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4 days ago | 
walb.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Hundreds of high school students from Georgia and Alabama are in the Columbus area this week, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. It’s for the Lighthouse Brigade JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge. The JCLC 2025, as it’s called, is happening in different spots: at Columbus State University, on Fort Benning and at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The JROTC cadets sharpened their courage Monday by going through a confidence obstacle course.
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Sep 4, 2024 | 
actionnews5.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A 19-year-old soldier died after jumping from a Georgia bridge during what was supposed to be a fun Labor Day outing, according to the coroner. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 19-year-old Cutter Baird, a soldier who was stationed at Fort Moore, WTVM reports.
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Sep 3, 2024 | 
weau.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A 19-year-old soldier died after jumping from a Georgia bridge during what was supposed to be a fun Labor Day outing, according to the coroner. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 19-year-old Cutter Baird, a soldier who was stationed at Fort Moore, WTVM reports.
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Aug 15, 2024 | 
wsfa.com | Gabriela Johnson
LANETT, Ala. (WTVM) - The city of Lanett lost a pillar of the community earlier this week. Lanett Fire and EMS chief Johnny Allen, 62, died peacefully at his home Monday, according to his obituary. Allen began his career as a firefighter in the early 1980s and then rose to the top as chief in 2009, a role he was dedicated to until his passing. “It will be a big void and it will be hard to fill,” said Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard. Heard says even through his illness, Chief Allen remained dependable.
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Aug 14, 2024 | 
wsfa.com | Gabriela Johnson
LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Family, friends and loved ones of a Phenix City man gathered Tuesday evening to honor his life following his sudden death. Tyler Smith, 28, died in a motorcycle crash after hitting a deer Tuesday morning in Salem. Tyler was a local artist, worship leader and mental health advocate. Loved ones say he lived each day based on a bible verse in the book of John. The mother of his sons says he will be truly missed.
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Aug 5, 2024 | 
wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Crime numbers in the Fountain City are decreasing and the Columbus Police Department is nearly fully staffed less than a year after Stoney Mathis was appointed police chief. "Crime is down 10 percent this time as compared to last year at the same time," said Chief Mathis. News Leader 9 asked Mathis what he believes is the reason crime has gone down. He cites two things:"Visibility and presence are two things that reduce crime," he said.
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Aug 3, 2024 | 
wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Gen-Z is hard at work rallying young people to go vote in November. In an interview with News Leader 9 both the President of the Young Democrats of Georgia and the Chairwoman for Georgia Young Republicans say the 2024 election is crucial to the future they want to build. "Gen z is going to show up and show out," said Parker Short, Young Democrats of Georgia President. "Vote for the future you," said Jacquelyn Harn, Georgia Young Republicans Chairwoman.
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Jul 25, 2024 | 
wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "It breaks my heart because these types of crimes are personal to me," said Crystal Sund. Sund is the Alabama legal advocate for Hope Harbour, a domestic violence shelter for women in the Chattahoochee Valley. News leader 9 sat down with Sund following three recent deadly situations in Columbus involving potential domestic violence. The most recent occurred Wednesday morning.
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Jul 23, 2024 | 
wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Disturbing videos that surfaced recently show what several call inhumane treatment of animals has Columbus Animal Allies upset and ready to take action. Columbus officials are calling for an investigation into allegations of animal abuse and mismanagement related to the Columbus Animal Care and Control Office. Members of Columbus Animal Allies are questioning if proper policy was followed during euthanasia at the shelter.
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Jul 21, 2024 | 
wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - State and federal leaders are reacting to Sunday's news of President Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 re-election campaign. WTVM News Leader 9 spoke with two Georgia officials, Congressman Sanford Bishop and State Representative Teddy Reese, who say they respect Biden's decision. "Biden has done a tremendous job," said Congressman Bishop.
