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Continued Coverage
Alabama women’s basketball player wins $20,000 CFP/Dr. Pepper tuition grant
Ariyah Copeland, an Alabama basketball player, was one of five grand prize winners presented with $20,000 tuition grants, while more than 60 student athletes received $2,500 each in tuition awards.
Lanett community celebrates the end of 2020 and remembers those impacted by COVID-19
A ceremony and balloon release was held and community member also took time to celebrate the end of 2020.
Longtime local educator Willie Watts, Jr. passes away
70-year-old Willie Watts, Jr. passed away Christmas day.
Columbus Police Officer Shirley B. Winston remembered 30 years later
Thursday marked 30 years since the untimely passing of Columbus Police Officer Shirley B. Winston. She was killed in the line of duty on New Year’s Eve in 1990.
MOST RECENT
Columbus community comes together for Whisperwood Apartments fire relief effort
Around 50 people have lost everything, according to reports from the complex.
The Verge Church in Columbus providing shelter, food to the homeless during cold weather
The Verge Church is opening its doors during he Christmas holiday for those who are homeless.
LIST: Christmas Eve hours for last minute shoppers and gifts
We’ve compiled a list of stores with Christmas Eve hours below. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!
Several organizations team up for food and toy giveaway in Columbus
The Urban League of Greater Columbus and St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church joined Black Voters Matter to host the event.
Several organizations come together for toy and bike giveaway in Phenix City
Wednesday in Phenix City, different sponsors and organizers came together for a toy and bike giveaway.
Families lose everything in apartment fire two days before Christmas
The fire department estimates $1.65 million of structural damage plus everything the residents owned.
Warming stations opening in Columbus ahead of expected cold weather
SafeHouse in Rose Hill Methodist Church will be open on Christmas Eve.
National affordable housing accreditation awarded to Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia
The Affordable Housing Accreditation Board awarded national affordable housing accreditation to the Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia.
Paws Humane Society hosts holiday adoption special, waives fees
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Paws Humane could not agree more.
Feeding the Valley Bank in Columbus partners with IACT Health for food drive
Feeding the Valley Food Bank and IACT Health partnered for the drive, which was sponsored by Buffalo Rock Pepsi.
Columbus organization calls for ceasefire after record number of homicides in the city
As a result, the Stand Against Violence Education (SAVE) is asking people to put the guns down for a ceasefire beginning Monday, Dec. 21 and lasting through Monday, Dec. 28.
Ga. state senator hosts hygiene product drive in Columbus
Senator Ed Harbison hosted the drive at a State Farm insurance agency on Veteran’s Parkway. The event was sponsored ministry Feeding, Accepting, Inspiring, the Hurting (FAITH).
Columbus organizations hosting clothing and shoe giveaway ahead of Christmas
The giveaway takes place at Canaan Baptist Church in Columbus Saturday.
Columbus police searching for missing man, last seen nearly two weeks ago
33-year-old Christopher Marcus Flinn was last heard from on Sunday, Dec. 6. He also goes by Lil Chris.
Habitat for Humanity hosts food drive in Columbus
Hundreds of food items were collected in Habitat’s local thrift store over the course of two weeks.
House of Heroes partners with stores in Columbus to deliver food boxes to veterans
During the holiday season, House of Heroes partnered with Home Depot and Piggly Wiggly to deliver food boxes to veterans.
Georgia-based company to expand operations in Columbus, creates 350 jobs
Governor Brian Kemp announced Thursday that Georgia-based Path-Tec will invest more than $5 million in expanding their operations in Columbus.
Goodwill Southern Rivers receives $10 million gift, largest single donation in organization’s history
Goodwill announced Thursday that it received a $10 million gift from author and philanthropist, Mackenzie Scott, making the donation the largest in the organization’s history.
South Columbus tax allocation district in the works to attract new businesses and restaurants
The city of Columbus is pouring millions of dollars into redeveloping the south side.
Follow the WTVM 2020 Christmas Light Guide!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and many folks around Columbus aren’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of their Christmas cheer!
Georgia Cotton Commission donates socks to homeless community in Columbus
A donation of more than 1,000 socks were presented to the Homeless Resource Network in Columbus Tuesday.
Santa for a senior initiative underway in Eufaula
Main Street Eufaula is asking for donations of items like socks, gloves, toiletries, and non-perishable food for senior citizens.
Columbus City Council approves TAD boundaries
Columbus City Council is paving the way for redevelopment and economic progress in South Columbus.
Muscogee County School District officials weigh learning options for spring semester amid pandemic
With the holiday break approaching, Muscogee County School District officials are weighing the options of how learning will look this spring amid the pandemic.
Keep Columbus Warm’s 3rd annual clothing drive underway
The goal of Keep Columbus Warm’s clothing drive is to help those in need by donating hats, jackets, gloves, a socks, and blankets.
Loachapoka enforcing fines for people who litter
The Lee County Commission voted Monday night to enforce fines and incorporate ways to keep an eye on people in the community who are littering.
