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Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

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Smiths Station City Council appoints new mayor after Richard Cooley's death

The Smiths Station City Council appointed a new mayor Tuesday night. In a 4-0 vote, the council decided Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Green will be the city’s next mayor. Green abstained from the vote. Green will fill the vacancy left by Mayor Richard Cooley, who died Oct. 24 at Columbus Hospice House. He was 79. Cooley became interim mayor of Smiths Station in December 2023 after Bubba Copeland’s death by suicide . He was elected to a full term as mayor in August 2025. According to Alabama law, the city council fills the vacancy by electing a successor to serve the remainder of the four-year term, which runs through November 2029. Smiths Station followed this process after Copeland and Cooley died. Green is from Phenix City and worked at TSYS/Global Payments for 25 years. She has served as a Smiths Station councilor for six years. “I don’t think six years ago I saw myself in this position,” Green told the Ledger-Enquirer. “My home has been here for 21 years, and I just want my home to be successful, to be prosperous, to be safe, and (for) us to be proud of where we come from.” Smiths Station resident Makenzie Hartley,

Smiths Station, AL · 18h

Now Georgia

partner publisher · 2.8K followers
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School District unaware of band performance that prompted uproar

School District unaware of band performance that prompted uproar The Muscogee County School District responded to an online uproar prompted by a high school band performance over the weekend saying school officials were unaware of a viral video shared on social media. The Columbus Ledger posted a segment of the Jordan High School band's dance team performing duri…

Muscogee County, GA · 1d

WRBL News 3

partner publisher · 68.0K followers
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Man dies after being struck by a car, Russell Co. coroner says

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) — A pedestrian in Phenix City has died after being struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon. According to Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr., a Hispanic male in his 40s was struck in a collision off South Seale Road and First Street South around 5:56 p.m. The man, who has not […]

Phenix City, AL · 1d

Now Georgia

partner publisher · 2.8K followers
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Fugitive wanted for murder in Columbus

Fugitive wanted for murder in Columbus The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public's help locating a fugitive wanted in connection to a murder that occurred this past summer. Police are looking for Dekevious Javez Neal who is a suspect for the murder of 21-year-old Jay’Veon Bell. The 30-year-old suspect currently has active w…

Columbus, GA · 1d

WTVM

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Marcus Fuller chosen as next superintendent of Lee County Schools

LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Lee County school leaders have selected a familiar face to serve as the district’s next superintendent as Dr. Mike Howard prepares to retire at the end of the year. At Tuesday night’s Lee County School Board meeting, members chose Marcus Fuller from a field...

Lee County, AL · 7h

Alabama's 42

partner publisher · 135.1K followers

Georgia man arrested in Talladega man’s death

A Georgia man has been arrested in connection to a fatal shooting that happened in Talladega on Oct. 25.

Talladega, AL · 1d

WTVM

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Lane re-opened after Single-vehicle crash closed northbound lane of U.S. 431 in Lee County

OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) - UPDATE: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says the Northbound land is now clear. No injuries have been reported. A single-vehicle crash at about 6:34 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, closed the northbound lane of U.S. 431 near the 145 mile marker in Lee County. Troopers with the...

Lee County, AL · 1d

cnaw2news.com

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AL HWY 165 SHUT DOWN NEAR PATE DRIVE FOLLOWING CRASH

Alabama Highway 165 near Pate Drive closed in both directions Monday after a crash. Authorities urge drivers to avoid the area and find alternate routes until reopening. Both lanes of Alabama Highway 165 near Pate Drive are shut down Monday afternoon following an accident, according to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office.

Russell County, AL · 1d

opelikaobserver.com

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First-quarter deficit stings Glenwood in opening round

SMITHS STATION — Glenwood School’s inaugural flag football season came to an end Nov. 3 as the Lady Gators (7-7) fell 21-0 to McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in the first round of the Class Private AA playoffs at Sammy Howard Field. It was the program’s first playoff appearance.

Glenwood, AL · 20h

Now Georgia

partner publisher · 2.8K followers

Male pedestrian killed in Phenix City

Male pedestrian killed in Phenix City The Russell County Coroner's Office announced a Hispanic male in his 40's was struck and killed Monday afternoon November 9, 2026. Arthur Sumbry said the accident occurred just before 6 pm off South Seale Road and 1st Street in Phenix City. The male victim was transported by ambulance with CPR in pr…

Phenix City, AL · 1d

WRBL News 3

partner publisher · 68.0K followers

Opelika contractor awarded $22 million bid to replace SR-77 bridge in Etowah Co.

