(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review

NAIA softball teams clean up Columbus Riverwalk

College softball players competing in the 2026 NAIA Softball World Series traded their gloves for trash bags May 20 to help beautify the Chattahoochee Riverwalk in Columbus. Players and coaches from the University of the Cumberlands and Marian University participated in the Champions of Character Cleanup, organized by the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission and Columbus Sports Council. The tournament was May 21–27 at South Commons Softball Complex, and featured ten teams from across the country. Ashley Earick of the Columbus Sports Council noted that all ten competing teams took part in community volunteer projects, adding that participation is entirely optional. University of the Cumberlands head coach Bruce Lenington said service is central to the NAIA’s mission and that teams consistently aim to leave host communities better than they found them. Reported by Mike Haskey, published May 21

Phenix City Schools names new superintendent

The Phenix City Board of Education has appointed Nathan Walters as the new superintendent of Phenix City Schools following a majority vote during the board’s May 21 meeting. Walters has served as interim superintendent since Janet Sherrod retired at the end of last year and brings more than 25 years of experience in PCS. He previously served as assistant superintendent for administration and operations and has held roles as teacher, reading coach, assistant principal, coordinator, and director. Board chairwoman Yolaunda Daniel said Walters understands the culture of Phenix City Schools and has the vision to move the district forward. The next step is contract negotiations, after which the board will hold an official vote to sign the contract.

Reported by Mark Rice, published May 22

Mayor extends summer hours at two public parks

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson has issued an administrative order extending operating hours at Carver Park and Rigdon Park for the summer season. The order, dated May 18, notes that both parks had reduced hours during fall and winter for security reasons but should be open longer in summer to meet public recreational needs. Starting May 19, Carver Park closes at 8 p.m. and reopens at 6 a.m. Rigdon Park follows the same schedule beginning May 27. At season’s end, both parks will revert to a 7 p.m. closing time. The extended 8 p.m. closing will resume when the Carver Park Splash Pad and Rigdon Park Pool reopen in spring 2027. These hours exclude organized activities supervised by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and remain in effect through the 2027 pool season.

Reported by Brittany McGee, published May 24

Buffet expands with major renovation

Country Road Buffet, located at 2509 Airport Thruway in Columbus, is temporarily closed for a significant expansion and renovation. Owner Betty Torres said customers had been requesting more space for about six months, noting that the restaurant was especially crowded on Sundays, leaving diners elbow to elbow with little room for cleaning and service. Torres said the restaurant has taken over the former H Block unit, adding approximately 2,000 square feet and bringing the total space to 5,200 square feet. The renovation includes new flooring, ceilings, and larger food bars, with Torres describing the finished result as looking “completely different.” She plans to reopen during the second week of June, with celebration details to be posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Reported by Jordyn Paul-Slater, published May 26

Russell County grad earns $1.8M in scholarships

Isabella Williams, a Russell County High School graduate with a 4.32 GPA, went viral on TikTok after a Senior Night video captured the announcement of her $1,871,764 in scholarships, amassing over 370,000 views and 80,000 likes. Williams is the Distinguished Young Woman of Russell County. She won third place in the state’s public speech contest. She was the RCHS National Honor Society chapter president, color guard captain, a Superintendent Student Advisory Council co-chair and a founder of the Williams for Humanity nonprofit organization. She also helped bring three new AP classes to her school. Williams will attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., majoring in political science with a focus on public policy analysis.

Reported by Brittany McGee published May 24

Columbus mayoral race heads to June runoff

The 2026 Columbus mayoral election is headed to a June 16 runoff between former city manager Isaiah Hugley and Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote during the May 19 election. Hugley led the six-candidate field with about 44.7% of the vote, while Cogle received about 25%. Hugley worked 41 years for the Columbus Consolidated Government, including 20 years as city manager, before the council voted to fire him. If elected, Hugley would be the first Black candidate elected mayor of Columbus in its 198-year history. Cogle, if elected, would be the second woman to serve as mayor, following Teresa Tomlinson. The winner will succeed Mayor Skip Henderson and be sworn into office in January.

Reported by Brittany McGee, published May 21

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 2:23 PM with the headline "(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review."