Katrice Nolan
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Multimedia Journalist @WTVM News Leader 9
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Articles by Katrice Nolan
Interview with District Attorney Don Kelly on recusing office from criminal investigation
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -We spoke exclusively with Muscogee County's District Attorney Don Kelly about a letter he wrote in reference to a criminal investigation surrounding the city's finances. He has decided the office will be recused from the case. "I made the decision that we should recuse from the case to get a neutral party to give legal advice," says Kelly. That letter sent to Peter Skandalakis and Christopher George.
Criminal investigation launched into Columbus finance department
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A criminal investigation is currently underway involving the City of Columbus' finance department. This follows last year's disclosure that millions of dollars were unaccounted for in relation to the city's business licenses and application fees. The city's financial issues have since become a topic of concern, with conflicting information emerging about the missing funds.
Hickey's appointment in limbo
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Byron Hickey, a former police officer and recently appointed Columbus city council member, is still awaiting his swearing-in ceremony. He was appointed to the District 1seat, which was previously held by Jerry 'Pops' Barnes, in late May. Councilor Glen Davis is proposing an amendment to a current ordinance that aims to address the issue of former employees receiving a pension while also collecting a salary as current city employees.
Columbus prepares to host GOP Convention for second consecutive year
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Georgia Republican Convention (GOP) will be in Columbus starting Thursday night through Sunday. News Leader 9 got a behind-the-scenes look at South Hall of the Columbus Convention and Trade Center where crews were putting the final touches on the décor.
Mother upset after teacher combs out daughter’s locs without permission
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) – A mother from Georgia is upset her daughter’s teacher combed out her locs without permission. Micaela Varlack said she and her 4-year-old daughter, Londyn, started her hairlock journey in April. “I went and got her hair washed...,” Varlack explained. “...It was detangled, conditioned, the locs were started and blow dried.” She spent $150 on the service on April 14.
Alabama lottery stalls in the Senate could be headed to another vote: Voters weigh in
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - It's been 25 years since the lottery made it on the ballot in Alabama, back then the measure failed. Every year since, the issue has resurfaced, but none have made it as far as House Bills 151 and 152 made it this year. "The public has not had the opportunity to vote on gaming since 1999. So we lost 25 years worth of revenue that's been going to other areas," says State Representative Sam Jones. The gaming bill would allow for a state lottery and 10 casinos.
Are homeless numbers on the rise in Columbus?
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "We are dealing with post pandemic rental increases, income just not keeping up with expenses, inflation," said Pat Frey with Home for Good. Frey says more people are experiencing homeless than ever. Some people who live and work near the abandoned Rite-Aid on Wynnton Rd. have noticed people living in front of the building.
Road Construction Impacts Businesses on 13th Ave in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "The construction has impacted the business here," said Nina, an employee at a cell phone store on 13th Avenue. "It's severely impacted our business at least the first half to 3 quarters of the time," said Amy Sudduth, General Manager of Bloomer's at Midtown. Both of these women work at businesses near the intersection of 13th Avenue and Midway Drive in Columbus. They say the on-going road construction has impacted customers from coming to the area.
Mail problems causes issues for residents and business owners in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Delivery delays from the United States Postal Service seem to be getting worse and some business owners in Columbus say its damaging their bottom line. Janet Morris is the chief executive officer of Ranger Joe's, a business that prides itself on serving the military and law enforcement communities. They have been open since 1963, and while she says they have had problems with the mail before, it's never been this bad.
Richard English, Jr. Waypoint Veteran Service Center set to open soon in LaGrange
LAGRANGE, Ga. (WTVM) - A veteran service center is relocating after outgrowing its old facility in LaGrange. The non-profit organization services veterans transitioning back to society following retirement. Before and after, the brick building on Hamilton Road in LaGrange, once housed by the Troup County State Patrol Office, will now be the new home of Way Point Veteran Service Center.
