March 3, 2023 * Issue 317

Community-Wide Cleanup THIS Saturday

Help make a difference by joining the #CleanStreetsMatter Community-wide Cleanup on Saturday, March 4. This will be the fifth Community-wide Cleanup hosted by Macon-Bibb County and Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful (KMBB) since the start of the Clean Streets Matter initiative in 2021. This cleanup expands on the original efforts so illegal road signs can be removed, main thoroughfares can be cleaned, and specific areas will be cleaned.  

“The more people see us come together to clean our streets, the more they will organize their own cleanups throughout the year, and the more we can do in other areas,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Clean streets matter because Macon matters.”  

Mayor Miller, since taking office, has had crews from different departments removed signs illegally placed along Macon-Bibb’s roads and from its intersections. He is inviting people who would like to help beautify the roads to meet him with their trucks Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Macon Mall (by the former JC Penney on the Mercer University Drive side) to collect signs from the right of way. All signs will be taken to the Public Works Department at 4520 Knight Road. 

For neighborhood cleanups, people are encouraged to sign up with KMBB. You can sign up for your neighborhood cleanup by emailing information@KMBBC.org. People are still encouraged to clean up their neighborhoods even if they do not cleanup.

“Since we launched Clean Streets Matter and came together for four of these big days, our community has really stepped up to the plate and held their own regular cleanups throughout the year, and I am so proud of that,” says Mayor Miller. 

Crew Cleanups

February 27 - March 4

Preparing Cliffview Lake Park for fishing

We are one step closer to opening Cliffview Lake Park for families and neighbors to enjoy! While the beautification project is in the works, an aquatic expert has already gone out to see what kind of fish people can find in the lake.  

“We also get to see all of the different size ranges of the fish,” said Michael Clark with Aquatic Escapes. “Anywhere from the reproduction that has taken place in the last few months, up to fish that may be 4 to 5 years old. 

They were also looking for a predator to prey ratio.

“We didn’t really know what we were getting into, but that’s why we’re here,” said Clark. “So we can find out what we actually have to work with going forward and the best management practices to improve it for anybody that’s going to be using the park.” 

In January, our Public Works Department removed a house and surrounding structures around the Lake as the first step in the overall project. The idea is to make the area a park where people can walk, run, bike, fish, and make memories with their loved ones.  

“Improving recreation was one of the areas thousands of people asked me to focus on, and I know this neighborhood has long been promised this beautiful – but hard to access – area get much-needed improvements,” said Mayor Lester Miller.   

In 2022, Commissioners approved purchasing the property and then funding the Cliffview Lake Park project. Hear more about the area in What’s Happening: District 2 here. 

Macon-Bibb holding job fair

for multiple positions

On Thursday, March 16, Macon-Bibb's Human Resources Department is holding another Job Fair featuring more than 40 positions.

The Fair will be held in the Human Resources Department Multi-Purpose Room (545 First Street) from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Representatives from the Court System, E-911, Economic and Community Development, Facilities Management, Finance, Fire, Recreation, Sheriff’s Office, and Vehicle Maintenance Departments will all be in attendance.  

People interested should bring resumes, certifications, diplomas (High School and College), and supporting documents they feel will enhance their chances of getting the jobs. Interviewees are encouraged to dress professionally and be prepared for on-site interviews.  

For more information, contact the Talent Acquisition Coordinators Jenika L. Taylor at (478) 310-4143 or Xavier D. Davis at (478) 310-4135. 

Annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday

The Macon Water Authority (MWA) and the Macon Water Alliance are hosting the 18^th Annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, March 4 at Javors Lucas Lake (150 Broach Lane). Registration opens at 6:00 a.m, cast your lines at 7:00 a.m., the weigh-in to determine the biggest catch of the day is at 10:00 a.m.

The goal is to offer an opportunity for outdoor recreation for local families, while promoting the sport of fishing. Also, to provide public education on the importance of protecting and preserving drinking water resources, such as Javors Lucas Lake.

As a result of the March date of annual Kids Fishing Derby, the MWA has stocked the area where the Kids Fishing Derby will be held with rainbow trout for the young anglers, who must bring their own bait and tackle. The Kids Fishing Derby kicks off the 2023 Fishing Season at Javors Lucas Lake. For this year’s MWA public fishing schedule, please visit our website at www.maconwater.org.

This event is free for all kids, ages 3 to 16. Immediately after the weigh-in, adults are allowed to fish for free as well for the rest of the day, until closing at 5:00 p.m.  No fishing licenses are required. Prizes will be awarded for the overall best catch of the day, as well as for the top three catches in four age group categories – ages 3 to 5, ages 6 to 9, ages 10 to 13, and ages 14 to 16. Refreshments also will be provided.

The MWA Kids Fishing Derby is an annual event that is organized by the Macon Water Authority’s Outdoor Recreation Committee, with support from the Macon Water Alliance – the Authority’s non-profit subsidiary founded to provide environmental education for citizens of Middle Georgia and water-resource-focused assistance for MWA customers.