Good morning, Columbus.

At its 18th annual Day of Service on Aug.

23, Columbus State University had over 300 students volunteer at 14 local nonprofits—logging 634 hours of service as part of the Cougar Kickoff fall semester. The event helped groups like PAWS Humane and the National Infantry Museum, showing the students' commitment to local community needs.

Paws Humane Society in Columbus declared a state of emergency last week when it cared for 547 animals but still houses over 500, which forces the shelter to put dogs in cat rooms, shared kennels, and crates—conditions that show severe overcrowding.

Executive Director Courtney Pierce said the shelter offers a Name Your Price adoption special with fees as low as $1 while pets average 78 days in care.

The Columbus Police Department is searching for 15-year-old Dwayne Batts, a Black male last seen on Saturday near Blueridge Drive wearing gray crocs, gray sweatpants and a gray shirt with yellow graphics—anyone with information should call 911 or the Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449.

Columbus PD is investigating an overnight shooting on Monday in the 1000 block of Rigdon Road where three people were injured and the Violent Crimes Unit is looking for information.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College was chosen as one of 15 schools to receive a $75,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant—helping 30 students earn credentials in trades like HVAC, industrial maintenance, automotive manufacturing, and welding.

CVCC President Jackie Screws said the funds will pay for tuition and essential equipment to remove financial barriers.

The Columbus City Council met Tuesday to consider a city-owned site (off 11th Avenue near Cusseta Road) for a proposed $478M jail, with Mayor Skip Henderson stressing cost control without sacrificing quality.

Building professionals had reviewed several locations as the council planned to replace the older jail built in 1983 and 2002.

Columbus City Council heard a draft plan from United Way officials to form a task force that will create a strategic homelessness plan by mid-2026 and cost $34,748.

Council members remain divided on moving forward as United Way noted homelessness has risen 11% and rents are 43% higher amid funding cuts—further discussions are expected in future meetings.

Wilson Meadows Concert

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of soulful music by Wilson Meadows featuring hits like 'Just Like I Promised'.

Lee-Scott Academy vs. St. Anne-Pacelli Volleyball Match

5-6 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Catch the exciting non-conference volleyball match between local teams Lee-Scott Academy and St. Anne-Pacelli.

Hiking with Fortitude

9 AM – 1 PM — Burger King — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit and enjoy the outdoors with a group hike.

Career Inspiration Day

11 a.m. — 1 p.m. — 6001 Buena Vista Rd, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Unlock potential by inspiring young minds through career exposure and real-life opportunities.

Faith Chapel Homecoming Celebration

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Columbus State University — Free entry — Celebrate unity, love, and togetherness at a vibrant homecoming event filled with faith and fellowship.

The Wiz

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience the funkadelic twist of the beloved Broadway classic that brings a fresh mix of rock, gospel, and soul to the story of The Wizard of Oz.

Kelly Price & Friends Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of R&B with Kelly Price and an amazing lineup of classic artists.

2025 Georgia Entertainment Signature 100 and Unscripted

5-7:30 p.m. — The Loft — Free entry — Celebrate local creativity with insights into the film, music, and gaming industries.

The Wiz

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience a funkadelic twist on the beloved classic, The Wiz, with rock, gospel, and soul music.