Residents concerned with highway after crash leaves three dead in Russell County
RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - A deadly accident has left three people dead in Russell County. The crash happened along Highway 431 near mile marker 94. According to coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr., the victims were all young adults. The one car accident claimed the lives of the 18-year old driver and 19-year old Shennan Darst and 20-year-old Riley Witt, who were all from Cummings, Georgia. People who live and work in the area say people drive too fast along Highway 431.
GDOT, River Valley Regional Commission team up for transportation project in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Georgia Department of Transportation is teaming up with an area organization to get bus service to several rural areas in the Chattahoochee Valley. This time, they are asking for your input to help come up with a detailed plan. "We serve 16 counties," says Allison Slocum. She is talking about the River Valley Regional Commission and the areas they service.
African Methodist Episcopal Church, 6th Region holds annual conference in Americus
AMERICUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A historical meeting for a religious organization will be held in Americus this week after 20 years of the conference meeting in Columbus. The African Methodist Episcopal Church along with 6th region is deciding to hold its Session of the Southwest Georgia annual Conference in Americus, booting the economy in several ways. This is the 128th time the meeting has been held, and while they meet every year, most of the time they have met in Columbus, but this year was different.
Harris County voters decide on 1% SPLOST continuing
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Voters headed to the polls Tuesday and on the ballot in Harris county was more than the Presidential primary, voters decided on whether or not to continue with a special purpose local option sales tax or SPLOST. "I'm glad the SPLOST passed," says Alexandra Casey Casey works in Harris county and serves on several economic boards in the county, she says she is glad voters agreed to continue paying that penny over six years for several projects across the county.
Judge Gil McBride says court backlog is being cleared
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "We're seeing daylight, we are definitely making progress," says Judge Gil McBride. Former Chief Judge Gil McBride is talking about the court case backlog that's been happening in Muscogee County since 2018. He says it all started with a flood at the Government Center. "We went for 9 months, from 2018 to 2019 with 7 judges sharing one or two courtrooms because of the floods and the damage," says McBride.
$1.6 million approved for A.J McClung Memorial Stadium renovations
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A.J. McClung memorial stadium was built in the early 1900′s and one Columbus City council woman says it needs an upgrade. District 4′s Toyia Tucker says work needs to be done now. "$1.6 million, you know A.J. McClung needs a lot of repairs," she said. "The 1.6 (million) would just break the surface of some of the issues we are having." During Tuesday night's council meeting, Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge gave a presentation on the renovations needed near Golden Park.
Senate Bill 202 may change the way you vote in GA primary
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Senate Bill 202 may change the way you vote in GA primary
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "Our country is a democracy built upon people having the right and the ability to engage in the voting process," says State Representative Teddy Reese. State Representative Teddy Reese is talking about the recent changes to voting rights in the state. It's Senate Bill 202, he says the new laws in the 98 page act directly impact the people of Muscogee County.
Portion of automotive manufacturing company closing its doors in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A portion of an automotive manufacturing company in Columbus is closing its doors. The news was announced to some 200 employees about a month ago - and now employees are talking about being laid off. The employees say while they were given notice, they are concerned they may be let go at anytime. "They said like three to four months," said an anonymous employee. "[It could be] anytime, or even before then." "How they are letting us know that it's fixing to...
Columbus Police Department looking to fill 32 open positions
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - More officers are wanted, and if you have an interest in law enforcement, they want you to help them protect and serve. "We only get better with more people. The more people we get, the bigger team we get, the better we can help Columbus," says Corporal Andrew Philips with the Columbus Police Department. Corporal Andrew Phillips is with the Columbus Police Department recruitment team, and he says several officer positions need to be filled.
Deeper look at recent audits for Columbus' revenue dept. shows alleged undeposited checks
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - We're digging deeper into recent audits of the City of Columbus' Revenue Department, in an effort to get answers to questions surrounding two audits with very different findings. News Leader 9′s Katrice Nolan spoke to a whistleblower who wants to remain anonymous and the mayor to present both sides. The person we spoke with has very close ties to the finance department in the Columbus consolidated government and wants to remain anonymous.
