Good morning, Columbus.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.