Good morning, Columbus.

On April 11, a shooting on Rigdon Road in Columbus left a 20-year-old man—Jaylon Wesley—dead after officials found him with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him at 2:36 p.m.

Columbus Police are seeking help to locate 61-year-old Sarah Dillard—last seen on Dana Dr. on April 1 and described as 5 ft 4 in with brown hair and brown eyes—and anyone with information should call 911 or the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449.

Columbus government officials and the Columbus 250 Committee held a press conference Friday morning to announce a series of events celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

The events will include historical reenactments, artifact displays, a Memorial Day service at Parkhill Cemetery, and a June celebration with the National Infantry Museum—efforts aimed at teaching youth about freedom.

Hardaway High School dedicated new offices to honor former principals Roger Hatcher, Keith Seifert and Matt Bell during a ceremony on April 17th—recent renovations funded by the Muscogee County School District via E-SPLOST sales tax updated the counseling, discipline and front offices in a push for improved safety and learning.

Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley’s attorney Scott Grubman sent a statement to city council members addressing their concerns.

He released a full letter—accompanied by supporting documents—on April 18.

Georgia veterinarians have noted a rise in a mysterious respiratory illness among dogs that does not respond well to antibiotics.

Mary Frances Wylie (Northside Wesleyan Animal Hospital) said her clinic treated 15 dogs with low energy and cough-like symptoms over the past few months.

1-Day Public Speaking Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Columbus Academy for Lifelong Learning — Cost included with registration — Enhance your public speaking skills and conquer stage fright at this immersive workshop.

Dot Dot Dot - A New Musical

9:30-11 a.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant journey of creativity and self-expression in this engaging new musical adaptation.

Blakgraz LIVE Performance

7-10 p.m. — Ivy Park Sports & Grill — Check venue for entry cost — Enjoy a diverse mix of genres performed live by Blakgraz.

CSU Spring Swing

6:30-11 p.m. — Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center — Support community dance teams — Enjoy a night of dancing, music by The Grapevine Band, and delicious food.

WorkSource Georgia Columbus Job Fair

3-6 p.m. — 700 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Network with employers and bring your resume for job opportunities.

Columbus Georgia Scavenger Hunt

12-9 p.m. — Midtown Neighborhood of Columbus — Ticketed event — Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt filled with historical trivia and exciting challenges throughout the city.

RiverFest 2025

5 PM – 10 PM — Woodruff Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant community atmosphere with two days of live music, food, and family fun along the river.

Marine Corps League Georgia Convention 2025

12:00 PM – 11:30 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus — Registration required — A weekend of camaraderie, networking, and honoring Marines.

Jake Xerxes Fussell Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Loft — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Columbus native Jake Xerxes Fussell as he blends traditional music with contemporary artistry.

MAFEST

1 PM – 8 PM — Liberty Theatre Cultural Center — Tickets available — Celebrate music, art, and heritage in honor of Ma Rainey with live performances.