The (Macon) Telegraph week in review

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

May 7, 2026 3:20 PM

The new interior of the Riverside location of S&S Cafeteria in Macon, Ga., features more modern decor and seating. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

S&S Cafeteria reopens after fire

One of Macon’s longest-running restaurants reopened after nearly two years of renovations following a destructive fire. The Sept. 30, 2024 fire caused a complete loss in the kitchen, with smoke and water damage affecting the dining area. The renovated interior at 2626 Riverside Drive features black tables, chairs, and booths, along with decorative wooden ceiling slabs, seating 260 guests. Rick Pogue noted the menu retains its original recipes dating to the chain’s 1936 founding in Columbus, with turnip greens remaining the top seller. The Riverside location originally opened on Cherry Street in 1940 before relocating in 1972. S&S Cafeteria will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year.

Reported by Katharine Tucker, published April 30

Georgia Power breaks ground with record federal loan

Georgia Power broke ground on a major expansion at Plant Wansley in Heard County, backed by a $26.5 billion federal loan — the largest single federal loan outside emergency times in U.S. history, according to Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. The project adds two 750-megawatt natural gas units and 500 megawatts of battery storage. Combined investments across Georgia and Alabama will yield 16 gigawatts of new generation. The loan’s lower interest rate is projected to save customers over $300 million annually, totaling roughly $7 billion over 30 years. Critics, including the Southern Environmental Law Center, argue the broader 10-gigawatt expansion plan — about 60% natural gas — was never proven necessary and risks shifting billions in costs to residential customers. Construction is expected to be completed in November 2029.

Reported by Margaret Walker, published May 2

Fort Valley apartment settles disability bias suit for $750K

Indian Oaks Apartments and its former owner, Russell Management Services, have agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a federal disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The suit alleged the complex failed to accommodate resident Sherthea Jackson, whose child was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, a genetic disorder causing permanent mobility impairment. Despite requesting a ground-floor unit for 14 months while multiple units were available, the family’s request was denied. In addition to the payment, the defendants must comply with policy and training provisions and report to the DOJ on reasonable accommodation requests at any properties they own or operate. U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes called the refusal “a clear violation of both law and decency.”

Reported by Alba Rosa, published May 1

Animal control director arrested in drug investigation

Monroe County’s animal control director is among three people accused of manufacturing and distributing controlled substances following a multi-state drug investigation, authorities say. Investigators executed a search warrant in the River Forest subdivision, allegedly uncovering evidence of drug manufacturing and distribution. Those charged are Becky Gifford, 49, Chad Gifford, 52, and Holden Haworth, 22, all held in Monroe County Jail without bond. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners announced Becky Gifford has been terminated, with veteran animal control officer Carlos Santillan stepping in as interim director until a permanent replacement is named. Animal Services will continue operating under normal hours.

Reported by Myracle Lewis, published April 30

Soulful Eats brings soul food to gas station

Mika Jones opened Soulful Eats inside an ExtraMile convenience store at a Chevron station on Watson Boulevard in April 2025. The Detroit native, who received culinary training after high school, left her full-time job to pursue her cooking passion after successfully selling meals from home. The takeout-only spot serves classic soul food with themed days including Taco Tuesday, WholeWing Wednesday, and Soul Food Sunday. Jones operates with two employees and offers entrées like oxtails, smothered pork chops, and salmon croquettes with sides including mac and cheese, collards, and yams. The hidden gem has gained social media praise for food that customers say feeds the soul.

Reported by Becky Purser, published May 6

Centerville man gets life sentence

A Centerville man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing the mother of his child, Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards announced. The defendant, Dru Eggebrecht, shot victim Amy Avritt six times outside a Marathon Gas Station after demanding to see her phone. The two had been staying together during fall break to care for their child. Eggebrecht had sought an insanity defense, citing mental illness and methamphetamine use spanning eight to nine days before the shooting, but prosecutors argued he knew right from wrong. He ultimately withdrew the defense and admitted his role in Avritt’s death. Edwards called the case “a heartbreaking example of how domestic violence can escalate to the most extreme and irreversible outcome,” noting a child will now grow up without either parent.