Area animal shelters change practices in wake of COVID-19

A woman adopting a dog at the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society walks out the door with her new furry friend, and the spartan staff at the animal shelter goes into sanitizing mode.

A unique season of life: In a time of pandemic, churches adapt to feed the flock

Two weeks ago, a prevailing quandary for the Rev. Randy Sellers was whether or not to use the traditional one communion cup for all worshipers during the Holy Eucharist, or Lord’s Supper, at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in West Point. Given the heightening awareness of COVID-19, it had become an issue of discussion among the larger church. Now, those almost seem like simpler times.

CAC innovates to keep community connected to the arts

Like other businesses and nonprofits in the Golden Triangle, the Columbus Arts Council is absorbing the shock of measures to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Long days in the house? Local chefs tip favorite recipes

If you’re remotely like me, you may have a touch of cabin fever. Funny, when I could go anywhere, I just wanted to be home. Now that I’m supposed to stay put, I’m beginning to obsess about places I suddenly have a hankering to go. And we will be moving around again. But for now, we’re limiting social congregation for the good of everyone. In response, the places where we did much of it — restaurants — have had to be quick studies.

It’s a ‘snap’: One Lowndes County couple opts for something a little different

As the sun lowered Wednesday in western Lowndes County, Mavis Unruh stood back and marveled at the sight of something she’s been thinking about for 20 years — her family’s new home going up.

Store’s out? Some turn to DIY hand sanitizer

Anyone on the hunt for commercial hand sanitizer in recent days has no doubt encountered empty-shelf syndrome. An increasing number of do-it-yourselfers are making sanitizer at home to hold them over.

The prepared pantry

We have all had a lot thrown at us in the past week or so. Each family is making temporary adjustments. Some are now working from home for a while; others unexpectedly have the kids home from school. For all of us who anticipate being “at the house” more than usual, that means having extra food on hand.

JA Charity Ball to present 2020 court

Twenty-two high school seniors comprise the Junior Auxiliary of Columbus Charity Ball Court to be presented during the annual event at Trotter Convention Center March 28.

Sweeten up St. Patrick’s Day

On the shelf of a decorative tabletop cabinet at home sits a tiny porcelain replica of an Irish cottage. With its thatched roof and white-washed walls, it sits atop the lid of a small oval box designed to hold some miniature treasure.

Sew much kindness: When they learned of the need, these volunteers became ‘women of action’

A steady hum from Barbara Richardson’s Singer sewing machine Tuesday afternoon signaled that she was at it again — turning colorful prints, stripes and polka dots into little dresses that will produce smiles a world away from her north Columbus home.

A community’s cats: Operation Colony Cats is on a mission

On Thursday, four cats from Columbus caught a ride to Pennsylvania with other crated felines destined for something better. For these four, their second chance was courtesy of a tireless cadre of volunteers known as Operation Colony Cats (OCC).

Local event helps launch tour for Smith’s gripping fifth novel

“Unsettling,” “heartbreaking” and “frequently astonishing” are a few of the words Kirkus Reviews uses to describe Michael Farris Smith’s latest novel “Blackwood.” Disturbing, harrowing, powerful

March Quick Bites: gardens, bugs and eating right

The transitional month of March brings with it a new menu of free Quick Bites programs for communities to participate in at their county Extension offices.

One and done — Sheet pan suppers

What’s one-and-done, with minimal fuss and cleanup? Sheet pan dinners.

A move for migraines: Detective work and a 600-plus mile move unlock a migraine mystery

For Robert Pushis, the misery of migraines began when he was just a boy of 7 growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Chronic nausea, projectile vomiting, loss of vision and other symptoms were so frequent, every aspect of his young life was affected.

Good times roll: Party on with these Mardi Gras recipes

Next Tuesday — Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday — is Mardi Gras season’s grand finale. Feb. 25 marks the culmination of Carnival celebrations. It’s the last day and night of eating anything we want before the ritual feasting of the Lenten season.

Let us entertain you: Storytelling festival sparks imagination, laughter and maybe even a tear or two

Storytelling is about connections — the human kind.

“At a time when there are so many things that divide us, stories are one place where we can say, here’s what we have in common, here’s something that reminds us of our humanity,” said professional storyteller Dolores Hydock.

Columbus JA Charity Ball Ticket Night set for Thursday

Tickets to the 70th annual Junior Auxiliary of Columbus Charity Ball will be available for purchase Thursday evening, Feb. 20.

Happy Valentine’s

In just two days, we celebrate Cupid’s big day, a day devoted to expressing love and affection. The National Retail Foundation says Americans spent a record $20.7 billion expressing it last Valentine’s.

True colors: Columbus artist mines a world of imagination and whimsy

Spend some time with Frank McGuigan’s paintings and soon his colorful world of whimsy seems like a pretty chill place to visit. Blue people, self-possessed felines and dreamlike settings fill the canvases he hopes will light up someone’s day.