Ft. Moore hosts 'Trees for Troops' event
FT. MOORE, Ga. (WTVM) - Ft. Moore hosted its annual tradition that helps soldiers who aren't able to make it home for the holidays. Trees for Troops is a giveaway of Christmas trees to hundreds of active-duty soldiers and their families. The Lopez are both on active duty, have been married for two years, and have a six-month-old daughter. They are both serving on Fort Moore and are from opposite ends of the country.
New shuttle service coming to Uptown Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A service similar to Uber is rolling out for the Uptown Columbus area - just in time for the new year. News Leader 9 got an up-close look at the new golf cart like shuttles that will be rolling out soon. Uptown is made up of businesses, a college campus, city hall, and residential areas - which creates a lot of foot traffic that covers several blocks, but now there's an easier way to navigate uptown without the hassle of parking and walking a long distance.
Young girl dies from the flu days after celebrating her 7th birthday, family says
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A Georgia family says their 7-year-old daughter has died after suffering complications from the flu. According to Anyanna and Brandon Burgess, their daughter Khalilah Burgess started complaining of not being able to breathe over the weekend after contracting the respiratory illness. Her mother said she knew something was wrong when Khalilah woke up with a fever on Saturday. And then things took a turn for the worse.
Columbus Trade Center hosts Fountain City Classic Vendors Fair
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Vendors are setting up early for the annual Fountain City Classic. The football game is one of the largest rivalries dating back to 1924. This event brings in millions of dollars to the city from hotel rooms to restaurants, but vendors also make money when setting up for tailgating and other events. Every year, Columbus fills up with thousands of out-of-towners who attend the Fountain City Classic. Many of those people come back every year.
7-year-old dies from the flu in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A 7-year-old in Columbus is dead after suffering complications from the flu, and her parents say other parents should pay attention to any symptoms if their child is sick. Anyanna and Brandon Burgess gith said their daughter Khalilah Burgess could light up any room with her smile and infectious spirit, but that light dimmed when Khalilah complained of not being able to breathe after she contracted the flu.
News Leader 9 explores active shooter training for kids
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -The most recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine is the 565th shooting of the year, and a mother said that what's concerning to her is that it can happen anywhere at any time. "It's a shame, it's a real shame," said Bianca Lewis. Lewis talked about the moment she heard about 18 people being shot and killed at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. She is a mother of two girls. "My oldest is nine, and my youngest is 4," she said.
Columbus man sentenced to 10 years after Victory Drive serial arson conviction
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Columbus Fire and EMS responded to eight vehicle fires in the Victory Drive area between June and July. Jimmy Geddis, Jr. was arrested and taken into custody on Aug. 11 for allegedly starting the fire and is now faced with eight felony charges by the Columbus and EMS Investigation Unit. "They collected a lot of video evidence with the suspect at the time.
Columbus mother asks for community help in daughter's 2020 unsolved murder
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A mother is pleading with the public after her daughter's 2020 murder has gone unsolved. 31-year-old Audrianna Nobles was shot and killed on the corner of Fern Street and Columbus Street three years ago and no arrests have been made in the case. Her mother wants someone to come forward to help police solve the crime. Paula Johnson talked with News Leader 9 about the connection she had with her daughter. "She just was a genuine loving person," said Paula.
Columbus mother arrested in Tift Co. for kidnapping extradited to Muscogee Co.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A Columbus mother faces kidnapping charges after police say she took her children from a north Columbus Burger King. It prompted an Amber Alert for the two girls who had been abducted, and the suspect is now in the Muscogee County Jail. Kalia Spires is accused of kidnapping her two children, four-year-old Kylann Harper and 11-year-old Kylie Horne, from a Burger King on Veterans Parkway.
Former Columbus YMCA CFO accused of embezzlement appears in court
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a local nonprofit recently faced a Muscogee County judge. In a yellow jail-issued jumpsuit and handcuffed at her wrist, Donna Fiquett faced a judge in Recorder's Court while hearing the evidence against her from Sgt. Jane Edenfield of the Columbus Police Department. "September of this year, the Columbus Police Department was notified of an embezzlement of the Chief Financial Officer of the YMCA," said Edenfield.