MONTGOMERY (WRBL) — An Opelika business has been awarded a more than $22 million contract to replace Gilbert’s Ferry Bridge on SR-77 in Northeast Alabama, Gov. Ivey announced Monday. The Scott Bridge Company will remove the 87-year-old northbound bridge and replace it with a modern two-lane bridge. The bridge will carry two 12-foot travel lanes […]

Opelika, AL · 1d

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

partner publisher · 23.9K followers

Ledger-Enquirer editor & publisher explains decision to take down viral video

Who would have thought a 30-second video of a high school dance team performing during a downtown parade would bring out the absolute worst in people? It happened Saturday after the Ledger-Enquirer posted a video of the Jordan High band marching in the Fountain City Classic parade. The video showed the dance team “twerking.” Some saw the gyrations as offensive. Others expressed admiration for the dance moves. By the time the video had been on the Ledger-Enquirer’s social media platforms for several hours, the worst elements in our community hijacked the conversation in the comments. I had seen the video not long after it posted. It was not way I dance, but I had been at the parade earlier in the day and was OK with it. What I was not OK with were the racist and inappropriate comments. They were incredibly offensive and obscene. I received a call from a Jordan faculty member who was concerned about the nature of the comments and the impact it could have on the young women in the video. I have been back at the Ledger-Enquirer for only a week, but I have 44 years of experience dealing with inappropriate backlash in the

Columbus, GA · 2d

mindfullyamerican.com

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5 Things Alabama Cemeteries Can Remove From a Grave Without Telling the Family

Under Opelika’s cemetery rules, an iron item on a grave has to go once it starts to rust. Alabama cemeteries each set their own rules, and some let staff remove items without telling the family. Here’s what Alabama cemeteries can remove from a grave without telling the family.

Alabama · 1d

cnaw2news.com

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Columbus police seeking video, witnesses in shooting at Westside E’Canty Day Event

Shooting at Westside E'Canty Day event on Nov. 1, 2026 injured one person with fragments. Columbus Police seek witnesses and video evidence; call 706-225-3785 or message via Facebook. The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as investigators continue working to gather information about a shooting that occurred...

Columbus, GA · 21h

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

partner publisher · 23.9K followers

Ice machine residue, temp issues, mislabeled food in latest Columbus restaurant violations

Each month, inspectors from the Georgia Department of Public Health visit restaurants and other establishments in Columbus to ensure proper food-handling and safety practices are followed. Inspectors visited more than 70 Muscogee County restaurants, lounges, hotels and other establishments during October. Among them, 25 received perfect scores, with 35 also receiving an A. Thirteen received a B, and none received a C. How the grading works During inspections , restaurants receive one of four letter grades that are assigned based on how many points are deducted from 100: An A grade, for 90-100 points, means food safety is excellent. A B grade, for 80-89 points, means satisfactory compliance. A C grade, for 70-79 points, means marginal compliance. A U grade, for 69 points or fewer, means unsatisfactory compliance. Establishments that receive a C or U will have at least one additional routine inspection added in 12 months, according to state law . Earning a B does not necessitate a follow-up inspection. Residents can find information about all inspections at the Georgia Department of Public Health’s online portal . Here are the Columbus inspection scores in October, including violations noted by the inspectors in their reports: Columbus restaurants receiving B grades

Columbus, GA · 1d

WTVM

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Fountain City Classic draws about 35,000 to 40,000 fans in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Law enforcement counted about 35,000 to 40,000 fans at A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus for the Fountain City Classic last weekend, Executive Director Robbie Branscomb said. Attendance and game result. Branscomb said attendance was about the same as in previous years. Albany State won, 49-0. Fundraising...

Columbus, GA · 20h

Now Georgia

partner publisher · 2.8K followers

Columbus lottery player wins $400,000 on scratch-off ticket

Columbus lottery player wins $400,000 on scratch-off ticket A Columbus lottery player won $400,000 this week playing the Big $5 Ticket. The lucky winner purchased the scratch-off ticket from the Macon Food Mart at 3161 Macon Road. The Georgia Lottery announced the winner collected the payout November 9, 2026, along with other players claiming major prizes. T…

Columbus, GA · 3h

plasticstoday.com

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Sanko Gosei Acquires Opelika, AL-based Molder Cumberland Plastic

Sanko Gosei Technologies USA Inc. (STU), the US subsidiary of Japan-based Sanko Gosei Ltd., has completed its acquisition of Cumberland Plastic Systems (CPS), an established injection molding manufacturer based in Opelika, AL. For the plastics industry, the deal signals continued consolidation among automotive and OEM suppliers, as global molders look...

Opelika, AL · 2d

wiregrassdailynews.com

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10 Firefighters Graduate From Ozark Recruit School

Ozark, Ala. (WDNews) — Ten firefighters from three departments have completed the 2026 Recruit School hosted by Ozark Fire and Rescue, marking the end of weeks of training. According to Ozark Fire and Rescue, the recruit school officially concluded Friday, Nov. 6, following weeks of physical and mental challenges designed to prepare firefighters for careers in the fire service.

Ozark, AL · 1d

WRBL News 3

partner publisher · 68.0K followers

Pinnacle sign installed on River Road; Synovus-Pinnacle integration efforts continue

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The merger between Synovus and Pinnacle is continuing its integration process. Crews were seen at the Synovus Bank on River Road Monday afternoon, replacing the buildings existing signs with Pinnacle Financial Partners signage. The two banks officially merged in January, creating a $117 billion regional bank. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Synovus, Pinnacle merger […]

Columbus, GA · 1d