If you missed it …

About 40 spectators turned out for the historic game, historic because it's the first time Georgia has played Auburn in Columbus since 1958. The Georgia-Auburn football classic was arguably the biggest sports and social event of the year in Columbus. It outgrew Memorial Stadium and left town.

There was a major difference in the 1958 and 2016 games — college football and college Ultimate Frisbee. Columbus media ignored the USA Ultimate league's Southeast Regional Tournament that was held April 30-May 1 at the Woodruff Farm Soccer complex. There were 16 teams from major Southeast universities, including Georgia Tech.

Georgia beat Auburn in the final game and, along with 2nd Place Florida State and 3rd Place Auburn, goes to the National Championship Tournament in Raleigh, N.C., May 27-30. ESPN3 does stream the championship games.

The only reason I knew about the Columbus tournament is that Georgia's star player Parker Bray is the grandson of my friend Julie Bray. Perhaps media ignored the event because Ultimate Frisbee is a stepchild (club) college sport. It's fast and fun to watch. The players are amazingly accurate when they throw those floating discs, and it's not unusual for them to make diving catches.

It appeared that Georgia and Auburn had the largest groups of spectators. Auburn even had a band! (Actually, one trombonist who played the National Anthem before their games. For the championship game, the Georgia team also sang "Amazing Grace.")

The teams are very spirited and do their own cheers after scoring a point. Those kids have fun and it's fun to watch them.

There is also a women's division. Maybe we can get their Southeast Regional Tournament next year.

My appreciation

I thank the voters of Columbus/Muscogee County, Georgia, for your continued support and prayers during this campaign season. Running a campaign is exhausting but is worth the effort when the result is that I can continue my mission to serve all citizens of Columbus for another four years. Your voice spoke volumes with a true mandate to renew my contract as your marshal for the next four years.

I am committed to do my best to represent you in the Office of the Marshal. I truly and humbly accept the trust you have placed in me once again and will treat this office and those it serves in a manner befitting the privilege you have given me. I will continue to be guided by my faith as I continue to travel this journey for the next four years.

I praise God that we live in a society where choices are made by ballots and not bullets, and respect each of you for voting your conscience. I congratulate Bernard Spicer for his efforts and willingness to participate in this great democracy called America. Thanks for believing in me. I will not let you down.

Nice visit, but …

I recently spent several days visiting good friends in Columbus. I was impressed with the congeniality, culture, and interesting Southern history and architecture of your fine town.

The only unpleasant encounter I had was when I went to Walmart. I purchased 12 items and came away with 5 plastic bags. I was, frankly, appalled at this waste of resources, not to mention the clogging of our landfills and oceans. My hometown banned these bags entirely. We just bring our own cloth totes to the store. Maybe Walmart will come around one day.

Pet safety

This Memorial Day weekend, countless Americans will head outside to enjoy some fun in the sun alongside family and friends. As we kick off the warm summer season, American Humane Association — the country’s first national humane organization — is reminding pet owners that leaving animal companions in hot cars can be lethal.

Even when it’s a comfortable 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to 90 degrees in just 10 minutes — and up to 110 degrees in less than hour — exposing our furry friends to serious risks of discomfort, illness, and even death. Responsible animal lovers can also do their part to help other pets in danger: Concerned observers who see a distressed dog inside a parked car on a warm day should immediately call local animal control or law enforcement for help.

To keep your pets safe and happy this Memorial Day weekend and beyond, just remember: Hot dogs belong on grills, not in parked cars.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 5:06 PM with the headline "If you missed it …."