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Mayor Reichert Vetoes Smoking Restriction Law

Macon Mayor Robert Reichert vetoed a law Thursday that would've restricted smoking in many public places.

City council passed the law last week.

After hearing the news, one downtown nightclub owner says he breathed a sigh of relief.

"My first thought was 'Yay!'"  Phillip Sinclair owns Element on Cherry Street. He spoke out against the law to ban smoking in places like his bar at last Tuesday's full council session.

He says he's glad the mayor listened.

"It was kind of what we we're looking for," says Sinclair.

But for ordinance co-sponsor councilwoman Nancy White, the mayor's decision was baffling.  "Bottom line," she says, "I think the mayor risked a real opportunity to demonstrate some leadership."

She says she and other co-sponsors met with Reichert early in the week after they heard he might be considering a veto.

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"A school of excellence!! It captures your heart! You must attend!"

Summers Signs With ABAC

Mt. de Sales senior Wil Summers signed a golf scholarship with ABAC Thursday afternoon.

Summers earned All-Region honors earlier this week at Houston Lake Country Club and helped the Cavaliers to a second place finish which qualified the team for the State Tournament next month at Jekyll Island.

He wants to pursue a career in Agriculture with an emphasis on Turf Management.

ABAC coaches say Summers will fit in nicely with their squad as they puruse a National Championship.

It's Official: Brown Joins Mayor's Race

State Sen. Robert Brown ended months of speculation Thursday by announcing his candidacy for Macon mayor.

Accompanied by seven members of his campaign team, Brown made the announcement during a noon news conference at his downtown office on New Street.

He promised to work to lower Macon's crime rate, improve the city's infrastructure and practice fiscal discipline.

Brown is a Democrat and the Senate's minority leader. He'll have to leave the Senate as soon as he qualifies for mayor, an action that will set more dominoes falling.

State Rep. David Lucas, the longest serving member of the Bibb Legislative Delegation, plans to run for Brown's Senate seat. Lucas said he'll make a formal announcement during a Monday news conference.

Lucas holds the House District 139 seat.

 During the news conference, Brown said Macon needs an experienced leader to tackle the city's problems.

Hoppin' down the Mactown trail!

Hoppin' down the Mactown trail!

Sooooo…. Where were we?

Oh yeah! Following my busy weekend last week, On Tuesday me and my kids packed the remainder of our camping gear, gassed up and headed out for High Falls State Park. We arrived shortly after 10 and quickly set up our camp.

Carly was very excited as this was her first excursion to the great outdoors all night! She wanted to do everything right NOW! We gathered some firewood for later on for marshmallow roasting. We took a hike near the rocks that were once used to wash and preserve the scalps of the settlers that attempted to move them as trophies. I love to see the look of amazement in her eyes when taking in the beauty of God’s works.

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Reichert Vetoes Anti-Smoking Ordinance

Macon Mayor Robert Reichert has vetoed a city anti-smoking ordinance passed by the city council last week.

The rules would ban smoking in most Macon public buildings, including bars and restaurants.

But in a statement released Thursday afternoon, Reichert said the rules are too broad -- banning smoking in public parks and other outdoor spaces -- and that opponents didn't get enough chance to speak out.

Rather than try to override his veto, Reichert urged the council to pass an improved version of the ordinance, and to work with Bibb County to pass similar rules.

The council passed the proposed ordinance on April 19 by a 9-6 vote. They'd need 10 votes to override a veto.

Anti-smoking activists say the rules would prevent health problems by reducing people's exposure to second-hand smoke. Bars and restaurants said the ordinance was unfair and would drive smokers to Bibb County establishments outside the city limits.

Event Diaspora: Tic Toc Turns 10, “Twilight” Star Strikes Town for Abby, and the State Fair Begins

Sometimes there are events that skirt the edges of arts and culture but are nonetheless noteworthy. Here goes… Popular dining spot and post-event drinks & dessert destination The Tic Toc Room turns 10 this weekend! Celebrate with them all weekend (including Sunday). Reservations are probably a good idea – call 478.744.0123..