Latest issueKemp names two new State Court judges for Muscogee CountyRead now

Today in ColumbusSubscribe — it’s free

70°CloudyHigh 77° · Low 61° · 72% rain

  1. 6 a.m.70°
  2. Noon75°
  3. 6 p.m.74°
  4. Midnight66°

7:00 a.m. 5:45 p.m.

Forecasted byThe Weather Channel

See this week
  1. 6 a.m.70°
  2. Noon75°
  3. 6 p.m.74°
  4. Midnight66°
  1. Today77°61°
  2. Fri78°50°
  3. Sat70°44°
  4. Sun72°47°
  5. Mon74°49°

7:00 a.m. 5:45 p.m.

See full forecast

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Columbus will rename Boxwood Recreation Center for Jerry “Pops” Barnes

Plus, Fountain City Classic weekend starts today and Aflac posts its third-quarter profit.

The Today in Columbus team1 story10 sources3 min read

City HallTop story

Columbus will rename Boxwood Recreation Center for the late Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes

Fri., Nov. 13when the Boxwood Recreation Center renaming ceremony will be held

The ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m. at the recreation center.

Sources: CNAW 2 with Colin Scroggins, WTVM.com

is getting a new name. The Columbus Consolidated Government will rename it the Jerry “Pops” Barnes Recreation Center, after the late councilor who represented District 1. The renaming honors Barnes for his public service to Columbus, the city said in a news release Wednesday.

A ceremony will mark the change. The city invited residents and members of the media to attend, and community members are welcome to join city officials.

  • Time: 1:30 p.m.
  • Where: 1068 Enoch Drive, Columbus 31906
  • Who's invited: residents and members of the media
  • Questions: Holli Browder, Parks and Recreation director, 706-255-4658

The center will go from Boxwood to Jerry “Pops” Barnes

WhatDetails
Current nameBoxwood Recreation Center
New nameJerry “Pops” Barnes Recreation Center
Barnes' council seatDistrict 1
AnnouncedCity news release, Wednesday

Sources: CNAW 2 with Colin Scroggins, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, WTVM.com, WRBL

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Columbus answered.

Asked

Will you go to the Boxwood Recreation Center renaming ceremony on Nov. 13?

Be the first to answer.

Sponsored

Apparel

5 women’s sweaters, cardigans, and fall tops under $35

Presented by The Buy

Sponsored

Fall is in full swing. Make sure your wardrobe is equipped for the get-togethers, cozy days, and special occasions ahead with five tops + cardigans you can grab for an instant look.

  • Asymmetrical bell sleeve top | $9.99 while sale lasts | Rib-stretch fabric and a boat neck make this a feminine, flirty top perfect for date night.
  • Merino blend scoop neck | $23.19 while sale lasts | Top-rated, this lightweight merino wool blend is easy to throw on and goes with everything.
  • Chunky popcorn cardigan | $34.98 while sale lasts | You’ll reach for this cozy, chunky knit every time there’s a chill in the air.
  • Open front cardigan coat | $32.99 | Go for a pop of yellow or classic navy, grey, or black in this warm winter knit that turns jeans and a tee into an instant outfit.
  • Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.

More worth The Buy

News Notes

Fountain City Classic

Albany State and Fort Valley State meet in the 36th Fountain City Classic at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium. Events begin today, and the parade is Friday, Nov. 6. WTVM.com

Fort Valley leads the series, but Albany State leads the Classic

42Overall series wins45
27Fountain City Classic wins8

Source: WTVM.com

School taxes

Russell County's 4.5 mill school tax and Phenix City's 4 mill school tax each passed with about 54% of the vote. Both failed in the May primary. WTVM.com

Aflac

Columbus-based Aflac reported third-quarter profit of $303 million Wednesday, or 61 cents a share. Adjusted for non-recurring costs, earnings came to $2.43 per share. Fulton Neighbor

Softball

Jefferson's Dragons beat Central-Carrollton 11-3 Saturday, Oct. 31, in Columbus. The win finished an unbeaten playoff run and gave the program its first fast-pitch state title. mainstreetnews.com

Trending

Two gift ideas for the holidays: this acrylic heart plaque with an uplifting message that makes it a heartfelt gift for anyone, and this comfy, customizable women’s sweatshirt that can be embroidered with Mama, Nana, Auntie, or whatever name is most meaningful to them.

Seasonal

Keep your circulation boosted and your system supported this cool-weather season with apparel that helps you maintain body heat. This men’s thermalwear set features a soft inner surface for next-to-skin comfort and keeps your whole body warm, while these unisex alpaca boot socks are a must-have for outdoor activity.

Read

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It's completely free, takes five minutes to read, and is devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Columbus answered.

Asked

How will you spend Fountain City Classic weekend?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Sponsored

Community

Warning: This newsletter may brighten your day

Presented by 6AM City

Sponsored

We hope you’re enjoying what we deliver to your inbox: a feel-good snapshot of what’s happening around town. No doomscrolling, no dry headlines — just real stories, uplifting news, and local happenings that bring our community together.

But here’s the thing: creating meaningful, high-quality local content takes time, heart, and resources. That’s where you come in.

Over the next few days, we’re organizing a fundraising campaign to boost our daily, hyperlocal newsletters, and we’d love your support with a recurring monthly gift. Think of it like buying us a cup of coffee every month. You'll help keep our content free and continue growing a positive local space we can all be proud of. Prefer a one-time gift? That's great, too — every dollar is a high five to our small team and a boost to local news.

