(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review

Trail Rangers teaches kids mountain biking

The Georgia Cycling Association’s Trail Rangers program is helping Columbus-area children in grades 2–5 build mountain biking skills in a fun, supportive environment. The local Muscogee County chapter runs a 10-week season with 12 participants practicing Monday nights at Standing Boy Trails, a 1,580-acre property along Lake Oliver in north Columbus featuring over 30 miles of trail. Lead coach Amy Way says coaches and junior mentors guide riders through foundational skills like cornering, gear changes, and bike control, alongside off-bike games that build friendships. No tryouts are required, and students from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds are welcome, provided they can ride without training wheels. Registration statewide has more than doubled this year. The season wraps up in mid-May, and additional programs including Little Bellas for girls ages 7–13 are planned for later in the year.

Reported by Mike Haskey, published April 13

Riverwalk section to close for bridge replacement work

A portion of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk in Columbus is temporarily closed to allow for bridge replacement work at Oxbow Creek Golf Course. The closure began April 15 and is expected to last approximately one week, affecting around 2,500 feet of the Riverwalk running from Oxbow north along the golf course, according to CCG engineering director Vance Beck. In addition to replacing the Oxbow Creek Bridge, renovations to the Oxbow Creek Clubhouse are also planned. Both projects are funded by the 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and are expected to be completed this summer, per a March 31 infrastructure update from city officials.

Reported by Brittany McGee, published April 10

Columbus data center ordinance pushed back to May

The Columbus Consolidated Government’s proposed technology overlay district ordinance, which would establish rules for building data centers in Muscogee County, has been delayed to May, with a first reading now targeted for the May 14 Columbus Council meeting. Deputy city manager Pam Hodge cited advertising requirements and key staff absences as reasons for the delay. The ordinance is tied to Project Ruby, a proposed hyperscale data center representing a potential $5.18 billion investment spanning 865 acres in northeastern Muscogee County. Choose Columbus says the project could generate up to $68.7 million in annual property tax revenue by 2030 and create 195 jobs paying $80,000 to $120,000 annually. Supporters highlight economic benefits, while opponents have raised concerns about environmental risks and possible utility rate increases.

Reported by Brittany McGee, published April 10

Clingstones unveil Columbus Scrambled Dogs alternate identity

The Columbus Clingstones, the Class AA minor league baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, have announced a new alternate identity: the Columbus Scrambled Dogs. General manager Pete Laven made the announcement at Dinglewood Pharmacy, 1939 Wynnton Road, honoring the local dish that originated there. The scrambled dog typically includes a chopped hot dog, chili, pickles, onions, and oyster crackers in a bun. Its history dates to 1908, when Firm Roberts opened a cigar-news stand on Broadway. The dish later arrived at Dinglewood in the 1930s. Columbus-born artist Mike Jones designed the uniforms, calling it a “dream come true.” The team will play as the Scrambled Dogs on May 30, July 31, and Sept. 5, with hat and jersey giveaways planned.

Reported by Kelby Hutchison, published April 9

Columbus tradesmen featured in national docuseries

A new TV docuseries sponsored by the Lowe’s Foundation highlights craftsmen from Columbus Technical College, shining a spotlight on the national skilled-trades labor shortage. Building Back America’s Trades follows 13 people training for careers in skilled trades, with three students and one faculty member from CTC featured in the series. The three-part series premiered April 11, with additional episodes April 18 and April 25, on Magnolia Network and streams the next day on HBO Max and discovery+. Among those featured is Cleveland Roberts, a CTC carpentry graduate who won gold in cabinetmaking at the 2024 state SkillsUSA competition. The Lowe’s Foundation also announced a $250 million commitment to train 250,000 job-ready tradespeople by 2035. Roberts, who owns CR Woodworx in Columbus, said he hopes the series inspires others to pursue the trades.

Reported by Jordyn Paul-Slater, published April 10

Wild Wing Cafe property now up for sale

Two weeks after Wild Wing Cafe closed in Columbus, property owner Sanjay Choudhury announced the sale of the 6525 Whittlesey Blvd. location on Facebook. The lot spans 4.56 acres with a 5,986-square-foot building and an 800-square-foot patio. Choudhury confirmed the business can be included in the final purchase, with the asking price available upon request. Mak Son, owner of Wild Wing Cafe and Spudzilla, announced the closure of both restaurants on March 30, citing health challenges that prevented him from giving the business the attention it needs. Wild Wing Cafe remains open in Opelika. Son had reopened the Columbus location on Dec. 3, 2025.

Reported by Jordyn Paul-Slater, published April 14

This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 4:54 PM with the headline "(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review."