🌱 Columbus PD Chief's Counter-Offer + Dog From Attack Is Impounded

Hello, Columbus. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid. High: 85 Low: 63.
• Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 76 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon presented Mayor Skip Henderson a counter-offer after receiving a $250,000 severance package offer. The Columbus City Council has until Apr. 11 to respond, 14 days after receiving the counter-offer on Mar. 28. Blackmon's requests include almost $650,000, an additional $200,000 for compensatory damages, eligibility to participate in the Columbus Consolidated Government Pension Plan and the city’s deferred retirement option plan, attorney’s fees of $15,000, and another separate payment for all vacation and overtime pay accrued. (WTVM 9)
2. A judge has ordered Cowboy, the dog involved in a brutal attack, to remain impounded by Columbus Animal Control. After Cowboy's attack, a woman had to get part of her leg amputated. The injunction order stated that Cowboy poses a “clear and immediate danger to the Animal Control officers responsible for his care and to the citizens of Columbus.” It also noted that if “Cowboy [were] to be returned to his owners pending the outcome of these proceedings, he will likely cause irreparable harm to a citizen of Columbus.” Cowboy and his owners' next hearing is scheduled for Apr. 26 at 1:00 p.m. in Superior Court. (WRBL)
3. Uptown Columbus' free Friday Night Concert Series is back! The first performance of the season kicks off Friday, Apr. 7, with Son of Sailors, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, on the 1000 block of Broadway. View the link to see the full schedule. (WTVM 9)

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Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Thursday, April 6

• Open Studio At The Columbus Museum (10:00 AM)
• Crown & Comedy At The Loft (7:30 PM)

Friday, April 7

• Spring Friday Night Concert Series At 1000 Broadway (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A celebration for Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, a Columbus native and influential blues artist, will be held at the Ma Rainey House on Apr. 26 at 10:00 a.m. Rainey was awarded a posthumous Grammy in 2023, which will be on display during the event. (WRBL)
• The Columbus Police Department Property Crimes Unit posted a photograph of a man and asked the public to help identify him. View the link to see the photo and contact Corporal Antonio Burgess at (706) 225-4240 or via email at aburgess@columbusga.org with any information regarding the individual. (Columbus Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• On the hunt for a new place to live, or just interested in what's out there? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Columbus area, including a three-bedroom on North Ridge Drive for $234,900! (Columbus Patch)

That's it for today. See you all soon for another 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!