Get an inside look at Columbus-area community stories

These Columbus-area stories offer a direct view into the heart of the community by taking readers behind the scenes. We hear from students at Wynnton Arts Academy as they praise their theater teacher, Amanda Zarate, shedding light on what makes her Muscogee's Teacher of the Year.

The journey behind Luke's Pub reopening illustrates how friendship and perseverance brought a local institution back to Harris County.

Lexiee Campbell invites us inside her new flower shop, revealing how family tradition and a touch of chance led to Flowers on Tenth.

And the new Upatoi Ravines Nature Reserve offers a look at rare wildlife and new outdoor opportunities in Talbot County. Each story gives an inside look at dedication, revival, and vision shaping Columbus.

Michael Woodham, pictured, is the co-owner of the Vibe on 6th, 1301a Sixth Ave, which is hosting a grand opening May 3 at 11 a.m. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 1: ‘CREATING THE LITTLE FIVE POINTS OF COLUMBUS.’ SEE INSIDE THIS STORE’S NEW VIBE

“Everything I’ve done is kind of like a stepping stone for me to get to this point,” co-owner Michael Woodham said. “It’s so exciting.” | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Amanda Zarate, the theater teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy in Columbus, Georgia, looks over a hat created by a student for the school’s recent hat parade. Zarate was recently named the 2025 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: WHY IS SHE MUSCOGEE’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR? WE ASKED HER STUDENTS AND PRINCIPAL

“She’s always there for us,” one of her students said. “We can tell her anything. She understands how we feel.” | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

Terriann White, the kitchen supervisor at Country Life in Columbus, adds chopped green onions to a pan of their vegan lasagna. 05/05/2025 By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: FEELING FOR LASAGNA? TRY THIS COLUMBUS RESTAURANT’S VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE RECIPE

Have a recipe you would like to share with Ledger-Enquirer readers? Join our Columbus GA Cookbook by filling out this Google Form or emailing us. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Lexiee Campbell, left, owner of Flowers on Tenth in Columbus, speaks with a potential customer May 15, 2025. By Mike Haskey

NO. 4: ‘A LEAP OF FAITH’ COLUMBUS NATIVE RETURNS HOME TO OPEN FLOWER SHOP. SEE INSIDE

“My dreams are gonna come true,” the owner said. “This specific place could not have been better.” | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

The Upatoi Ravines have hardwood deciduous trees such as oaks and hickories, and fresh running water. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: THIS NEW BACK COUNTRY NATURE RESERVE NEAR COLUMBUS IS SET TO OPEN IN THE FALL

How and why a rare plant helped this 9,000-acre piece of land went from timber company to the state resource conservation group for $29 million dollars. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kala Hunter

The co-owners of Luke’s Pub are, from left, Bobby Noland, Katrina Johnpeer and Jeff Johnpeer. By Brittany McGee

NO. 6: ‘SMILES, NOTHING BUT SMILES.’ HOW 3 FRIENDS REOPENED LUKE’S PUB IN HARRIS COUNTY

“It’s an institution in Harris County, in the area,” he said. “It’s pretty much the only restaurant that you can go to.” | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.