Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Three Columbus pools that closed between 2015 and 2019 have nearly finished renovations funded by a local tax and will reopen on May 28. The city is still recruiting lifeguards by offering American Red Cross certification classes from May 1—4 and 8—10 while planning to open two splash pads and host a community party in June. News 3
- ➤ Columbus’ Miracle Riders began a 21-day motorcycle journey today to raise funds for CSU’s nursing program by delivering letters from local residents to loved ones in 34 states—14 riders will cover 9,500 miles until they return on May 23. WTVM
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities arrested 19 men now in Muscogee County Jail for attempting to engage in sexual transactions with minors during an online sting operation called Operation Lights Out—local child advocate Bobbi Starr of Micah’s Promise said the strong charges were needed to stop the abuse. News 3
- ➤ Columbus Police are searching for 14-year-old Isaiah Jones—he went missing from the 6000 block of Georgetown Drive on April 28 at 7:00 a.m.—and he was last seen wearing a red GAP hoodie, light blue gym shorts and red open-toed sandals. News 3
- ➤ Columbus Police are looking for 14-year-old Isaiah Jones, last seen April 28 in the 6000 block of Georgetown Drive at 7 a.m. wearing light blue gym shorts, a red GAP hoodie, and red Champion open-toe sandals (he has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs 125 pounds and is 5′4″). WTVM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Amanda Zarate has been named MCSD Teacher of the Year by the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation at Wynnton Arts Academy—she was chosen from 54 honorees and uses her military values to help students feel safe and inspired. News 3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State leaders and transportation officials reviewed progress on the Buena Vista Interchange project in Columbus, which is now 80% complete despite pandemic-related delays. The project will rebuild the interchange with a new bridge named the Maretta Mitchell Taylor Interchange and is set for substantial completion this fall with final work finishing in 2026 (updates will be available on the GDOT website). News 3
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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.
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MAFEST
1 PM – 8 PM — Liberty Theatre Cultural Center — Tickets available — Celebrate music, art, and heritage in honor of Ma Rainey with live performances.
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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.
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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.
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Open Mic Night
4-7 p.m. — Everything Musical — Free entry — Local musicians share their talent in a vibrant community atmosphere.
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Columbus River Dragons Playoff Game
7 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch the Columbus River Dragons in action during their playoff run.
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Rehab 25th Anniversary Festival
5-9 p.m. — The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Celebrate 25 years of Rehab with an exciting lineup featuring music from top artists.
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Barks and Blues Music Festival 2025
3-9 p.m. — Woodruff Riverfront Park — $10 admission — Experience live music and a pet-friendly atmosphere with food, fun, and community support.
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GASROE GS3 Annual Conference 2025
12 PM – 1 PM — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Ticket required — Train as a School Safety Team and engage with school safety professionals at this innovative conference.
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
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
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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.
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