Chattahoochee Valley hosts IFC World Championships
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -18 countries, nearly two hundred athletes, two states, and two cities in the Chattahoochee Valley competed for the Kayak Freestyle World Championships. Some of the competitors were as young as 15 years old. The world kayak competition brought in over 9 million dollars from this event and the other world championships that happened last year. This year though, the hotels are booked, and athletes tell News Leader 9 that they enjoyed the experience.
Columbus City Council approves appointment of new police chief
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Columbus has a new police chief after a recent city council meeting. The item to vote on the appointment of Interim Police Chief Stoney Mathis has been approved by the council. In a meeting earlier this week, some Columbus residents talked about crime in the city. They said after so many homicides, they want crime to stop and hope a new police chief will help solve the issue. Tabitha Ruiz has been in Columbus four years and says she has been a victim of recent crime herself.
Man facing manslaughter charges murdered on Rigdon Road in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - News Leader 9 learned more about a man shot and killed in a Columbus shooting on Rigdon Road, near 10th Street. The victim's name is Elijah Farral. 23-year-old Elijah Farral is dead after a shooting at the corner of Rigdon Road and 10th Street. Farral is the same man who faces an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of 18-year-old Sara Holtrop. The Muscogee County Coroner says this is another life lost and another grieving family.
Meeting about Columbus METRA services expanding to be held
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Debate over Columbus METRA services expansion is resurfacing after a presentation to the city council earlier this month from its director, Rosa Evans. The council wanted to expand to provide more services for those with disabilities while ensuring the service grows with the city. Roneldo Morrison and his director, Kirk Holcomb, at Access Independence, are working on METRA passes for their clients.
Meeting about Columbus METRA services expanding to be held
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Debate over Columbus METRA services expansion is resurfacing after a presentation to the city council earlier this month from its director, Rosa Evans. The council wanted to expand to provide more services for those with disabilities while ensuring the service grows with the city. Roneldo Morrison and his director, Kirk Holcomb, at Access Independence, are working on METRA passes for their clients.
Family of soldier gunned down at home in Phenix City speaks 20 years later
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A Phenix City family is pleading for help in a 20-year-old murder case gone cold. Eric Nelams was shot and killed in his front yard. His sister and mother spoke exclusively to News Leader 9. "We have no idea of when it was put in the cold case file," said the victim's sister, Cathy Nelams. 20 years later, and the family of Eric Nelams is still searching for answers after the 32-year-old was gunned down in front of his home on Level Court in Phenix City.
Lamar Vickerstaff appears in Lee County court for bond request
LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - The man accused of killing his daughter, Amore Wiggins, has requested a bond in court. A Lee County judge heard a motion from the defense representing Lamar Vickerstaff. You may recall that Lamar Vickerstaff is the father accused of killing and beating Amore Wiggins or Baby Jan Doe years ago. His wife, Ruth Vickerstaff, is charged with concealing a death and is already out on bond.
Plans for new government center in Columbus still in the works Original
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The plans for a new government center in Columbus keep changing. Everyone seems to agree that the old, outdated building in Uptown needs to go. However, there seems to be a problem in deciding what will be torn down, which portion of the building will be renovated and what will remain. Six designs were proposed after the council set a budget back in 2021. Those proposals are still on the table. In 2021, the council set aside over $185 million.
Columbus Police Department looking to fill over 400 open positions Original
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - With high crime rates happening across the country, few people want to go into law enforcement careers. Columbus is no different, as the police department has experienced shortages over the last few years. With over 400 positions open, they are heavily recruiting. The Columbus Police Department saw its biggest class of recruits they have had in years. New recruit, Arthashika Hughes, says she saw an opportunity to protect and serve and immediately applied for the position.
Columbus City Council working to expand public transportation services Original
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Columbus City Council members reached an agreement on how to expand services for the METRA Public Service Transportation System. This isn't the first issue surrounding the system has come up, especially amid the COVID pandemic. The city council wants to expand the services, while the METRA director says the city might need to pump its breaks.
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