MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Tuesday marked a day 31 years in the marking for Robert George, who celebrated his release from prison. More News from WRBL Convicted of manslaughter in 1994, George was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in the fatal shooting of Mary Dale. Dale's mother wrote her support for George's release in an affidavit. She stated the death of her daughter was an accident, and that George does not pose a threat to the community. George, who is now 85 years old, is excited about spending the rest of his years with his family and friends in Florida. "I ..read more

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)— In a little under a year, the Columbus Airport is planning to reconstruct their main runway following a storm drainage failure. This is estimated to significantly impact commercial flight. In March of 2025, the Columbus Airport is set to reconstruct Runway 6/24. "The runway will be closed completely, the main runway. It will affect larger aircraft. So, this is going to affect our commercial operations. They will be suspended for that period of time. Also, our corporate and larger aircraft that would use that runway to land would also be suspended," Columbus Airport Direct ..read more

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A local non-profit invited Fountain City residents to their facility to donate red cells and blood.  Easterseals is a non-profit that advocates for children and adults with disabilities by providing services that will allow them to have independent lives. The non - profit partnered with the American Red Cross to host blood drives.  WRBL had the chance to speak with Adelaide Kirk, the Regional Disaster Officer for Georgia with the American Red Cross about this partnership. “Blood drives are huge. I mean, every 2 seconds someone in the US gets a blood transfusio ..read more

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Health Department is accepting prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs this Saturday for National Drug Take Back Day. Residents can drop off those drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5601 Veterans Parkway. 300 tons of unused medication was collected across the U.S. during the last Drug Take Back. 1,750 of those pounds came from Columbus. The health department advises interested parties to do the following: "Locate all medications in your household and ensure that they are securely stored (all lids are tightly on bottles, away from the reach of children and pet ..read more

OZARK, Ala. (WDHN) — A Wiregrass man is asking for the city of Ozark to pay him millions of dollars after he says his freedom of speech was taken away and he was wrongfully arrested following an argument with Mayor Mark Blankenship. A decorated military veteran, Bryant Fontenot filed for his intent to sue the city of Ozark for $3 million Thursday. "The City of Ozark and the mayor of Ozark have tried to violate my client's First Amendment rights," Fontenot's attorney, Andrew Scarborough said. "They have tried to impede his ability to participate in civic action." Fontenot was part of a group th ..read more

WRBL agreed to conceal the witness's identity. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) -- Police are still investigating a rolling shootout along Whittlesey Boulevard in North Columbus and details remain limited. WRBL spoke with a man who witnessed the shooting and was close enough to nearly take a bullet to his passenger-side rearview mirror. At the time of the shooting, the witness along with his family were on their way to enjoy what they thought would be a normal drive for a Sunday family dinner. "I was sitting right here, my daughter to the left of me," the man said. "Eventually, the black 300 pulls up to t ..read more

Columbus, Ga (WRBL)- The sunshine and warmth continues for the next few days. The start of our Wednesday will stay clear but those clouds do move back into the forecast by the afternoon. Temperatures rise into the upper 70s and even 80s. A weak cold front will move through the southeast Thursday, bringing our next chance for showers. A few stray showers will be possible that afternoon. This front will begin to stall out at the end of the week and this weekend, allowing clouds to hand around in the First Alert Forecast. Mostly cloudy to overcast skies will be likely for Friday and again Saturd ..read more

UPDATE 5:39 p.m. - The Columbus Police Department has released additional information about the suspect charged on Tuesday in connection with the murder of William Brown. Police say Kentarius Cooper was already in custody for Gary Brown, who was killed on Feb. 14, 2022, on Amber Drive. Cooper was arrested for Gary Brown's murder on Jan. 12. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Another suspect has been charged in relation to a deadly shooting on Fort Benning Road earlier this year, according to the Columbus Police Department. On Tuesday, Kentarius Cooper was charged in relation to the murder of William Brown ..read more

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – The Columbus Animal Care and Control (CACC) is introducing six new animals that are now a part of animal control's new "Come Save Me" campaign. The campaign is aimed at helping animals who have been housed at Columbus Animal Care and Control's facility for a long time find forever homes. Anyone who chooses any of the six animals featured will be able to adopt the animal at a reduced price of $50. Meet the new animals promoted in the campaign. Blake is a 1.5 year old lab mix. He is cool as a cucumber in his run and just loves affection. Would do great in an active environ ..read more

UPDATE 4:12 p.m. - The Columbus Police has confirmed with WRBL that Dorente Hiley has been found and "is in good health." COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public's help with finding a critically missing person. Dorente Hiley, 40, was last seen at about 12:30 p.m. on Monday near Comer Avenue. Hiley was wearing a black jacket and pants. Flyer provided by CPD Hiley is described as standing at 5'10" and weighing 187lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the CPD Special Victims Unit at (706) 225-3449. Lead Invest ..read more