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  • Circus Comes to Warner Robins, 3/3-5 – Discount Tickets on Sale Now!

    Attention circus fans! Mark your calendars for thrilling, high-flying family entertainment at Dusty’s All Star Circus, coming to the Homer J. Walker Civic Center in Warner Robins from March 3-5!

    Dusty’s All Star Circus began touring nationally in 2021.

    Although Dusty’s All Star Circus has only been around since 2001 and reviews are scarce, it’s hard to go wrong with classic circus-style entertainment – especially for the price! Click here to buy tickets – they’re cheaper online than at the door, and here’s a breakdown of the options:

    • Early admission tickets are only $10 for adults, but this deal is only available for the first 100 tickets sold!
    • Full-price adult tickets are only $20, and that includes 1 FREE child admission
    • Children 2 and under are free!
    • A regular child’s ticket is $15
    • The $50 family package includes 2 adults and 4 children! (NOTE: this deal is exclusively online)

    This family-friendly circus show features an international cast of talented circus artists from around the world. From mesmerizing acrobats to hilarious clowns, from daring jugglers to mind-bending magicians, this show has it all!

    The man behind the upstart circus is Phillip Dusty Sadler, a former circus clown who has been in the business for over 60 years, bringing this showt to bear out of his vast experience and passion for the circus.

    So grab your family and friends, get your tickets, and prepare to be amazed by Dusty’s All Star Circus.

    We’ll see you there, HoCo Insiders!

  • Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry: The Hero of Lake Erie

    Have you ever wondered where Perry, GA, got its name? Perry was the first incorporated municipality in Houston County and, in 1824, was named after Oliver Hazard Perry – an American naval commander whose striking military achievements captivated the nation!

    Portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry

    Oliver Hazard Perry died young, on his 34th birthday in 1819. By that time he was a famous naval hero, mainly for his crucial role in the War of 1812. While still in his 20s, Perry orchestrated a crucial victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. It was a turning point in the war, marking the first time in history that an American naval fleet defeated a British fleet in open battle – which was huge! It catapulted him to national fame, and he was celebrated in newspapers, songs and paintings all over the US.

    Perry’s fame came at a time when large swaths of America were still largely unsettled and undeveloped, resulting in many new places being named for him. Perry, GA, was incorporated in 1824, at a time when his legacy lingered strong in the mind of the nation, just 5 years after his death.

    In addition to our own Perry, GA, for example, there is the town of Hazard, KY, which lies in Perry County – honoring both his middle and last names and leading us to a possible insight about the Dukes of Hazzard!

    The Dukes of Hazzard was a TV show in the 80s set in Hazzard County, GA – a county which doesn’t actually exist. The first 5 episodes were actually filmed in Covington, GA, but the on-screen location was never pinned down in the show and has long been a mystery to fans (after the first 5 episodes, they moved filming to California). However, it very well may have been inspired by the namesake of Oliver Hazard Perry and – who knows – Hazzard County could have even been a veiled reference to our beloved hometown in Middle Georgia!

    Today, the City of Perry proudly bears its name in honor of Perry’s legacy, having grown for nearly 200 years into an increasingly prominent role as the Crossroads of Georgia.

  • Rodeo tix NOW ON SALE!

    Tickets sales for the Georgia National Rodeo are LIVE as of 9 am today – get ‘em while they last!

    The Georgia National Rodeo usually sells out Reaves Arena at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, which has a capacity of 8,200+.

    The Rodeo is a fun family event featuring cowboys and cowgirls from around the country competing in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and more!

    Get your tickets, mark your calendars for February 23rd-25th and get out to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry for some rodeo action and fun for the whole family!

  • Rodeo tix sales start next Monday – get ’em before they sell out!

    The Georgia National Rodeo is back for a 33rd exciting year! Taking place on February 23rd-25th, the event will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.

    The Rodeo usually sells out Reaves Arena, which has a capacity of 8,200+. Click here to buy tickets when they go on sale this Monday, February 6, at 9 am! And don’t fall for overpriced, sketchy websites trying to sell them to you before they’re actually available.

    This year’s rodeo promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from around the country competing in a variety of events including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing.

    So get your tickets, mark your calendars for February 23rd-25th and get out to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry for a weekend of thrilling rodeo action and fun for the whole family!

  • Aquarium deal for GA Residents only – unlimited entry for price of ONE visit in 2023! **ENDS 2/15**

    The Georgia Aquarium, is only a short trip up I-75 from Houston County, and the unlimited entry can be especially worth it for anyone with young kids that would enjoy going again and again.

    Click here for the full terms and to purchase – here’s some highlights:

    • Unlimited visits to the aquarium for the rest of 2023 for just $47.99 per person! That’s the cost of a single regular ticket.
    • This deal is cheaper than a membership, which is priced at $85 per person – AND you can upgrade to full membership any time.
    • Unlike a membership, you’ll have to make an appointment ahead of time each time you go, and there are a few blackout dates on popular weekends.
    • Act fast! This offer is only available until February 15 or while supplies last.
    • You can but up to 6 Resident Passes, and anyone over 16 has to have a GA ID to use it.

    So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now – jump in the GA Aquarium and party with the big fish!

  • Houston County State Court Closed Monday (1/23) for Move to Perry

    This move makes so much sense.

