The (Macon) Telegraph week in review
Oglethorpe Power breaks ground on $3.3B natural gas plant
Oglethorpe Power broke ground Thursday on the $3.3 billion Smarr Combined-Cycle energy facility in Monroe County, expected to come online in 2029 and generate enough electricity to power an estimated 800,000 homes. The plant will serve 29 of the company’s 38 member electric cooperatives, which collectively serve nearly 5 million Georgians. Construction is expected to create up to 1,200 jobs, with about 30 permanent positions once operational. The facility will use two GE Vernova 7HA.03 gas turbines with a generating capacity of 1,425 megawatts and air-cooled condenser technology to reduce water consumption. The Trump administration’s EPA cited regulatory rollbacks as supportive of such projects, though environmental groups argue the changes will increase carbon pollution and harm nearby communities. Oglethorpe Power also announced $75,000 in donations from timber harvested at the project site, benefiting local recreation and education programs.
Reported by Margaret Walker, published May 9
Attorney accused of smuggling drugs into jail
A Macon attorney is accused of attempting to smuggle approximately $48,000 worth of synthetic marijuana, known as K2, into the Bibb County Jail, authorities say. Kevin Paul Bradley, 60, allegedly communicated with an incarcerated man who was not his client and dropped off an envelope containing 83 documents soiled with K2, disguised as legal discovery materials. Assistant DA Rachel Smith alleged Bradley admitted to multiple such drops and was paid $1,000 for at least one. Bradley’s attorney denied his client’s knowledge of the soiled documents and noted his cooperation with investigators. Judge F. Gates Peed denied bond. Bradley faces charges of possession of a schedule one controlled substance with intent to distribute and crossing guard lines with drugs, and additional charges may follow.
Reported by Alba Rosa, published May 8
Houston County school threats ruled hoaxes, police say
At least six Houston County public schools were placed under code yellow and red lockdowns between April 10 and May 4, following reported bomb and gun threats, police say. Sheriff Matt Moulton said threats at Perry, Northside, and Warner Robins high schools appear to have been hoaxes, though no suspects have been identified and investigations are ongoing. The district noted a rise in lockdown responses over two years and cited an expanded use of the Centegix CrisisAlert system to improve rapid reporting. Officials emphasized that many lockdowns are precautionary and tied to nearby community activity rather than direct campus threats. Other Middle Georgia schools, including Mercer University and Stratford Academy, have reported similar hoaxes in the past year.
Reported by Myracle Lewis, published May 11
One Safe Place aims to unite services
A new family justice center in downtown Macon is working to become a one-stop resource hub for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. One Safe Place, a subsidiary of the Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia, will house 18 agencies in a 30,000 square foot, century-old building at 1120 Second Street, purchased in June 2024. Director Sarah Schank says ongoing renovations have delayed the original late 2025 launch, with at least one phase expected to open within 12 to 18 months. A pilot office is planned for fall 2026. The initiative, which would be the third of its kind in Georgia, received a $1.2 million congressional appropriation through the Department of Justice, secured with help from Sen. Raphael Warnock in August 2023. Partners span criminal justice, healthcare, and social services, aiming to remove barriers like transportation for those seeking help.
Reported by Gabriel Kopp, published May 7
New GA laws target cellphones and literacy in schools
Central Georgia lawmakers are praising new education laws addressing literacy, classroom discipline, and teacher support. A cellphone ban, building on last year’s K-8 legislation, now extends to high schools by July 1, 2027, requiring all devices to be stored away from the first bell until dismissal. Students with IEP, Section 504, or medical plans requiring devices are exempt. While some families have raised concerns about emergency communication, State Rep. Floyd Griffin supports the ban. Griffin also praised the literacy law, noting that only one in three Georgia third-graders can read on grade level. The literacy act will deploy over 1,300 full-time literacy coaches in all schools serving K-3 grade students. The law allows schools to retain first-graders not reading proficiently. State Rep. Dale Washburn called both measures overdue.
Reported by Myracle Lewis, published May 12
Macon man freed after car crash charges dismissed
Charges against a Macon man held in jail for over three years in connection with a 2022 fatal car crash have been dropped following new evidence, according to Bibb County court records. Godfrey Dewayne Gay had been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and homicide by vehicle in the death of Angela Dawn White, 62, who died on Sept. 1, 2022. New footage, authorities say, shows Gay was seated in the passenger seat at the time of the collision, not behind the wheel. Gay had been indicted twice, with both indictments alleging he drove a Kia Soul at excessive speed while under the influence of cocaine. His attorney, Jeff Banks, said an anonymous tip originally led law enforcement to arrest Gay in connection with the incident.
Reported by Alba Rosa, published May 8
This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:42 PM with the headline "The (Macon) Telegraph week in review."