Good morning, Columbus.

Griffin & Griffin Towing marked a decade with its annual Shop With a Tow Operator event today as local tow drivers led kids on a special Christmas shopping trip, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.

The annual House of Heroes gift wrapping station is at Peachtree Mall every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Wednesday, Dec.

24 to support military and public safety veterans.

Today, community members gathered at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery to lay wreaths honoring veterans; the tribute brought families together to reflect on local service.

Columbus firefighters work holiday shifts to answer emergency calls and keep the community safe (their shifts run 24 hours on and 48 hours off).

They also remind residents to practice caution in the kitchen and on the roads.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will open on Jan.

13 near Columbus Park Crossing at 5720 Whittlesey Blvd, adding dine-in, drive-thru and outdoor seating; the restaurant will hire more than 160 workers until Dec. 28 and feature grand-opening festivities plus a chance to win free Cane’s for a year.

Young authors across the Chattahoochee Valley have written the children’s book My Columbus, My Community (showing safe neighborhoods and quality education) to share their view of home, and the illustrated book is now available in stores and online.

Grif Morpeth explained that a building once used as a Greyhound bus station has become a popular barbecue spot that reflects Columbus’s rich history.

He plans to preserve the site’s unique architecture and legacy, ensuring future generations appreciate its cultural significance.

Columbus Botanical Garden hosts the 'Shine' Light Show today (featuring colorful illuminations and interactive art) for local visitors.

The event offers families a creative evening outdoors and highlights artistic displays that brighten the community.

More than 10,000 Fort Benning soldiers and instructors left for holiday block leave on Wednesday as vehicles lined up by 11 p.m. and family pickups began at 4 a.m. Thursday plus many are looking forward to spending the holidays with their loved ones.

Officials said a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Bridlewood Subdivision on Schomburg Road on Dec.

17, and residents are urged to contact Columbus Animal Care & Control if they had any contact with the animal.

Health officials have issued a rabies warning on Whitesville Road in Columbus after reports of potentially infected animals; residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife and report any unusual behavior to local authorities.

A Lung Nurse Navigator at John B.

Amos Cancer Center explains a new smoking cessation program that offers personalized help and lung screenings — the resource will soon be available to local smokers.

Central High’s flag football team was named National Champions for the second straight season after a 46-7 win over Vestavia Hills at Protective Stadium — they finished a perfect 20-0 campaign and extended their winning streak to 57 games.

11th Annual Lion and Lamb Music Christmas Bash

3-9 p.m. — Peachtree Mall — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas with live music, local vendors, and free gifts for attendees.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Springer Opera House, Columbus, GA — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen with beloved songs and new music in a regional theatre performance.

Columbus River Dragons vs. Carolina Thunderbirds

7:35-9:35 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Enjoy the intensity of the Columbus River Dragons in action against their rivals the Carolina Thunderbirds.