Mayor and city leaders gather virtually for Let’s Talk Columbus forum
During the virtual forum, leaders updated residents on things regarding Muscogee County an the city.
Annual Cops, Kids, and Christmas provides children in the Chattahoochee Valley with holiday gifts
Children rode in squad cars to Walmart Thursday to shop for gifts.
Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus picks up toy donations from the community
Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, the Valley Rescue Mission did its first pickup from Rivertown Buick GMC Thursday.
Keep Columbus Beautiful collecting shoes for countries in need
Keep Columbus Beautiful' s shoe recycling campaign is underway.
City council discussing proposal to create new TAD
Columbus City Council is weighing the options of redeveloping southwest Columbus through a new Tax Allocation District (TAD).
$50K grant awarded to Opelika’s Youth Incarceration Prevention Program
Officials said the program focuses on youth offenders and serves to address behavioral issues like substance abuse to prevent reincarceration.
Auburn names first female city manager
Megan McGowen Crouch will take over as city manager next year after current City Manager Jim Buston retires.
City of Opelika suspends cemetery rules through the holidays
The Mayor of Opelika and Public Works Director issued an order to suspend the rules at the cemeteries starting December 8 through January 3, 2021.
Springer Opera House cancels live performances of next two shows due to spike in COVID-19 cases
The Springer Opera House is cancelling two live performances of shows due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
City of Columbus announces Christmas, New Year’s closures
With the holidays fast approaching, city services will be closing for a few days to observe the holiday.
Annual tree lighting held on Broadway in Columbus
The annual Christmas tree lighting was held Friday night on Broadway in Columbus.
Urban League of Greater Columbus searching for new leader after president, CEO announces retirement
President and CEO Susan Cooper said she’s retiring at the end of December.
Several children to receive Christmas gifts from Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project
The organization said thanks to the generosity of so many in the area, children will have presents to open this year.
Harris County family hosting electric Christmas show
The Dorne family created an electric show, called “Listen to These Lights,” for the fourth season in a row. Musical trees, reindeer, and fire light up their yard.
Russell Co. community mourns the loss of sheriff’s deputy Ricky Steward
Deputy Lt. Ricky Steward served 32 years at the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and was an integral part of the team.
The vote is in: Columbus baseball team reveals new name, logo
The wait is over! Columbus’ new baseball team officially has a name!
Hyundai expands in West Point, brings nearly 700 jobs
Nearly 700 jobs are coming to West Point.
Volunteers from CSU Bo Bartlett Center assembles art bags for women and children’s shelter
Volunteers from Columbus State University’s Bo Bartlett Center assembled art bags for children at the Valley Rescue Mission Women and Children’s shelter Tuesday.
St. Francis Hospital in Columbus hosts 26th Light the Spirit event
Organizers said despite regulations due to the pandemic, it pays to see the smiles of the children’s faces.
Enrichment Services Program to accept appointments for energy assistance for multiple counties
Appointments will be accepted for residents of Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, and Talbot counties.
Uptown Tree Trail in Columbus focuses on giving back to the community amid pandemic
The Tree Trail brings the community together each year to not only brighten Broadway, but give back to the community.
Where you can donate on Giving Tuesday
Across the country, people are looking to give back to those who have fallen on hard times.
Gather ‘round the table for Breakfast with Santa in Columbus this weekend
An annual event that sees Ole’ St. Nick enjoying breakfast with Columbus families is coming back.
Shelters in Columbus open as temperature drops
As temperatures continue to drop, several ministries in the Chattahoochee Valley are preparing to open their doors for those who need a warm place to stay.
More than 17,500 meals donated during WTVM Share Your Thanks by Giving food drive
The Chattahoochee Valley came together in an incredible way during the 2020 WTVM Share Your Thanks by Giving food drive.
Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus serves those less fortunate on Thanksgiving day
To help offer those without some joy, Valley Rescue Mission volunteers and staff spent a good portion of today passing out traditional Thanksgiving meals.
UPDATE: Barbara Gauthier’s sister continues to recover from COVID-19
Despite the surge in coronavirus cases across the country, people are recovering. WTVM News Leader 9 is continuing to bring you stories of local survivors.
Home Depot, Terry’s Grocery donates check to Branches Home for Veterans
Home Depot along with Terry’s Grocery in Smiths Station presented a check of $1,000 to Branches Home for Veterans as well as $100 vouchers to veterans for Thanksgiving.
Local homeless ministry serves Thanksgiving meal to hundreds of people
A local homeless ministry served hundreds of people a traditional turkey meal Wednesday but gave them more than food.
Mural in downtown Columbus captures the eye as building undergoes renovation
The face of a young Martin Luther King, Jr. as a nine-year-old child is painted over 70 times across the building.
LIST: When your favorite stores are opening for Black Friday
Check out our list of stores and their Black Friday hours in the list below!
Small businesses in Uptown Columbus encouraging community to shop local this weekend
Several small businesses in Uptown Columbus are hoping you will shop local this Small Business Saturday.