🌱 Columbus PD Investigate Fatal Shooting + PD Chief Update + Museum

Hello, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Columbus Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 77 Low: 48.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 76 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. The Columbus Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday morning, Apr. 21, in the 2900 block of 10th Street. Police confirmed that a 54-year-old male was killed during the incident. No further information has been released as of Apr. 21 at 7 p.m. (WRBL)
2. New details regarding the recent severance package given to Police Chief Freddie Blackmon have emerged. According to the agreement, the chief will retire on Apr. 30, after being on administrative leave since Apr. 6. Blackmon will receive $400,000 and will remain on the city’s health insurance at the employee rate through May 31, 2030. The agreement also states that Blackmon must waive his rights to legal action and the city, the mayor, and the 10 city council members cannot make disparaging remarks about Blackmon. View the link to read the full severance package agreement. (WRBL)
3. The Columbus’ Lunchbox Museum was featured in the Smithsonian Magazine. Lunchbox Museum founder Allen Woodall said, "To be in the Smithsonian Magazine is an achievement I’m so proud [of]. We have been featured in the Smithsonian Magazine online, and it has been a great probity for the Columbus Ga community." (WTVM)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Saturday, April 22

• Stake & Shake Monthly Cruise-In At 1601 Bradley Park Drive (5:00 PM)
• Spring Friday Night Concert Series - Relative Sound At 1000 Block Of Broadway (7:00 PM)

Sunday, April 23

• Columbus Comedy Jam At Columbus Civic Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Columbus State softball team recently finished a perfect 24-0 home schedule at Cougar Field! Next weekend, Columbus State will host conference tournament games. (WTVM)
• On Apr. 22, Tidan Publishing LLC, a local book publishing company, will be hosting a book fair at the Columbus Public Library. The fair will feature books for sale, self-published authors, vendors to aid in the self-publishing experience, free information on self-publishing, and free giveaways. (WRBL)
• If you've been hoping to add a four-legged ball of love and affection to your family, check out the local Columbus shelters. An adorable Rottweiler named Yukon and many more adoptable pets are waiting to find their forever family in Columbus! (Columbus Patch)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be 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!