The (Macon) Telegraph week in review

Macon-Bibb approves $350M bond for new arena

Macon-Bibb County has given the green light to up to $350 million in bond financing to replace the Macon Coliseum with a new arena, though the final cost and design are still being determined. The Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority approved the bond sale on June 4, two days after the County Commission authorized the move. The facility is expected to exceed 230,000 square feet, seat around 8,500 people, and will feature premium seating options such as luxury suites, club suites and loge boxes, along with concessions, restrooms, locker rooms and integrated technology. It will host minor league hockey and basketball, concerts, high school tournaments, and trade shows. Mayor Lester Miller has called it a future economic engine for the region. Barton Malow and Sheridan Construction are the chosen construction managers, with a groundbreaking targeted for late July and completion expected in 2028.

Reported by Myracle Lewis, published June 18

Milledgeville police add drone as first responder

The Milledgeville Police Department has introduced a drone as a first responder, providing officers with a live aerial video feed when emergencies occur. The drone hovers roughly 240 feet above the ground and navigates to locations using GPS technology similar to Google Maps. At night, officers can use its thermal imaging feature to assess scenes. The MPD noted the drone cannot operate during severe weather. The $150,000 drone was funded through fines collected from school speed zone camera citations. It joins nine other drones already in service with the department. According to the MPD, the program enhances officer safety, improves response times, and strengthens the department’s ability to serve Milledgeville residents.

Reported by Alba Rosa, published June 21

Macon-Bibb County budget approved for 2027

The Macon-Bibb County Board of Commissioners has approved a $221 million budget for 2027, with more than half — 57% — directed toward public safety. Sponsored by Mayor Lester Miller, the budget allocates over $126 million to public safety departments, including more than $60 million for the sheriff’s office and more than $34 million for the fire department. Administrative departments will receive more than $26 million, while community and social services will receive more than $23 million. Infrastructure and public works account for 3% of the budget. The funds are generated through taxes, business licenses, intergovernmental revenue and other financial resources.

Reported by Alba Rosa, published June 18

New Costco in north Macon clears zoning commission

A new Costco warehouse has cleared a key hurdle in Macon, with the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission voting unanimously to rezone land for the project. Commissioners approved rezoning 22.74 acres at 1990 Bass Road and 4.40 acres at 5384 Forsyth Road to highway commercial district, or C-4, paving the way for the 158,000-square-foot membership warehouse. The next step is for Costco to submit its design plan. While no opening date has been announced, the Macon-Bibb government previously indicated construction is expected in 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2027. Commissioner Valerie Wynn, whose district includes the site, expressed enthusiasm, noting the store would serve residents from surrounding counties including Monroe, Jones, Crawford, and Twiggs. Middle Georgia currently has two other wholesale clubs: BJ’s Wholesale Club in Warner Robins and Sam’s Club in Macon.

Reported by Becky Purser, published June 22

Middle GA species added to updated protected wildlife list

Georgia’s protected species list is set for a major revision, adding 141 species and removing 51, growing the total from 318 to 408. The update is tied to the state’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan, which drew on hundreds of experts to assess threats statewide. Brett Albanese, DNR’s assistant chief of wildlife conservation, says water pollution, agricultural and urban runoff, development pressure, and data center expansion are driving more species toward needing protection. Newly proposed endangered species include the Ocmulgee Marstonia snail and the Ocmulgee Trillium wildflower, both unique to Middle Georgia. The Altamaha Bass, formally described only last year, is proposed as threatened. The Monarch butterfly and Tricolored bat are two species found statewide, including in Middle Georgia, that also were added to the list. State protections apply primarily to state-owned land and carry misdemeanor penalties for violations. Residents can nominate species for addition, deletion or status changes through the agency’s website through June 30.

Reported by Margaret Walker, published June 21

Warner Robins pizzeria listed for sale at $30,000

Aria Pizza in Warner Robins is on the market for $30,000 in a turnkey sale that includes all kitchen equipment, furniture, smallwares, electronics and interior decor. Located at 133 Margie Drive, the restaurant was previously an Uncle Maddio’s Pizza franchise before owner Jeremie St. Pierre rebranded it, opening Aria Pizza on New Year’s Eve 2025 with a new menu and the same staff. St. Pierre is selling so he can focus on another business venture, according to former partner Doug Sleeth, who posted the for-sale notice on Facebook. Prospective buyers can either take over the Aria Pizza brand and recipes or convert the space into their own concept, avoiding permitting delays and upfront buildout costs. A chamber official confirmed the sale offer is legitimate.

Reported by Becky Purser, published June 24

This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 11:44 AM with the headline "The (Macon) Telegraph week in review."