Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why did Mayor Henderson really hit pause on Columbus’ city manager search?

You won't want to miss The Nutcracker on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hello Columbus! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why did Mayor Henderson really hit pause on Columbus’ city manager search?
  • How much longer Bradley Park Drive drivers must endure construction delays
  • How will Columbus’ new $207 million judicial center change daily operations?

Also on today's calendar: FALL BACK INTO GRANNY CORE and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 54 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 67, low: 42.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 68 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson answers criticism of pausing city manager search (ledger-enquirer.com) — Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson is defending his decision to pause the city manager search and keep finalists’ names confidential, after criticism from a 2026 mayoral candidate and residents at a Columbus Council meeting. He argues the process remains transparent, says he’s following standard hiring practices, and insists the delay is meant to protect candidates and find the best leader for Columbus.
   

2. Bradley Park Drive construction project draws mixed reactions from drivers (wtvm.com) — Drivers in Columbus are still navigating cones and delays on Bradley Park Drive as the $8 million diverging diamond interchange project continues toward a projected summer 2026 completion. After more than two years of construction, some residents are frustrated by lane shifts and lateness, while others say visible progress and safety improvements make the disruption worthwhile.
   

3. Columbus moves forward with $207 million judicial center project (wtvm.com) — Columbus’ $207 million judicial center is rising quickly, with structural work done and crews now focusing on exterior finishes and interior systems. Funded by a local sales tax, the 342,000-square-foot facility will replace the aging government center, add more courtrooms and inmate capacity, and is expected to open in fall 2026 before the old building becomes parking.
   

4. MILITARY MATTERS: Former NFL and Georgia football star Jordan Jenkins helping Columbus Vets with housing (wtvm.com) — Former NFL and Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins is using his success to help Columbus-area veterans find stable housing. He’s donated two houses to the Plummer Home nonprofit, which will become transitional housing for about 40 local vets facing homelessness or reentry challenges, with his own nonprofit helping bridge rent gaps so they can rebuild independence.
   

5. Lead Columbus Police detective takes stand in 2020 shooting of a man accused of murder in a local park (wrbl.com) — A Columbus murder trial is underway in Muscogee County Superior Court, where testimony focused on why Justin Reeves became the primary suspect in a 2020 shooting at Columbus Water Works Park. A lead Columbus police lieutenant described a photo lineup and 911 call identifying Reeves, while the defense pressed on other potential suspects and investigative gaps.
   

📸 Around Columbus

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • The Nutcracker
    RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus
    10:30 am

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📣 Columbus Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Columbus Fire and EMS launch partnership aimed at reducing ER wait times and costs
    COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Columbus Fire and EMS (CFEMS) will now offer an option for non-emergency callers to connect virtually with doctors to receive… (Nextdoor Edgewood Addition)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 9, 2025 in Columbus, GA 31904 near Parking lot Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view… (Nextdoor Cascade Hills)
  • Columbus State University posted a job opening for Golf Camp 2025 Summer Counselor in Columbus. Apply here.
  • State of Georiga posted a job opening for DHS/DCSS Legal Secretary 1 - 00059118 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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