    Houston County Superior Court, Perry, GA

    Greetings, Insiders! Have you ever found yourself rushing to court only to realize you’re in the wrong place? Until now, Houston County State Court has resided on Carl Vinson in Warner Robins while the Houston County Superior Court is off of Perry Parkway. No one can blame you for getting them confused!

    Starting next week, they’ll be in one place and you can walk between them if needed. The State Court is moving to a new section of the County Courthouse in Perry on Monday, January 23, so State Court will be closed for the day while the change is underway. State Court is set to reopen at the new location on Tuesday at noon – that’s a quick turnaround!

    Many may not realize that Houston County Court and the Houston County State Court are two separate court systems that handle different types of legal cases – here’s the rundown if you’re interested:

    Houston County Superior Court, is the highest level of trial court locally. It has general jurisdiction and hears major criminal cases, such as felonies, and civil cases, such as disputes over large sums of money or property. The Superior Court also has the power to hear appeals from lower courts, such as the State Court.

    Houston County State Court is a lower level trial court with jurisdiction over less serious criminal cases, such as misdemeanors, small claims, ordinance violations and family law cases such as divorce or child support.

    You might wonder: what will the State Court building on Carl Vinson be used for after the move? The County Sheriff’s and Tax Commissioner’s offices, which already had space in the same building, will expand into the space left behind, which should help them function better and grow their services.

    Our local court system serves many functions, and you’ll probably have a reason to go there sooner or later even if you haven’t violated any laws – marriage license, anyone?? From now on, at least you’ll know you’re in the right place!

  • Warner Robins Target Reno UPDATE – Date + Details!

    The upcoming Target renovations will include both Starbucks AND Ulta Beauty in the store – to be completed in March!

    Target renovations to be completed by March 2024

    If you ride by, you’ll see the parking lot full of shipping containers and also some signage construction underway on the storefront – the Target renovation is already underway!

    An independent source confirmed to Houston County Insider that the renovations are expected to be completed within the next two months.

    You’ll be sipping frappé like it’s payday at the checkout line in no time!

  • New ROSS Opening in Perry!

    Attention, Houston County shoppers – exciting news! A new Ross store is opening on Sam Nunn Boulevard in Perry. The 16,000 square-foot store will be next to Cato in the Perry Market Place Shopping Plaza (where Kroger is located).

    Ross is a discount clothing and accessories store that offers great deals on brand name clothing, accessories and more. (Photo by Miosotis Jade)

    Ross has a location on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins, so this will be their second store in Houston County. The new store will be a more convenient option not only for those in Perry, but also for anyone who doesn’t want to contend with the traffic on Watson – it’s hard to beat going right off I-75!

    We don’t have an opening date for you yet, but you know we will keep you informed, Insiders!

  • The Amazing Story Behind How Warner Robins was Named – Why It’s Not “Wellston” Anymore!

    Throughout the US, there are a dozen “Macon”s and 20 “Atlanta”s – but only ONE Warner Robins! How did Warner Robins get its totally unique name?

    Robins Air Force Base (photo credit: Bill Golladay)

    Warner Robins was originally known as Wellston – you can still see vestiges of that name around town. And, in 1942, a brand new air force base was constructed in Wellston following America’s entry into World War II – but it was named Wellston Army Air Depot. So what changed???

    The base’s first commander, Colonel Charles Thomas, wanted to honor his mentor, General Warner Robins, by naming the depot after him. BUT regulations prevented him from doing so – the rules stated that the base must be named after the nearest town.

    Colonel Thomas was not one to back down easily! He rallied the community leaders and convinced them to rename the town of Wellston to Warner Robins. If you can’t change the rules, change the game!

    The town officially became Warner Robins later that year, and the base was renamed after General Robins as well a month later – all thanks to one man’s tenacity and innovation!

    Just think, we could have ended up alongside 5 other “Wellston”s in America. No, thanks! I’m proud of our origins and glad to stand out!

    Let’s keep the fighting spirit and game-changing attitude of the Heart City alive. Remember, Warner Robins residents… you are one of a kind!

  • Warner Robins Target gets major renovation! Including a full Starbucks!!

    Warner Robins Target looks forward to a major update later this year, Starbucks included!

    The Target store in Warner Robins is undergoing some exciting changes! Target has been a staple on Watson Boulevard for many years, and it’s about to get a major renovation, to include a full Starbucks!

    The renovation will bring a fresh, modern look to the store, along with a redesign of the layout to make it easier for customers to navigate (it’ll take some getting used to at first – but that’ll be easier to process with a latte in hand!)

    It’s important to note that there will be no change to the store’s square footage, but the store will feature an expanded selection of products in many departments, including electronics, home goods and clothing. Additionally, the restrooms will receive a full decor update.

    The most exciting change obviously is having Starbucks inside the store, which will provide a convenient spot to grab a treat while you shop. The Starbucks area will be located on the left when you walk in.

    And we can all breathe a sigh of relief – the store will NOT be closed during the renovations! Certain sections will be closed off as they work, and hopefully they can do so without too much disruption.

    As a regular shopper at this Target, I’m thrilled about these changes! The store is already one of my favorite places to shop, but it’s time for a makeover – and adding Starbucks really ups the convenience for the busy shoppers and caffeine addicts of Houston County!