Good morning, Columbus.

The Columbus Salvation Army’s Center of Hope is under construction to house up to 17 homeless families and provide food and help with job searches and mental health support — construction is about 60% complete.

The center will open in the first quarter of 2026 — it will work with local groups to keep families together.

Surcheros, a new Tex-Mex restaurant at 6516 Kitten Lake Drive, Suite E6, will open on November 13.

The first 100 guests who scan their receipt on the restaurant’s app will get free burritos for a year — winners receive one entrée per week and must be at least 16 to join.

The Columbus Police Department is searching for 13-year-old Jayden Woodard—last seen on Oct.

25 in the 300 block of Clover Ave—and anyone with information is urged to call 911 or contact the Special Victim's Unit at 706-225-3449 or Corporal Haley Starr at 706-225-4373.

Highside Market + Woodruff Brokerage Company launched the Bo Bartlett Pop Up Gallery at 211 13th Street, where renowned American realist painter Bo Bartlett exhibits selected works available for purchase.

The gallery is offering a Holiday Sale on prints throughout November to celebrate the season.

Columbus State University’s School of Nursing was reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education confirming that its programs meet national quality standards—students achieved a 95.65% NCLEX pass rate over the last three quarters of 2025.

More than 100 high school students from 15 counties gathered in Columbus to compete in the 3rd Annual West Georgia Skills Challenge and learn carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and other construction trades.

Local teachers and contractors provided job leads—helping open pathways for future careers in the construction industry.

More than 100 schools may face new sports competition under the Georgia High School Association reclassification proposal that will be finalized on November 17 for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Local school leaders worry that increased travel for sports such as softball, basketball and soccer will force student athletes to miss important class time.

Students from several counties met with construction companies in Columbus to demonstrate their building skills at the West Georgia Skills Challenge.

Columbus Water Works postponed its vote on water rate changes due to the federal shutdown — officials said the vote will be rescheduled once the shutdown ends.

Columbus State University professor Brandt Smith advised people to turn off their phones two or three days a week to reduce stress from the ongoing shutdown and constant political news—he said that overconsumption of such content can worsen anxiety while some students cope by focusing on their daily lives. This advice comes as rising political tensions and halted benefits have added to the community’s stress.

Head coaches from Albany State and Fort Valley State traded friendly trash talk at a luncheon as they prepared for Saturday’s 35th Fountain City Classic at A.J.

McClung Memorial Stadium—highlighting a rivalry that began in 1924 and plans to support student scholarships.

Old School vs New School: Bring Ya Boots Edition

8-11:30 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — In-person event — Celebrate with cowboy and cowgirl boots at this themed gathering.

Fountain City Classic

7 AM-3:30 PM — A J Mc Clung Memorial Stadium — Admission details not provided — Experience the ultimate showdown at the 35th Annual Fountain City Classic.

Biloxi Breakers at Columbus River Dragons

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets required — Catch some thrilling hockey action as the River Dragons take on the Biloxi Breakers.

The Leaves are Falling

2-3:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — VIP tickets available — Enjoy a premium theatrical experience with exclusive packages including dining and meet-and-greets.

Biloxi Breakers vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch an exciting hockey match during the Columbus River Dragons' season.

Vicki Lynn Maxwell Performance

Evening — The Loft — $10 cover — Experience the diverse musical influences of Vicki Lynn, inspired by her father's legacy in songwriting.

Crowder, Zach Williams, and Matt Maher Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Not specified — Experience a night of gritty, soul-deep music with two powerful headliners in a concert built to shake the walls.

Blakgraz Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Ivy Park Sports & Grill — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of diverse live music with Blakgraz's extensive repertoire.

Disney's Frozen Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical music from the beloved film brought to life on stage.

A Motown Christmas

7:00 – 8:30 PM — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a festive evening with classic Motown hits and holiday cheer from former Motown legends.