Alva James-Johnson
The Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus, GA, United States
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Past articles by Alva:
Habitat homeowner has lived next to decrepit house for 17 years. That could soon end.
Just a few yards from Millsaps’s neat, but modest abode, there’s a gloomy, decrepit property cluttered with overgrown weeds, trash and stacks of junk piling up in the yard. The roof is caving in and a section of the house burnt out. → Read More
2 Columbus pools promised ready for summer won’t open. Here’s what the city is offering instead.
The free Summer Fun Pass will grant free admission to the city’s Double Churches and Rigdon Road outdoor pools. In addition, it will allow children to swim at the Columbus Aquatic Center at a reduced price. → Read More
Two huge roundabouts coming to major intersections in Columbus
City Council recently approved plans for two huge roundabouts to be installed at major locations - one at the intersection of Spur 22 and Lynch Road/Technology Parkway and the other at Spur 22 and Macon Road → Read More
Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk Ann Hardman dies after short illness
Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk Ann Hardman passed away Monday morning after a short illness, according to Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. → Read More
2 Columbus pools are in such bad condition that city is paying $500,000 to fix them
Of the four out-door pools operated by Columbus Consolidated Government - Shirley Winston, Psalmond Road, Rigdon and Double Churches - two are in such bad condition that city officials are now scrambling to get them in shape before swim season begins. → Read More
The Muscogee County Jail is ‘the place that many mentally ill people end up’
The Muscogee County jail has 60 inmates with serious mental conditions on any given day. → Read More
Columbus physicians writing too many opioid prescriptions — so city is suing drug companies
In 2016, the latest year for which statistics were provided by local officials, the city’s opioid prescription rate remained one of the highest in the state at 90.7 per 100 people. That compared to the state average of 77.8 per 100 people and the national average of 66.5 per 100 people. → Read More
You pay less for garbage because of prison labor. What happens if that all goes away?
The Muscogee County Prison labor program saves the city $17 million a year. Losing the program would have a significant impact on the city. → Read More
Michelle Obama Portrait: Meet the artist Amy Sherald
The Smithsonian Museum revealed the official national portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama painted by Amy Sherald. Who is this Georgia artist, what is her artistic background and where can you see her other work? → Read More
Here’s why 58 city facilities landed on the ‘F List’ for poor conditions
At a recent Columbus Council meeting, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin unveiled an “F List” with 58 dilapidated facilities. She said some need to be renovated, and others totally replaced, at the tune of millions of dollars. → Read More
City employees could receive pay raises under proposed plan
The drop in the unemployment rate over the past few years is making it more difficult for the Columbus Consolidated Government to compete for good employees. City Human Resources Director Reather Hollowell presented a Pay Reform plan to Columbus Council Tuesday to address the problem. → Read More
New executive director has big dreams for Columbus Black Museum
Mark Alexander said he learned of the opportunity last year while reading a story in the Ledger-Enquirer announcing the museum’s closing. He called up Wane Hailes, the museum’s most recent executive director, and asked what he could do to help. → Read More
Proposed North Columbus TAD project returns to Columbus Council despite concerns
If approved, the final project called Midland Commons would consist of 533,000 square feet of retail and 250 senior housing units on the former Swift Denim Plant site, according to information provided by developers. The redevelopment would also include traffic improvements along J.R. Allen Parkway for access and egress in and out of the property. → Read More
‘How can I compete?’: Sheriff points out pay disparity between CPD and her department
Muscogee Sheriff Donna Tompkins appeared before city councilors requesting a change in pay-grades for correctional officers and deputies in her department. She said it would be the second phase in a pay reform process that began with the 2018 budget. → Read More
‘It can happen to anyone’: Father, mother, 3 children counted among the homeless
On Monday, James Evans and his family were among about 40 people surveyed at the House of Mercy homeless shelter as part of the annual count conducted by Home for Good, a United Way agency leading the city’s 10-year plan to end homelessness. → Read More
Columbus NAACP president Tonza Thomas under fire as state election approaches
The Columbus branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People remains embroiled in controversy as members prepare for upcoming state elections. → Read More
Southern snow: Columbus, Georgia, road closures & conditions
More than 80 roads are closed in Columbus, Georgia, on January 18, 2018. → Read More
More than 20 accidents in Harris County due to icy roads
Monty Davis, Harris County 911/EMA director, said the county received anywhere from an inch to three inches of snow depending on location. He said temperatures remained below freezing and he cautioned residents to be careful. → Read More
Winning annual award brings Mayor Teresa Tomlinson to tears
Retired Col. James C. Jackson, the 2017 recipient of the award, announced this year’s awardee following a rousing speech by the Rev. Frederick. D Haynes, III, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He spoke on the theme, “The Ongoing Struggle Against Social Injustice.” → Read More
HUD orders temporary evacuation of Ralston Towers due to unsafe conditions
With temperatures expected to reach a low of 25 degrees on Wednesday night, HUD officials told the Ralston's management company to move out residents and temporarily house them in hotels until the heating issues can be repaired, said HUD spokesman Joe Phillips. → Read More