Good morning, Columbus.

The community gathered to honor former councilwoman Judy Thomas, who served four terms in Columbus before resigning in March due to health challenges and died in April at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta — her decades of service are remembered by many.

The Columbus Dream Center is offering free groceries, food, clothing, hair care and hygiene kits on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Columbus to assist community members in need, and interested residents can call (706) 604-0332 to schedule an appointment for future services.

BWE secured a $32,293,800 loan today to refinance the 222-unit luxury apartment community Greystone at Mulberry Grove in Fortson.

The property at 4849 GA Highway 315 features upscale amenities and green upgrades like electric vehicle charging stations and is 11 miles north of Columbus.

Columbus police are searching for a 64-year-old man last seen on Tuesday, May 6 near the 7000 block of Thrush Drive while wearing a dark grey pullover and black sweatpants and driving a blue 2007 Toyota Tundra (SFV8639); anyone with information should call 911 or contact Detective Meagan Cole at 706-225-4242.

Today the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosted its quarterly Eye Opener Breakfast where leaders including Police Chief Stoney Mathis, Sheriff Greg Countryman, Fire and EMS Chief Sal Scarpa and Muscogee County Prison Warden Herbert Walker met to discuss ways to improve public safety—promoting unity among officials—and to reassure citizens of their ongoing efforts to keep Columbus safe.

Officials say the new Columbus judicial center is 16 months into construction along 10th Street near the Government Center.

Gilbane Construction reports its 9-floor, $200 million project — including the basement — will finish in August while work continues on the upper floors.

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.

Open Mic Night

4-7 p.m. — Everything Musical — Free entry — Local musicians share their talent in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Columbus River Dragons Playoff Game

7 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch the Columbus River Dragons in action during their playoff run.

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.

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.

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.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Visiting Angels — Free entry — Explore the benefits of senior living with a focus on quality care and engaging activities.

Fantasia Concert Featuring Anthony Hamilton

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of soulful performances by Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton.