🌱 Patch AM: Why three teens refused plea deals in a high-profile Columbus murder

Greetings Columbus! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why three teens refused plea deals in a high-profile Columbus murder
• How CSU's first female president is reshaping leadership on campus
• Why the Chattahoochee is packed with adventure-seekers this scorching summer

Also on today's calendar: Soulful Sounds in Columbus and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 89, low: 71.
• Monday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Three defendants in 2022 Columbus murder reject plea deals, prepared to start trial Monday (wrbl.com) — Three defendants accused in the 2022 killing of Columbus teen Joshua Huff have rejected plea deals and are set to go on trial Monday in Columbus, with proceedings expected to last up to two weeks. Prosecutors had offered life with the possibility of parole, but the teens chose to face a jury over the shooting that happened on Cross Tie Court.
   

2. Honoring some of Columbus' most remarkable women: Stuart Rayfield (ledger-enquirer.com) — Columbus readers meet Stuart Rayfield, the first woman to lead Columbus State University, as she talks about focusing on students, community service, and campus culture rather than just being a historic "first." The story is part of a series honoring women who've broken barriers in Columbus leadership, highlighting how their paths are reshaping opportunities and expectations locally.
   

3. Summer heat brings busy crowds to the Chattahoochee River (wrbl.com) — With brutal summer heat lingering, many locals and visitors are flocking to the Chattahoochee River in Columbus for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and other cool-down adventures. White Water Express staff say crowds have surged, drawing people from across the Southeast to experience the city through its riverfront and making the water a go-to spot for outdoor exercise.
   

4. Carrollton SC History (salvationarmyusa.org) — Georgia's Salvation Army story includes an early outpost in Columbus, opened in 1895 as the organization spread from Atlanta and Augusta across the state. The piece traces that growth into today's extensive network of shelters, youth programs, thrift stores, and disaster response, emphasizing how continued donations keep services like food, housing help, and family support available to communities including Columbus.
   

📸 Around Columbus

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday August 31
• Fall Universal Academic & Dyslexia Screening
  Muscogee County School District School sites
  8:00 am
Thursday September 3
• Pediatric Diabetes Support Group
  Muscogee County School District Piedmont Conference Center 710 Center Street Columbus, GA 31901
  5:45 pm
Friday September 4
• Fall Universal Academic & Dyslexia Screening
  Muscogee County School District School sites
  8:00 am
Wednesday September 9
• Soulful Sounds in Columbus →
  Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, 4225 University Ave, Columbus
  7:00 pm

📣 Columbus Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday August 29
• End of Summer Pool Splash →
  F.D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain
  1:00 pm
Monday August 31
• HCHS Softball (V) @ Perry
  Harris County High School Hamilton, GA 31811
  5:00 pm
• HCCMS Softball vs. Greenville (B team) / Trinity Christian (A team)
  Harris County Carver Middle School Home / Away
  5:30 pm
• HCCMS Volleyball vs. Heard
  Harris County Carver Middle School Heard
  6:00 pm
Tuesday September 1
• HCHS Girls Basketball Conditioning
  Harris County High School Hamilton, GA 31811
  6:30 am
• HCHS Volleyball (V/JV) vs. Hardaway/ Smiths Station @ home
  Harris County High School Hamilton, GA 31811
  5:00 pm
• HCCMS Softball vs. Rehoboth Rd. (B team)
  Harris County Carver Middle School Away
  5:30 pm
• HCHS Softball (V) @ Griffin
  Harris County High School Hamilton, GA 31811
  5:30 pm

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

• My prayers were answered yet again and Im so happy I can't contain myself.
  So I go to look at my schedule for work because I was only getting 2 to 3 days a week for a while and the next schedule was posted. I look at it… (Nextdoor Parkchester)
• My cat, Selene is doing better.
  Thanks to talking to Affordable Vet on the phone. I will use them in the future. She is not throwing up anymore. Talking to them and after she was… (Nextdoor Wickham Hights)

• Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Walmart Merchandiser in Columbus. Apply here.
• Sylvan Learning, Inc. posted a job opening for Upper Level Math Instructor 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: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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