(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review

Miracle Riders complete 9,300-mile ride for CSU

The Miracle Riders returned to Columbus on May 22 after completing a Pony Express-themed motorcycle journey covering 9,300 miles across 16 states in 21 days. Led by Scott Ressmeyer, the group raised funds for Columbus State University’s College of Education Health Professions. During a downtown Columbus celebration, Ressmeyer and the riders presented CSU President Stuart Rayfield with a check for $172,907, representing this year’s business and corporate sponsorships and donations. Donations will be accepted through June 30, with funds going toward an endowment to maintain three clinical simulation labs funded through previous rides. The Miracle Riders had previously announced reaching their $1 million fundraising goal set in 2021 for the college.

Reported by Mike Haskey, published May 28

Pinnacle to expand office after merger

Pinnacle Financial Partners is expanding its Columbus riverfront office, Synovus Place, with a 31,000-square-foot addition to the first floor, bringing the company’s total footprint at the building to 220,000 square feet. Occupancy is planned for the first quarter of 2027, though no construction start date has been announced. The new space will house 125 employees and feature open workspaces and collaboration areas with a technology-focused design. Pinnacle currently employs about 1,000 people in the Columbus area and expects continued hiring in technology, operations, and security roles. Chief Operating Officer Zack Bishop noted that the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to downtown Columbus and that a shift toward in-person work will bring more employees into the area daily, benefiting nearby businesses. Pinnacle’s merger with Synovus was finalized in January 2026.

Reported by Jordyn Paul-Slater, published June 1

Columbus hosts drone championship

The JROTC All-Service National Drone Championship took place May 22–23 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, drawing 74 teams from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs. Teams had to qualify through regional competitions before earning a spot at the national event. The Army JROTC team from White County High School in Cleveland, Georgia, claimed the all-around championship. Awards were presented across several categories, including teamwork mission, skills missions, communications mission, coding, and airmanship. The drone curriculum is part of the STEM programs offered through the U.S. Army Cadet Command. U.S. Army Col. Karen Rutka emphasized that the skills developed extend beyond military service, saying the goal is to make participants better citizens and better for the nation overall.

Reported by Mike Haskey, published May 28

Byron Hickey bids farewell to Columbus City Council

Former Columbus District 1 Councilor Byron Hickey delivered a heartfelt farewell speech at the May 26 council meeting after being honored by his colleagues. Councilor Charmaine Crabb of District 5 read a proclamation declaring May 26, 2026, Councilor Byron Hickey Appreciation Day, recognizing his leadership and collaboration. Hickey, a retired Columbus police officer, was appointed to the seat following the 2024 death of Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes. He had filed to run for mayor in 2026 but withdrew in January citing health reasons. In his speech, Hickey thanked Barnes, fellow councilors, and city staff, and urged the council to prioritize citizens and city employees above all else. He is succeeded by Simi Barnes, daughter of Jerry “Pops” Barnes, who won the May 19 special election and was sworn in following Hickey’s farewell.

Reported by Brittany McGee, published May 28

HS band directors association plans new facility

The High School Band Directors National Association is planning a major facility in Columbus that would include a museum, hall of fame, learning resources center, audio/visual technology center, performance hall and headquarters. HSBDNA executive director Oliver Boone said the nonprofit has outgrown its current space on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University, where it has been since 2005. The project could range from a standalone facility on about 2½ acres to a larger mixed-use development costing around $85 million on at least 25 acres, potentially including a hotel and various commercial uses. Boone said the organization received a $20 million pledge for the smaller version, but the donor encouraged a grander vision. Boone cited a University of Georgia study estimating the facility would create around 13 jobs and boost tourism.

Reported by Mark Rice, published May 28

Gov. Kemp vetoes summer meal aid for children

For the third consecutive summer, Georgia children will not have access to the federal SUN Bucks program, which provides grocery money directly to families when school is out. Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed $2 million in state funding for the program, leaving Columbus-area families to rely on local, site-based meal programs. Only about 13% of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch are being served through the on-site summer meal programs statewide, largely due to transportation barriers and restricted meal windows. The governor’s office cited concerns about the program’s lack of nutrition standards and fiscal sustainability. The vetoed funding would have served as a down payment to launch the program in summer 2027, potentially serving an estimated 1.2 million eligible Georgia children.

Reported by Sundi Rose, published May 30

This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 3:45 PM with the headline "(Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer week in review."