Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rodney Close, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, announced his retirement effective June 13 after nearly 13 years in the role — Fred Maglione will serve as interim CEO. WTVM
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Public Safety reported that over Memorial Day weekend 14 people died, 189 were injured in road crashes, 413 were arrested for DUI, 1086 distracted driving citations and 6870 seatbelt citations were issued before the travel period ended May 26 at 11:59 p.m.—officials noted a noticeable rise in DUI and distracted driving violations. News 3
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Columbus Police Department said one of its officers was arrested on May 25 after officers responded to a burglary report at a residence on Chattsworth Road; officer Jonathan Robertson (23) is charged with burglary, stalking and terroristic threats and will appear in court today at 1:30 p.m. News 3
- ➤ A local homeowner fought off masked intruders who broke into his house yesterday—police said the suspects retreated before officers arrived. WSB-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Labor said Columbus' unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in April—a drop of seven-tenths from the month before—even as job numbers grew by 500 and initial unemployment claims increased to 659. The labor force also dropped by 414 to 128,569, showing both progress and challenges in the local job market. Columbus CEO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting June 1, hunters will be able to apply electronically for quota hunts for deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove, and other species on state-managed lands. Application deadlines vary by hunt type, with the first on July 15 for alligator hunts, August 15 for dove hunts, and September 1 for most deer hunts—youth hunters aged 15 and under must check the new age rule. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Lawmakers on a special committee will hold summer hearings to gather accurate data on the electricity and water used by nearly 97 data centers—nonprofit leaders warn that missing numbers risk lost tax revenue and environmental harm. The panel will work on long-term policies to plan for state resources as more centers are built. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley was terminated Monday night, said Councilor Bruce Huff. Hugley, who planned to retire after nearly 20 years and was the city's first African American manager—officials have not yet named his replacement. WTVM
- ➤ Columbus officials announced plans to raise property taxes for 2025 in several urban service districts with a 3.00% increase in districts 1, 5, 6 and 7 and a 2.00% increase in district 2, which will push rates above those expected under the rollback system. Public hearings will be held at the Council Chambers in the City Services Center at 3111 Citizens Way on June 3 at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on June 10 at 9:00 a.m. to gather resident input. News 3
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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.
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Luke Brown & The Jubilee Concert
8 PM – 2 AM — The Loft — Buy Tickets — Enjoy a captivating blend of classic country soul with modern swagger.
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Knoxville Smokies at Columbus Clingstones Match
1-4 p.m. — Golden Park — Ticket includes all-you-can-eat — Celebrate summer with a vibrant baseball game featuring local teams.
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Columbus Area Middle & High School Camp
7:15-11 a.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Cost info not provided — Engage in running, conditioning, and fun activities at this enriching camp for 4th-12th graders.
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