This week’s top stories from the Ledger-Enquirer | Nov. 26 - Dec. 3
1. 83-year-old killed in Columbus home described as ‘mother of the church’: An 83-year-old widow described as “a mother of the church” at Columbus’ Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church was found slain Monday in her home at Eighth Street and Fulton Avenue. Police were summoned Monday afternoon to 2324 8th St. where resident Peggy Gamble was found dead. Investigators found evidence someone had broken into her home, they said.
2. Muscogee County educator awarded $25,000, one of ‘Oscars of Teaching’: The only Georgian among the 35 U.S. educators to receive one of this year’s “Oscars of Teaching,” which includes $25,000, didn’t even seek a teaching degree and initially had trouble finding a teaching job. Eric Crouch of Double Churches Elementary School was rewarded for his perseverance Wednesday, when he learned along with the students and the rest of the staff that he is a 2016 Milken Educator Award winner.
3. Auburn QB John Franklin III leaves door open for offseason exit as graduate transfer: Auburn quarterback John Franklin III is ready to throw himself into preparation for whatever bowl game the program lands next week, but beyond that? The junior college transfer isn’t so sure. “I'm going to decide at the end of the season and go with my family but right now my plans are to stay here for my fifth year,” Franklin said.
4. Academy Sports and Outdoors appears headed for high-traffic area of city: The Columbus Park Crossing area is poised to land yet another major retailer, with Academy Sports and Outdoors expected to locate on a parcel of land now owned by North Highland Assembly of God Inc. The groundwork, in essence, is now being laid, with North Highland Church seeking rezoning of about 13.5 acres at 7221 Whittlesey Blvd. from “single-family residential” to “general commercial.”
5. Jordan High’s automotive program wins national award: Quaker State Best in Class Challenge officials announced the good news to the Jordan Vocational High School team in a conference call on Friday. Jordan was one of five finalists out of 55 semifinalists competing for the grand prize: having their Mustang shown at a Barrett-Jackson auction, billed as the world’s greatest classic car show, April 6-8 in West Palm Beach, Fla., and being allowed to keep the profit from the sale of their vehicle.
This story was originally published December 3, 2016 at 6:39 PM with the headline "This week’s top stories from the Ledger-Enquirer | Nov. 26 - Dec. 3."