Catch up on our top 5 stories about Columbus from this week. What to know
Ledger-Enquirer readers had plenty to talk about in the past week. Here are key takeaways from our most-read local news stories during the past seven days:
• New restaurant on Macon Road: Bombay Palace, a new Indian restaurant, is moving into the former Mazzio’s Pizza space at 4213 Macon Road in Columbus, fronting a Foodland grocery store. Signage and ongoing renovations were visible this week. The building permit lists Kulwant Singh as the business owner. Click on this link to read the full story.
• School board bonus debate: The Muscogee County School District Board considered whether to spend $3.7 million from its general fund balance to expand $2,000 retention bonuses to employees not covered by the state’s allocation. Board vice chairwoman Laurie McRae of District 5 expressed concern about the draw on the budget, while board member Naomi Buckner of District 4 argued the district can afford it. The board ended up unanimously approving the superintendent’s recommendation. Click on this link to read the full story.
• Free patriotic celebration: The U.S. 250 Freedom Tour is providing free family activities to the Columbus Civic Center Amphitheater on April 23 and April 24 as part of its 50-state journey marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days, with live performances starting at 7 p.m. Visitors can interact with blacksmiths, weavers and costumed Founders. Click on this link to read the full story.
• Doughnut shop panic: Golden Donut’s viral Facebook post that appeared to announce the shop was “closed” sent Chattahoochee Valley foodies into a frenzy — until they read the punchline: “closed-minded about making average donuts.” The post racked up over 140 comments and almost 500 likes before being taken down. Both of Golden Donut’s locations in Columbus, on Manchester Expressway and on Wynnton Road, Click on this link to read the full story.
• Rosehill Seafood arson details: Brandon Ghant, 26, pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson after allegedly setting Rosehill Seafood on fire by lighting a cardboard box and placing it next to the building. Video surveillance captured the act, and investigators testified Ghant admitted to using a torch lighter. Bond was set at $15,000 for the arson charge and $5,000 for criminal damage to property. Click on this link to read the full story.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. All the Ledger-Enquirer articles linked in this recap were reported, written and edited by journalists.