Good morning, Columbus.

Nina Simone Ray is a 19-year-old local TikTok star who grew popular for her happy dance videos and kind words after being born with Down syndrome; she graduated from Central and plans to work as a Zumba instructor plus teach dance classes.

Back Columbus Blue will host its 4th annual golf tournament—drawing local business professionals for a competitive event.

The tournament is scheduled for the near future and details on timing and venue will be announced soon.

A manufacturing facility in Columbus is expanding as over $120 million is being invested by Hostess Brands LLC & the project will create 48 jobs.

Construction is underway and the work will be finished by early 2027.

At its 10th annual luncheon on Sept.

25—Columbus State University’s Girls In The Game program announced it had gathered over $1.3M in donations to fund scholarships for female student-athletes. The program will award 22 named endowed scholarships and eight additional awards in 2026 to support students in class and on the field.

K12 Private Academy announced today a partnership with New Horizons New Directions Preparatory Academy to offer tuition-free online education for grades kindergarten to 8 to Georgia families through the Promise Scholarship program, expanding access to quality learning by combining 25 years of virtual education expertise with NHND’s tailored approach—benefiting rural and underserved areas.

The Georgia Department of Education has sent over 6,000 welcome packages to first-year teachers in public schools as part of the Teach in the Peach initiative—each package includes a letter from State School Superintendent Richard Woods, merchandise, and resource information funded by generous sponsors without using taxpayer money.

Oxbow Meadows is hosting a free family fun day on Oct.

11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. staffed by its learning center team, Columbus State students & Columbus Water Works, offering face painting, bouncy houses, wildlife exhibits and food like chilidogs and ice cream to mark its 30th anniversary and celebrate nature education. This event will highlight local organizations committed to environmental conservation in a family-friendly setting.

Georgia Bike-Walk-Live Summit 2025

1-3 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Registration required — Collaborate on making Georgia a better place to bike, walk, and live.

CFA Fans' Choice Game

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Columbus Ice Rink CIVIC CENTER — Check online for ticket pricing — Cheer on your favorite team in a thrilling ice hockey showdown.

Pacelli Catholic School Vikings vs Sherwood Christian Academy

4-8 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Watch local high school volleyball teams compete in an exciting non-conference match.

Magnolia District Annual Fall Meeting 2025

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM — Green Island Country Club — Registration required — Connect with local garden enthusiasts and hear from notable speakers.

Page Turners Book Club

2-3 p.m. — Mildred L. Terry Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about thrilling books while exploring themes of awareness and storytelling.

Mortgage Fair

4-7 p.m. — CSU Cunningham Center — Free admission — Navigate financing options and strengthen your buying power with expert insights.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — A laugh-out-loud reimagining of the classic vampire tale full of clever wordplay and zany humor.

First Aid, AED & CPR Training

10 AM – 3 PM — Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc — $35 for the card — Get hands-on training and earn a certification with limited spots available.

Toast - The No 1 Tribute to Bread

7:00-8:30 p.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy the ultimate tribute show to the soft rock legends BREAD as they take the stage in Columbus, GA.

Clint Black Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets from $90 — Don't miss country music legend Clint Black live in Columbus.