Friday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A candlelight vigil will be held in Columbus to honor a respected Harris Co. coach; details (including time and location) will be announced soon. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Columbus Police held its first Coffee with Cops event on Thursday at the Food Mill from 9 to 11 a.m. Over 30 locals enjoyed free coffee and snacks while chatting with officers; the department said it will host future events to build trust — strengthening ties in the community. WTVM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Colony Bank posted strong Q4 results with net income of $7.8 million as deposits and loans grew after its merger with TC Federal; the board declared a dividend of 12 cents per share to be paid Feb. 25. Columbus CEO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Longtime local radio personality Brian Waters (35 years on air) died late Wednesday after battling cancer; he supported community causes like Paws Humane and the Barks and Blues event. WTVM
- ➤ The McCullers Center will co-host a free screening and discussion of the documentary 'Wunderkind Carson McCullers' on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at Columbus Public Library, with online reservations required due to limited seating. Columbus State University
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local business leaders gathered today in Columbus to review Georgia's economic outlook, as presented by the Columbus CEO Briefing. The newsletter outlined key market trends & discussions shaping the city's business landscape. Columbus CEO
- ➤ A Columbus resident won a $331,141 jackpot Tuesday by playing Quick Win games on the Georgia Lottery app — the prize helps fund education programs statewide. Officials confirmed the win and noted that lottery proceeds continue to support local education. WTVM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local programs help high school graduates prepare for the workforce with job placement and training opportunities in Columbus, while another initiative supports local fathers in gaining work-ready skills. These efforts will boost career readiness across our community. WTVM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia Rep. Michelle Au introduced House Bill 961 on Thursday, Jan. 29 to require insurance companies to cover emergency ambulance transport at in-network rates even when the provider is out-of-network - the measure could protect over 1 million Medicaid and state health benefit plan residents. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Columbus Police Department will host Coffee with Cops to build dialogue between residents and officers, with the event set to take place soon at the station; additional details (time and location) will be shared shortly. WTVM
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Pee Dee IceCats vs. Columbus River Dragons
7:05-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch the action as the River Dragons face off against the IceCats in an exciting hockey matchup.
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Monroe Academy Varsity Baseball Game
5:30-7:15 p.m. — Kendrick High School — Free entry — Witness a competitive non-conference baseball game between Kendrick and Monroe Academy.
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Half Marathon at Rotary Park
8 AM – 12 PM — Rotary Park Public Restroom — Registration required — Run the scenic paths of Rotary Park in this exciting half marathon event.
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Heart of a King
3-6 p.m. — Diamond Kutz — Free (RSVP required) — Celebrate the courage and resilience of young kings with grooming, conversations, and self-care in a supportive environment.
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Columbus, GA Real Estate Conference 2026
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center — Registration required — A comprehensive training and networking opportunity for real estate agents to enhance their business and brand in a changing market.
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K-POP Warriors
7-8:30 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Family-friendly event — Experience vibrant K-Pop music and dance in an action-packed live show for all ages.
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