Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Simon Bloom has been named chair of Georgia Works board today. The trial attorney and founder of Bloom Parham will lead the program providing workforce training and transitional support for formerly homeless individuals at its Oakhurst facility, while former chair Chip Patterson remains active. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Volunteers will join the 16th annual Sweep the Hooch cleanup Saturday, Mar. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon across 65 sites in the Chattahoochee River watershed, including one in the Columbus area. Organized by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, participants will receive durable gloves & trash bags plus a free one-year CRK membership. WTVM
- ➤ WTVM is ending its annual diaper drive soon as the community is invited to donate essential supplies + drop-off locations remain open until the deadline. WTVM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Celebrity chef Vera (Very Vera) Stewart served Southern-inspired dishes Tuesday night at Columbus Public Library during the Food and the Soul of America celebration. The event, hosted by Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, the Muscogee County Library Foundation and the library, honors the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this July. WTVM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Georgia Power officials said customer bills could drop by about 1% starting in June if two pending filings are approved by the Public Service Commission, which would lower charges by roughly $1.32 per month (covering fuel and storm restoration costs). WSB-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Young sisters Zion and Sariel Phillips launched I Got Bank to teach local kids budgeting and money basics using a workbook, website + workshops. Their program, started five years ago, also draws parents seeking practical financial tips. WSB-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The FDA reports that 23,435 cases of peanut butter have been recalled after blue plastic was found in products; the recall was upgraded on Feb. 12 and it may affect local stores. WSB-TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new Highland cow farm opened yesterday near Columbus off Highway 80 and gives families a chance to enjoy photo sessions and cuddling with the animals (staff closely supervises all interactions for safety). The farm welcomes visitors weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. WTVM
-
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.
-
Columbus Varsity Baseball at Kendrick
5:30-7:15 p.m. — Kendrick High School — Free entry — Watch the Kendrick varsity baseball team take on Columbus in a home conference matchup.
-
Liberty Theatre 5k
1-5 p.m. — 813 8th Ave, Columbus, GA — Registration fees apply — Participate in a fun community run supporting the historic Liberty Theatre.
-
ISPA EXPO 2026
March 10-12 — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Registration Required — The premier event where the mattress industry's people, products, and possibilities connect.
-
Cookies with the Easter Bunny
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Tickets required — Enjoy a morning of sweet treats and fun with the Easter Bunny.
-
GeorgiaFIRST Robotics: Columbus Qualifier 2026
Mar 19-21 — Columbus Civic Center — Free entry — Witness the best robotics teams in the Peachtree District compete for top honors.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Columbus
Welcome to the Today in Columbus, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Columbus, Georgia community. If you like the Today in Columbus, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Columbus.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Columbus and across Georgia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Columbus
A free Columbus community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayincolumbus.com/sitemap