(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review
Columbus opens bicycle playground
Columbus has officially opened the MidTown Children’s Bicycle Playground in Dinglewood Park, considered the first of its kind in the Chattahoochee Valley. MidTown Inc. hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the intersection of 13th Street and Warren Williams Road. The privately funded project cost approximately $600,000 and was designed by Colorado-based International Mountain Bike Association Trail Solutions. The playground features a Toddler Track, Skills Track, Modular Pump Track, and Linear Pump Track, catering to all ability levels. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson called it “a magnet for fun” for kids learning to ride. MidTown Executive Director Julio Portillo Jr. noted plans to build a Dragonfly Trails connector, expanding the trail network. Safe Kids Columbus distributed free helmets during the grand opening celebration.
Reported by Mike Haskey, published March 26
Judge dismisses railyard property lawsuit
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Columbus Consolidated Government seeking to reclaim approximately 90 acres of railyard property from Norfolk Southern and other railroad companies. U.S. District Judge Clay Land ruled on March 25 that the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 completely preempts the city’s state-law claims, as the relief sought would interfere with rail transportation under exclusive federal jurisdiction. Columbus had argued that reversion clauses in 19th-century land agreements entitled the city to reclaim the property after passenger rail services ceased in the 1970s. The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the city may still pursue an adverse abandonment claim before the Surface Transportation Board. Columbus officials have previously stated they want the railyard relocated to free up more than 30 acres for development.
Reported by Mark Rice, published March 26
Finalists named for MCSD Teacher of the Year
The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation has announced three finalists for the Muscogee County School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award. The finalists were selected from 53 nominees — one from each MCSD school — who were announced in January. A selection committee of business and education leaders narrowed the field to 10 semifinalists before interviewing them to choose the final three. The winner will be revealed at MEEF’s annual gala on May 7 at the Columbus Convention Trade Center. The three finalists are Carolyn Bingham, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, fourth-grade English as a Second Language; Mandy Chase, Double Churches Middle School, math; and Christian Grier, Clubview Elementary School, physical education.
Reported by Mark Rice, published March 27
Palmetto Moon opening Columbus store
Palmetto Moon, a clothing and accessories retailer based in North Charleston, South Carolina, is opening its 10th Georgia location at Columbus Park Crossing, taking over the space previously occupied by Kirkland’s Home at 5550 Whittlesey Blvd., Suite 880. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring exclusive opening offers and giveaways. The store carries women’s and men’s fashion, kids’ apparel, home goods, shoes, accessories, collegiate gear, and drinkware. Featured brands include YETI, Simply Southern, Chubbies, Rainbow Sandals, and more. The retailer operates over 50 stores across the southeastern United States.
Reported by Jordyn Paul-Slater, published March 26
Local anchor inducted into hall of fame
Columbus TV news anchor Dee Armstrong has been inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel in Atlanta. Armstrong, who anchors weekday broadcasts on WTVM Midday and WLTZ News at 4, has more than four decades in broadcasting. She began her career as a weekend radio news anchor at WDAK while still in high school and became the nation’s youngest weekend TV news anchor at 19. She spent over 30 years as a main anchor at WTVM before leaving in 2005 and returning in 2011 to host a local daytime talk show. She learned of her Hall of Fame selection on air during a November newscast, calling it “one of the coolest things that ever happened” to her.
Reported by Mark Rice, published March 31
Family graves near proposed data center site
Debbie Jackson lives less than two miles from the proposed $5.18 billion Project Ruby data center site in northeast Muscogee County, and she has 22 graves on her property, including her husband, who died in September. The oldest grave dates to 1852. Jackson is also concerned about dozens of nearby unmarked graves that may belong to enslaved people or Indigenous individuals. She worries about thermal runaway risks, noise, light pollution, and potential water contamination. In March, the Planning Advisory Commission recommended a 500-foot buffer zone, though Jackson says that is not enough. She is uncertain whether to stay or sell her 15.22-acre property.
Reported by Kala Hunter, published March 30
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 6:53 PM with the headline "(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review."