Lady Panthers Punch Ticket to the Sweet 16

Perry, GA · October 18, 2026

Catch your breath after the week’s whirlwind — today brings the final rides at the fairgrounds and a crisp afternoon to explore downtown scarecrows.

The Lead

Perry High School's softball team swept Jonesboro in dominant fashion on Saturday in the opening round of the GHSA Class 5A state playoffs, blanking their opponents 12-0 and 15-0 in a home doubleheader. The Lady Panthers' bats caught fire early, pairing aggressive base running with near-flawless pitching to invoke the mercy rule in both contests. The sweep vaults Perry into the Class 5A Sweet 16, where they will face Region 8 champion North Oconee, who dispatched Union Grove in their own opening-round series. For the local squad, the postseason surge rewards months of grind in one of Middle Georgia's toughest softball regions. Details on host site seeding and game times for the best-of-three Sweet 16 matchup will be finalized Monday morning by GHSA officials.

Local Pulse

Advance Voting Resumes Monday at Kings Chapel City Hall Registered voters can cast early general election ballots weekdays starting tomorrow at the county elections office.
County Renews Emergency Fuel Pact With Perry Safety Commissioners extended a mutual fuel supply agreement ensuring municipal emergency vehicles maintain guaranteed reserves during severe storms.

Today's Outlook

High 67°F · Low 48°F — Clear
- Grab a light jacket for crisp morning sunshine before clear skies warm the afternoon.

What's On Around Town

Today

Downtown Perry Scarecrow Fest Downtown Perry, All day · Free Stroll Carroll and Ball streets to spot dozens of creative local scarecrows.
Georgia National Fair Final Day Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 10:00 AM–9:00 PM · Paid Catch final midway rides, livestock competitions, and the grand closing fireworks show.
Into the Woods Matinee Perry Players Community Theatre (909 Main St), 2:30 PM · Paid Opening weekend matinee of Sondheim's fairytale musical on Main Street.

Tomorrow

Toddler Story Time Perry Public Library (1201 Washington St), 10:15–10:45 AM · Free
Perry City Council Work Session Perry City Hall (808 Carroll St), 5:00–6:00 PM · Free
Halloween Film Series Godsey Science Center (1501 Mercer University Dr), Macon, 6:00–8:00 PM · Free

Tuesday

Perry City Council Regular Meeting Perry City Hall (808 Carroll St), 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
Family Literacy Bookworm Bingo The Children's Meadow Collective (905 Arrowhead Trl), Warner Robins, 6:15–7:15 PM · Free

Spotlight & Story

Coldwell Banker Free Realty
- Tracing roots back to 1968, Donald Free acquired the brokerage in 1984 before partnering with his son Scott, who took sole ownership in 2020. The family maintained its Washington Street presence for over four decades by anchoring in Middle Georgia timber tracts and residential acreage.

Perry Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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