🌱 Columbus Memorial Day Closures + Huge Local Drug, Gun Bust

Morning, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Columbus Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Warmer with a thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 85 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. The City of Columbus announced city-wide Memorial Day closures for May 29, including closures of animal control, local government, 311 Citizens Service Center, as well as no waste or recycling pickup, no METRA bus service, and more. Trash collections will be moved to Wednesday, May 31. A full list of closures is available at the link. (WTVM 9)
2. On May 4, Darryl Wilson and Jonathan Harvard were arrested during a major drug and gun bust on Vista Drive in Columbus. An investigation by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office led to the seizure of 86.3 grams of MDMA ecstasy, 12.9 grams of cocaine, 4.3 pounds of marijuana, 46 THC vape cartridges, four firearms, and one stolen firearm. Wilson and Harvard were each charged with multiple possession charges and trafficking in MDMA. (WTVM 9)
3. By next week, Fort Benning, the U.S. Army post near Columbus, will have a new name. Fort Benning was named after Henry L. Benning, a Confederate general. The new name, Fort Moore, will be named for Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia. According to Dr. David Kieran, the Hallock Chair of Military History at Columbus State University, the military officers posted at Fort Benning are carrying out an order from their civilian leaders, in this case, " the secretary of defense, who’s following the law that Congress passed." (WRBL)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Saturday, May 6

• Diversity Saturdays At Uptown Columbus (1:00 PM)
• Cinco de Mayo Margarita Bar Crawl At Broadway (2:00 PM)
• Tootsie - Musical At RiverCenter - Bill Heard Theatre (7:30 PM)

Sunday, May 7

• Tootsie - Musical At RiverCenter - Bill Heard Theatre (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Columbus Police are asking for the public's help in locating a critically missing man who was last seen near the 700 block of 10th Street in Columbus. Louisous Smith, who has been reportedly diagnosed with dementia, was last seen around 1:00 p.m. on May 3 wearing blue jeans and a gray hoodie. (WTVM 9)
• On May 2, dozens of awards were given to officers of the Columbus Police Department, 911 dispatchers, and members of the Citizen’s Police Academy at the police department’s Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. Officer Caleb Erickson was named 2023’s Officer of the Year for taking the shifts of other officers who needed to take time off to grieve for their fellow officer who passed away in March. (WRBL)
• If you’re hoping to add a four-legged ball of love and affection to your household, start your search at your local Columbus animal shelters. There are so many adorable pets looking for a loving home in your area, including a tiny English Bulldog puppy named Andy. (Columbus Patch)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!