🌱 Construction To Begin Soon On I-185 + CPD Investigate Shooting

Hi there, Columbus! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A passing morning shower. High: 82 Low: 51.
• Wednesday: Sunshine and cooler. High: 66 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories in Columbus today:

1. According to State Transportation Investment Act Administrator Kenneth Franks, construction will begin in south Columbus on a new I-185 exit ramp at the corner of Farr and Old Cusseta roads in the next two to three months. The I-185 Exit 3 will be the last exit before getting to Victory Drive, allowing residents in the Farr Road area quicker access to the highway. Franks is asking drivers to be cautious while driving in these areas and to slow down, keep an eye out for road crews, and be prepared for lane shifts in areas where orange barrels are visible. The new exit could take up to two to three years to complete and is expected to be ready for drivers by the middle of 2026. (WTVM 9)
2. Columbus police officers are investigating a shooting that occurred at the intersection of Highland Pines Drive and Melinda Drive on Sunday night, Mar. 5. There was at least one victim with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a police department spokeswoman. As of Mar. 6, the identity and condition of the victim are unknown and no other information has been released. (WTVM 9)
3. Yesterday morning, speakers discussed the role and contributions of women in the S.T.E.M. Industry at the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Breakfast at The Columbus Convention Center. Dr. Tina Cross, a retired science teacher and Robotics Coordinator, Julisa Velasquez, a mechanical engineer at Pratt and Whitney, and Natalia Temesgen, a local screenwriter and creative writing professor at Columbus State University, were awarded for their work in the S.T.E.M. field. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson attended the event and Stacey Abrams was one of the guest speakers. (WRBL.com)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Tuesday, March 7

• Music Under the Dome: Colors of the Eclipse At Columbus State University's Coca-Cola Space Science Center (5:00 PM)
• Trivia At Banks Food Hall (5:30 PM)

Wednesday, March 8

• Free Wine: Beach Margarita At Painting With A Twist Columbus (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A third victim, 50-year-old Toya Carter, of the Feb. 18 shooting at Motel 6 on Victory Drive has died after two weeks in the hospital. Columbus Police had found 53-year-old Michael Carter, Sr., and 19-year-old Michael Carter, Jr. dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds on Feb. 18. Both Carter and a four-year-old child were also shot during the incident. According to officials, the child is now with family members and did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Columbus Police are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to call Sgt. D. Baker at 706-225-4296. (WSB-TV)
• The Columbus community held a balloon release in honor of 66-year-old James McTyre, who died from multiple gunshot wounds on Feb. 27. Columbus police found the school counselor unresponsive on Wyntonn Road after receiving a call about a car crash. (WTVM 9)
• Businesses across the Columbus area are searching to fill openings on their staff for both part-time and full-time positions! Check out the latest job opportunities in the Columbus area including Enterprise Account Manager, Project Coordinator, Certified Forklift Driver, and Assistant Director of Nursing. (Columbus Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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!