Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Eddy Middle School seeks partners for its ‘Eddy Service to Community Event’ (a one-stop hub for families to access healthcare, housing, transportation, financial assistance and emotional wellness services) on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2100 South Lumpkin Road. WTVM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Del Taco closed its Columbus and Phenix City restaurants Tuesday after its brief return, removing Georgia locations from its website. The fast food chain has faced financial struggles following past franchise challenges and previously operated in the area. WTVM
- ➤ Columbus Clingstones will host a job fair Saturday (at their Columbus facility) to connect local job seekers with nearby employers. More details on registration and event schedules are expected from the organizers. Columbus CEO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Columbus Museum opened a new exhibit honoring former State Representative Calvin Smyre that displays his fifty years of public service. Locals visited today to learn about his work and lasting legacy. WTVM
- ➤ Two Georgia museums received national recognition — the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta ranked No. 4 for pop culture exhibits and the Columbus National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center earned a No. 2 ranking among free museums. WSB-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Columbus State University introduced a new Thayer Scholarship fund to help 27 students gain career building internships and hands on field experience through its Center for Career Coaching. The program awards $1,000 to $2,000 scholarships and supports majors from the arts to medicine — boosting their career readiness. Columbus CEO
- ➤ The Muscogee County School District will host an educator hiring fair in March, giving prospective educators the chance to view open positions + register for opportunities. Columbus CEO
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
8 a.m. — Rotary Park Public Restroom — Registration required — Compete in multiple race distances and earn finisher medals in a community-focused running event.
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.
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