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🌱 Patch AM: What will the jury decide in this Columbus park murder case?

Make time for A Christmas Gnome on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Good morning Columbus! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will the jury decide in this Columbus park murder case?
  • Why is a Columbus middle school teacher facing a battery charge?
  • How much more will your Columbus water bill be next year?

Also on today's calendar: GET HOOKED! CROCHET CLUB and 5 more events.

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

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Gayle D.!

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 66 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 70, low: 50.
  • Sunday: Cooler; breezy in the morning, with a high of 53 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Muscogee County jury now deciding fate of man accused of shooting homeless man to death in 2020 (wrbl.com) — A Muscogee County jury is now deliberating in the murder trial of Justin Reeves, accused of fatally shooting Kendrick Young in Columbus Water Works Park in 2020. Prosecutors say Reeves sought revenge after a prior altercation, while the defense argues there’s reasonable doubt and suggests another shooter, leaving the community watching closely for a verdict.
   

• Muscogee County teacher facing simple battery charge following incident with student (wtvm.com) — A Muscogee County teacher from Fort Middle School in Columbus has pleaded not guilty to a simple battery charge after an incident involving a student with disabilities. The district says video evidence does not support claims the student was choked, but confirms an internal investigation and personnel action, while the teacher remains employed and the case moves to state court.
   

• Columbus water rates to increase 4.9% starting January 1 for new infrastructure (wtvm.com) — Columbus residents will see water bills rise about 4.9% starting January 1, 2026, to help fund a new wastewater treatment plant and other major infrastructure projects. Columbus Water Works says the current 1960s-era facility must be replaced within a few years to keep water safe and support growth. Leaders are also seeking federal help, but for now the costs fall mainly on ratepayers.
   

📸 Around Columbus

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📸 Sunrise Dec 11th from my backyard. A great start to my day. —Gayle D. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • A Christmas Gnome
    Painting with a Twist, 6298 Veterans Pkwy Suite 2N, Columbus
    3:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This dog is at Walmart on Victory Dr.
    An employee said she has been there for several days. She has or had puppies recently. (Nextdoor East Highland)
  • Who ever it was that turn in my mom's purse at the Piggy Wiggly on moon rd.
    I would truly like to thank you my mom was so worried cause it had all her money in there. Sir or ma'am you have a good soul and spirit that all… (Nextdoor Cascade Hills)
  • Terracon Consultants, Inc. posted a job opening for Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager - Auburn, AL in Columbus. Apply here.
  • Georgia Military College posted a job opening for Adjunct Faculty: Psychology: Columbus (PT) in Columbus. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbus here.

🗞 Nearby News

West Point

  • YEAR-END ACTIONS: West Point approves 2026 budget (lagrangenews.com)
  • You Won't See A Kia Telluride In 2026 - Here's Why (slashgear.com)
  • FISHING FOR GOOD CAUSE: Bass tournament to provide toys for area children (lagrangenews.com)

Lumpkin

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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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