Friday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia-Pacific announced it will permanently close the South Georgia mill, eliminating over 500 jobs+ the decision will impact local manufacturing and force workers to seek new employment opportunities. Columbus CEO
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Columbus police are searching for missing 15-year-old Jaykaylee Pace, who was last seen on May 5 at 4:40 p.m. near Pam Court in Columbus and is described as having black hair and brown eyes; anyone with information should call 911 or 706-225-3449. WTVM
- ➤ The Columbus Police Department is asking for help finding 12-year-old Kamerion Harbin, who was last seen on the 1900 block of Nina St on May 14 at 5:20 p.m.—he wears a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white shoes and is 5′4″ with black hair and brown eyes. WTVM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Debra Kennedy, a veteran with 33 years of local law enforcement experience, has been named chief of the Columbus State University Police Department and will begin her role on June 1—she earned her degrees at Columbus State and worked as assistant chief at the Columbus Police Department. The new chief aims to improve campus safety and build on her decades of experience. Columbus CEO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Flint Energies Foundation granted Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation $7,500 to expand equipment and technology at Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital so children in rural areas can get better care. The grant supports the LET’S DREAM BIG! Campaign—aimed at keeping local pediatric specialty care available without long travels. Columbus CEO
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The MED Gala
6-10 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Fundraising event — Celebrate veteran physicians while enjoying a glamorous evening of dining and entertainment, benefiting future medical professionals.
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Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training
Mon-Thu, Jun 9-13 — Georgia Training Center — $2090 — Enhance your IT skills in this comprehensive 5-day course on Object Oriented Analysis and Design using UML.
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From Fintech to Crypto: Insights in Software Development
5:30-7 p.m. — StartUP Columbus — Free entry — Explore innovative software development lessons from the fintech and crypto realms with local experts.
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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