Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Alma Thomas’s childhood home will become Columbus’s next cultural landmark

Also, don't miss Holiday Hydrangeas on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Hello again Columbus! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Alma Thomas’s childhood home will become Columbus’s next cultural landmark
  • How a Columbus State grad rose to lead GBI’s West Georgia office
  • Columbus remembers beloved longtime WTVM anchor and radio voice Chuck Leonard

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 66 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 66, low: 42.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 73 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. This Historic Georgia Home Is About to Get a New Life (thegeorgiasun.com) — Alma Thomas’s childhood home in Columbus is being saved, moved, and turned into a public museum alongside the Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum. Historic Columbus plans to raise about $1 million to relocate and restore the house, create curated exhibits, and give residents a new cultural landmark honoring the trailblazing artist’s legacy.
   

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Columbus State alum named GBI Special Agent in Charge for West Georgia District (wrbl.com) — A Columbus State University double graduate, Steven Sweatt, has been promoted to Special Agent in Charge of the GBI’s West Georgia office in Midland, overseeing investigations across 13 counties. His long career spans military policing, Carrollton patrol work, and leadership in the West Georgia Drug Task Force, reflecting a strong Columbus connection through his CSU degrees.
   

3. Radio personality, news anchor Chuck Leonard dies (walb.com) — Longtime WTVM anchor and radio personality Chuck Leonard, a familiar face to Columbus viewers since 1981, has died after entering hospice care earlier this month. Leonard spent 38 years at the Columbus CBS affiliate, earning major broadcasting honors and endearing himself to local audiences with his morning newscasts and “Chuck’s History Lesson” posts. He is survived by his wife and two children.
   

4. A Museum-Lover's Weekend in Columbus, Georgia (sanluisobispo.com) — If you’re looking for a culture-packed weekend close to home, this guide spotlights Columbus’ standout museums and historic sites, from the National Infantry Museum and Coca-Cola Space Science Center to the renovated Columbus Museum and Ma Rainey House. It also highlights quirky local landmarks like Kadie the Cow and heritage walks that reveal the city’s layered history and neighborhoods.
   

5. Local nonprofit releases ‘My Columbus, My Community' children's book created by students (wrbl.com) — Students from Muscogee and Russell County schools have created “My Columbus, My Community,” a new children’s book that spotlights their neighborhoods and hopes for change in Columbus. Partnering with the Southern Poverty Law Center, the project uses student photography and stories to highlight safety, health, and education issues, with plans to share the book in local schools and council meetings.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 19, 2025 in Columbus, GA 31906 near Behind public library off Macon Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Snellings)
  • Columbus police operation targeting porch pirates leads to 17 arrests
    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/columbus-police-operation-targeting-porch-pirates-leads-to-17-arrests/ar-AA1SHphS?ocid=BingNewsSerp (Nextdoor Edgewood Addition)
  • Group 1 Automotive, Inc. posted a job opening for Automotive Service Advisor - Group 1 Toyota Rivertown in Columbus. Apply here.
  • Synovus Financial Corporation posted a job opening for Personal Banker I (25HR, Benefit Eligible) - Midtown in Columbus. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbus here.

Ok Columbus! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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