News & Press

MLK Tree Planting Event
Keep Columbus Beautiful and Trees Columbus plant trees in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
[Columbus, Georgia] – On Friday, January 16, 2026, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Trees Columbus,
Columbus Parks and Recreation, and Public Works are partnering again to plant trees in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. The tree planting will be held at Shirley B. Winston Park located at 5025 Steam Mill Rd. from
9:00am-10:00am.

• The purpose of planting trees is to enhance beautification and increase the tree canopy throughout
Columbus, while also honoring Dr. King for his service.

Trees Columbus and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light are donating trees through the Georgia Forestry
Commission's Trees Across Georgia grant program.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email us kcbc1987@columbusga.org or call 706.225.4008.

The Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission is asking everyone to adopt smart environmental practices, make
smart environmental purchases, reuse more products, recycle household waste, promote litter free events and
communities, plant trees, preserve and protect our water supply.
Make a smart choice! Accept our challenge to be a good steward of our most valuable natural resources. It’s up
to YOU, to keep Columbus beautiful.

For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Thomas-Cutts
Thomascutts.lisa@columbusga.org
706-225-4008

Columbus Resident J. Philip Thayer Nominates Angie Shehane for Honorary Designation at Pop Austin Recreation Center
[Columbus, Georgia] – Angie Shehane for Honorary Designation at Pop Austin Recreation
Center

Event Details:
• Date: January 15, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: Pop Austin Recreation Center, 1331 Alexander Street, Columbus, GA
About the Honoree: Angie Shehane was a lifelong Columbus resident who dedicated over
40 years to the Muscogee County School District. After retiring as the International
Baccalaureate Coordinator at Clubview Elementary in 2013, she spent a decade
volunteering for the local special needs community.

Key Contributions:
• Education: Served as a dedicated teacher from 1966 until 2013.
• Special Olympics: Served as the District 10 Treasurer, going "above and beyond" for the
athletes.
• Volunteerism: Dedicated 10 years to the Pop Austin Recreation Center.
• Faith: Served in the nursery of Waldrop Memorial Baptist Church for over 25 years.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony honoring Ms. Shehane’s legacy of service.

For More Information, Contact:
Philip Thayer, President
Office: (334) 298-3965
philip_thayer@jpthayer.com

Mayor Skip Henderson has selected Ola Terrell to fill the position of Human Resources Director for the City of Columbus. Mayor Henderson will go before the Columbus Council for approval of his appointment on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during the next scheduled business meeting.

Terrell is a seasoned human resources executive with more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience in local government and the public sector. She brings extensive expertise in strategic workforce planning, employee and labor relations, organizational development, policy administration, compliance, and benefits administration.

Since 2023, Terrell has served as the Human Resources Director for the City of Americus, Georgia. Her prior leadership roles include Chief Human Resources Officer at Albany State University, Human Resources Director for the City of Germantown, Tennessee, and Human Resources Director for the Ware County, Georgia Board of Commissioners.

“With her people-centered leadership, ability to navigate sensitive employee matters with integrity, and dedication to fostering a culture of engagement, transparency, and service, I am confident Ola will serve employees and citizens well,” said Mayor Henderson.

Terrell holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is a Senior Certified Professional (PSHRA-SCP). She is a certified crisis coordinator and active member of numerous professional organizations. Her experience in coaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution underscores her commitment to professional excellence.

“I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Terrell. “I have been privileged to serve in the public sector for many years, and I look forward to serving the employees of the Columbus Consolidated Government and this vibrant community.”

Originally from Leesburg, GA, Terrell has two adult children and is fur mom to her two dogs, Bri and Buster.

Contact Information:

Mayor’s Office: 706-225-4712

City of Columbus Announces Public Meetings on the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual
Action Plan Updates

[Columbus, GA] – The City of Columbus invites residents, neighborhood organizations, service providers, and
other stakeholders to attend a series of public meetings as part of the development of the City’s Consolidated
Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a federally required planning document by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) that identifies housing and community development needs, sets priorities and goals,
and guides the use of federal funds, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME
Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Community input
will help shape future investments focused on affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, homelessness
prevention, and overall quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents.

The City will host the following public meetings:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Frank Chester Recreation Center
1441 Benning Drive, Columbus, GA 31903
Discussion will focus on the Consolidated Plan and the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Columbus Public Library – Synovus A Room
3000 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31906
Discussion will include the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan update, and the Notice of Funding
Availability (NOFA).

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Asbury United Methodist Church
2312 Ellen Avenue, Columbus, GA 31903
Discussion will focus on the Consolidated Plan and community priorities.

All Columbus residents and community partners are encouraged to attend these meetings and share their views.
Spanish interpretation services and reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.

For More Information, Contact:
Emma Kimbrel, Community Reinvestment Planner
Kimbrel.Emma@ColumbusGA.org
706-225-3931

“Sing the Dream. Live the Vision.”
The City of Columbus, Georgia proudly presents the Official MLK “Dream Lives” Celebration,
taking place Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Join us as we honor the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful vision
of unity. This meaningful gathering is a time to be fully present, symbolizing our commitment to
standing together as one community.

Music that inspired and surrounded Dr. King’s movement will be beautifully reimagined as the Dream
Lives Choir celebrates one decade of impact, marking 10 years since its founding in 2016. This
commemorative morning will also feature special celebrity guests, making it an unforgettable
experience.
Come celebrate. Come reflect. Come united—because The Dream Lives On.

Schedule January 17, 2026
9 AM | Walk of Unity
The Judicial Center (9th St and 1st Ave)
10 AM | The Official "Sing the Dream: Live the Vision" Program
Columbus Convention and Trade Center
Sincerely,

Dream Lives Committee:
Becca Covington, Mitchell Harris, Tacara Hemingway, Z. Lawrence, Oz Roberts
This event is free and open to the public, inviting all to participate in celebrating Dr. King’s
profound legacy and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

For more information, please contact The Office of the Mayor: (706) 225-4712