1008 Tom Chapman LLC, which also owns the nearby La Quinta Inn & Suites. Extended Stay America specializes in long-term stays and operates more than 650 hotels nationwide. Todd Buckelew, co-owner of nearby Xtreme Air Mega Park, welcomes the development, saying it will bring more out-of-town visitors to the area. The hotel will have entrances on both Tom Chapman and Osigian boulevards.

Reported by Becky Purser, published on April 20

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 3:24 PM with the headline "The (Macon) Telegraph week in review."