Contribute to local media that lifts

Quoted

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

— Sylvia Plath

Things to Do

Things to Do

Columbus, GA

Thursday, Nov. 5

See every Columbus eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

Submit your Job listing

Do you know just the position for our readers? Share it on our Jobs board.

Real Estate

Real Estate

Have a real estate listing around Columbus?

Submit real estate listings

The Buy

Around the Block

Around the Block

Powered by Nextdoor

Neighbors

Do you know this man?

“He stopped and prayed over accident victims on Macon Rd Saturday and family would like to reach out and thank him- they didn’t get his name at chaotic scene. Please share”

— A neighbor, Morningside
Photo from the neighbor’s post

154 likes · 24 comments

View post

The Wrap

Kristin Chenoweth, the Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer whose career spans film, television, voice-over, and stage, takes the Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter stage on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. That's a big Broadway name coming to town on weekend. Pure star power.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Fountain City Classic arrives in Columbus on Saturday

Read yesterday’s edition

The Today in Columbus teamColumbus’ daily newsletter

How did we do, Columbus?

Tap a face. It takes under a minute.

Not for meLoved it

That’s your morning, Columbus.

Send it to someone in Columbus who’d want it.

ShareEmailFacebookX
Every source in this edition10 links · 8 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. CNAW 2 with Colin Scrogginscnaw2news.com
  3. Columbus Ledger-Enquirerledger-enquirer.com
  4. WTVM.comwtvm.com
  5. WRBLwrbl.com
  6. WTVM.comwtvm.com
  7. WTVM.comwtvm.com
  8. Fulton Neighborfultonneighbor.com
  9. mainstreetnews.commainstreetnews.com
  10. Columbus events calendartodayincolumbus.com

Past issues

  1. Tues., Nov. 10Kemp names two new State Court judges for Muscogee County
  2. Mon., Nov. 9Columbus State women's soccer wins a fourth straight Peach Belt title
  3. Sun., Nov. 8Albany State routs Fort Valley State 49-0 in the Fountain City Classic
  4. Sat., Nov. 7Kemp names two new Muscogee County State Court judges
  5. Fri., Nov. 6CSU breaks ground on $22.2 million Pezold Center
Every edition

Free every morning

Get Today in Columbus in your inbox.

The news, the things to do, the jobs and the weather of Columbus, in five minutes, every morning by 8 a.m.

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Today in Columbusto me · Thurs., Nov. 56:00 a.m.

Columbus will rename Boxwood Recreation Center for Jerry “Pops” Barnes

Plus, Fountain City Classic weekend starts today and Aflac posts its third-quarter profit.

The TLDR

  1. Boxwood Recreation Center will become the Jerry “Pops” Barnes center
  2. Fountain City Classic events start today; the game is Saturday
  3. Phenix City and Russell County school tax renewals pass
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Today in Columbus’ other editions

All the news
CourtsGov. Kemp appoints Alex Shalishali and David Ranieri to the State Court of Muscogee CountyIf you follow the local courts, two new names are headed to the bench. Gov. Brian Kemp announced three judicial appointments on Monday, Nov. 9, and two of them are for the State Court of Muscogee County.Today’s editionRead SportsAlbany State routs Fort Valley State 49-0 in the Fountain City ClassicAlbany State beat Fort Valley State 49-0 on Saturday at AJ McClung Memorial Stadium in the 36th annual Fountain City Classic. Cameron Watts returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, then intercepted a pass and ran it back 53 yards for another. Albany State led 14-0 after 47 seconds, before its offense had taken the field.Sunday’s editionRead High School FootballBrookstone and Glenwood win first-round playoff games Friday nightIt was a good Friday night for area teams in the state playoffs. The Ledger-Enquirer's roundup has Brookstone, Pacelli and Glenwood advancing, with three area teams winning, one losing and another on a bye.Sunday’s editionRead

Around Columbus

From Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Opelika Observer and 5 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer29 minutes ago

    Smiths Station City Council appoints new mayor after Richard Cooley’s death

    Smiths Station City Council in Smiths Station, AL, voted to appoint Victoria Green the next mayor after Richard Cooley’s death. Green served as a councilor.

  2. Opelika Observer52 minutes ago

    Smiths Station appoints mayor

    Mayor Pro Tem and Place 5 Council Member Victoria Green will serve as Smiths Station’s next mayor BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER SMITHS STATION — The Smiths Station City Council on Tuesday elected Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Green, the Place 5 council member, as the city’s next mayor, filling the vacancy created by Mayor Richard Cooley’s

  3. WRBL2 hours ago

    Warm weather’s last hurrah: Two cold fronts set to bring a chilly change to the Chattahoochee Valley

    Mild weather in Columbus is expected to persist through Thursday before a strong Arctic cold front delivers significantly cooler temperatures and wind chill over the weekend.

  4. CNAW 2 with Colin Scroggins2 hours ago

    Columbus announces District 4 neighborhood meeting

    The City of Columbus is inviting residents to take part in an effort to clean up neighborhoods across the community. A District 4 neighborhood meeting, part of the city’s “All Hands on Deck Campaign,” is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shirley Winston Park, located a

  5. WTVM.com2 hours ago

    Columbus State to host Veterans Day event for students and community

    Event includes opening remarks, food, music and activities, and is free to attend

    Also reported byColumbus CEO

  6. WTVM.com3 hours ago

    Fountain City Classic draws about 35,000 to 40,000 fans in Columbus

    Law enforcement counted about 35,000 to 40,000 fans at A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus for the Fountain City Classic last weekend, Executive Director Robbie Branscomb said.

    Also reported byAlbany Herald