Good morning, Columbus.

The Columbus Police Department invited three-year-old Charlotte Williams and her five-year-old sister Adaline to CPD Headquarters where Chief Stoney Mathis swore them in as junior officers—fulfilling Charlotte's dream of becoming a police officer.

The girls toured the building and received gifts from each department—marking a welcome break for Charlotte, who is in remission from leukemia but will need further treatment.

Bull Creek Golf Course reopened its East course yesterday after a storm killed two Georgia natives — the 18-hole course is open while no reopening date has been set for the other course.

Columbus Police said 70-year-old business owner Chongcha Dyer was murdered in her Oakland Park backyard on June 29, 2019, after being shot multiple times and found in a storage shed—her case remains unsolved while a reward is offered for any information.

Data from Tuesday, April 22 show that regular unleaded gas in Georgia cost $2.92 per gallon—a drop of 6 cents from a week ago, 2 cents above last month’s price, and 51 cents lower than a year ago that results in about $43.80 to fill a 15-gallon tank.

AAA noted that falling oil prices may lead to further drops at the pump as summer approaches.

Columbus State University will host six graduation events on May 8 and 9 at its Main Campus to honor 1,055 Spring graduates in its 129th commencement exercises (free parking and open access are available).

The ceremonies include college-specific events with keynote speakers and honorary degrees, and all events are open to the public.

Yesterday, the Columbus Botanical Garden hosted Morningside Christian Preschoolers for an Earth Month program that let them learn about soil types, plant needs, and conservation through hands-on activities and a scavenger hunt.

The garden also launched a free composting drop-off (available Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.), and an agricultural grant will help expand the program next year.

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.

Strategies to Secure Business Capital Workshop

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Prelude Events Studio — $25 for Members, $45 for Nonmembers — Learn important strategies to access business capital for your ventures.

Startup Runway Georgia - Columbus

3-5 p.m. — Cunningham Conference Center — Apply to pitch for $10k — Local founders showcase their startups for a chance to win funding.