Long-Term Growth Blueprint Earns Rare Third State Honor
Perry, GA · September 16, 2026
Carroll Street will catch the first whispers of autumn festival planning at noon today as downtown organizers map out the coming season. Plenty of sunshine is on tap to welcome them.
The Lead
State officials visited Tuesday evening’s council session with notable news for local planners: the community has earned its third official PlanFirst designation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Joined by Middle Georgia Regional Commission leadership, state representatives recognized the city for consistently turning its adopted comprehensive goals into real-world infrastructure and neighborhood projects.
Beyond the plaque, the designation carries tangible financial weight. PlanFirst status grants priority access and lower interest rates on state-backed environmental loans, while tacking on bonus points whenever the city applies for competitive Community Development Block Grants that fund local sidewalks and drainage work. With only a handful of municipalities statewide achieving three renewals, the recognition arrives right as city hall drafts its updated long-range vision. Residents can add their own priorities to that roadmap when the planning team opens the floor next Tuesday evening at the Events Center.
Local Pulse
Council Adopts Property Tax Millage Rollback City Hall The updated 12.508 mill rate offsets rising property assessments across residential neighborhoods this year.
Police Open Free Firearm Safety Registration Safety Officers offer hands-on gun safety instruction and supervised range time for seniors and women this fall.
Today's Outlook
- High 92°F · Low 71°F — Mainly clear
- Pack sunglasses and keep sunscreen handy for sunny afternoon errands.
What's On Around Town
Today
Main Street Promotions Committee Meeting Perry City Hall (808 Carroll St), Noon · Free Review fall festival schedules and upcoming downtown retail initiatives.
Pre-K Storytime Centerville Public Library (206 Gunn Rd), Centerville, 11:15 AM · Free Singing, stories, and craft time for preschoolers and parents.
Tomorrow
- Pre-K Story Time Perry Branch Library (1201 Washington St), 10:15 AM · Free
- Toddler Storytime Centerville Public Library (206 Gunn Rd), Centerville, 10:30 AM · Free
- All Access Macon Architectural Tour Ellamae Ellis League House (1790 Waverland Dr), Macon, 6:00–8:00 PM · Paid
Friday
- Foreigner Farewell Tour Macon City Auditorium (415 1st St), Macon, 7:30 PM · Paid
- Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium Theatre Macon (438 Cherry St), Macon, 8:00 PM · $12
Spotlight & Story
- Eric P. Staples
- Arriving in 1933, the educator nicknamed "Fessor" coached Perry High basketball across 32 seasons while also serving as principal. He racked up 924 victories and eight state championships, famously refusing to run zone defense and drilling only man-to-man coverage.
Perry Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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