Mold Remediation in Columbus, GA

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Georgia Supreme Court has suspended a Columbus attorney’s license after allegedly acting against Georgia Bar Association Rules in 2017.

According to the State Bar of Georgia, Chris Breault is now suspended for six months - which means the attorney is removed from the practice of law in Georgia for a definite period of time or until satisfaction of certain conditions imposed as a part of the suspension.

This decision came after Breault’s second appearance before the court on this matter.

Records state, “The conduct underlying this matter occurred while Breault was litigating a personal injury case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, resulting in Breault being charged with violating Rules 1.1, 1.6 (a), 1.16 (a) (3) and 3.5 (d) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct (“GRPC”) found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d).”

Breault shared in a statement Wednesday that he has never once in his career been in trouble with the State Bar of Georgia.

Full statement:

I have never once in my entire career been in trouble with the State Bar of Georgia. If you look at my record since I finished law school at the University of Georgia in 2012, twelve (12) years ago, I have zero Bar complaints or Bar discipline. It is odd that it is 2025, weeks after I get a $42 million jury verdict--the largest jury verdict in Georgia history in a motorcycle wreck--and I’m being said to have violated Bar rules from a case in 2017.

I did excellent work for this client and because of my work, the client became a millionaire. This all took place back in June of 2017, one month before trial. I was hired by the client’s original lawyer to come and try the case in court as lead trial counsel. The client in the case was rear-ended by a tractor trailer and sent off a large bridge, falling nearly 200 feet. I came onto the case, proved he had a brain injury, and then the case settled for seven-figures and the client was really happy. Because of my work, the client took home more than double what they were going to get from the other lawyers they had had for 2 years before me.

I stand by my work in this case. I’m the first lawyer in Georgia history that they’ve ever accused of breaking these rules like this. I was part of a team of four (4) lawyers and I’m the only one they say violated some rule. For years, they wanted me to take some slap-on-the-wrist penalty as long as I admitted I did something wrong. I refused, because I stand by my work. I’m sorry that in order to get outstanding results, you have to do things differently than your average Joe Schmoe lawyer out there. It means that you are creative and think outside the box. It doesn’t mean you “broke the rules.”

After reading the Supreme Court’s order on this matter, it clear that whoever wrote it—sometimes it’s a clerk or an assistant—does not have or understand all the facts. I plan to submit a motion for reconsideration to the court in ten (10) days to have them review it.

As stated by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., "the arc of the moral universe is long, and it bends towards Justice." If you are willing to work and seize the opportunities that God provides, then God will take care of you. That has been my experience and I expect that to come in the future.

Attorney Chris Breault PC

Below is the Georgia Supreme Court’s full decision:

In the Matter of Christopher Ryan Breault by Jessie Garcia on Scribd

Breault has been practicing law since 2013, according to records.

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Columbus, Georgia, is a city shaped by the river that runs through it. The Chattahoochee is the heartbeat of the city, where destination and culture intertwine. “The river is our lifeline,” Katie Bishop, resident of Columbus and co-founder of Yalla Public Relations, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It runs through the heart of downtown, and everything we’ve built — our outdoor scene, our economy, our tourism — has been centered around it.”

Located just two hours south of Atlanta, Columbus provides a quick escape for adventure seekers and those craving a unique Southern experience.

Get on the water at RushSouth Whitewater Park

What once was an overlooked stretch of the Chattahoochee now proudly hosts the world’s longest urban whitewater course. The RushSouth Whitewater Park development transformed Columbus' river experience, through a remarkable 15-year river restoration project.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle, beginner-friendly float or a world-class challenge at Cut Bait (one of the largest, most challenging rapids in the Southeast), the park offers adventures for every skill level. Thanks to a hydro dam upstream, the river’s water levels shift throughout the day, meaning visitors can choose between a laid-back rafting trip or a high-intensity whitewater adventure.

Beyond rafting, visitors can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fly fishing, and SUP yoga along the two-and-a-half-mile course.

Families will find easygoing fun at the splash pad and lazy river, and fitness enthusiasts can explore 20 miles of scenic Riverwalk trails perfect for biking, jogging, or leisurely strolls. The park even has a dual zipline, sending riders soaring from Georgia to Alabama in seconds.

Credit: Yalla Public Relations

Adventure with purpose

The park fuels more than adrenaline, with RushSouth also serving as a conservation leader in the region.

“This was a full river restoration project,” explained Bishop, adding that the city has seen a resurgence of wildlife and cleaner water.

Conservation efforts include reintroducing the shoal bass, a native species previously nearing extinction, and planting thousands of shoal lily seedlings each year in partnership with Atlanta’s Nearly Native Nursery. Visitors may also spot bald eagles, ospreys and blue herons thriving along the riverbanks.

Credit: Yalla Public Relations

Beyond the rapids

If water adventures aren’t your thing, the city’s lively downtown district features serious charm. You’ll find restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and boutique shops, all just steps from the river. “For those familiar with Atlanta, it feels exactly like Decatur,” said Bishop. “It’s all locally owned and operated restaurants.”

For a taste of the city’s vibrant scene, check out:

Whether you’re paddling thrilling rapids by day or unwinding with craft cocktails under string lights at night, Columbus offers the perfect Southern getaway. Ready to experience it yourself? Visit RushSouth.com for details.

Columbus has become known for a lot over the years. The “Fountain City,” “Electric City,” home of Ma Rainey, Aflac, etc. And when someone thinks of the city’s signature dish, their mind automatically goes to the Scrambled Dog.

A Scrambled Dog typically includes a hot dog bun, a chopped hot dog, chili, pickles, onions and oyster crackers.

I’ve been eating Scrambled Dogs at Dinglewood Pharmacy since I was old enough to know what a cuss word is and that I probably shouldn’t say them (I would anyway). Yet, I have wondered: “Is there a better Scrambled Dog than Dinglewood’s?”

Well, to find out, I sacrificed my stomach’s tranquility and did a blind taste test of six Scrambled Dogs from restaurants around Columbus and ranked them.

Now, this is simply my opinion based on how I felt that day, in that moment, and it might not be what I’ve thought in the past or will in the future. Each Scrambled Dog was good and had its commendable qualities and made this one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever done.

I tried Scrambled Dogs from Frank’s Alley, World Famous Hot Dogs, Jordan’s Girls Gourmet Dawgs, Destiny Dogs, Southern Roots Country Store and Dinglewood Pharmacy. Here’s how I ranked them:

6: Destiny Dogs

The hot dogs used by Destiny Dogs are great.

5: World Famous Hot Dogs

I have always loved the chili from World Famous, and I love their chili dogs.

4: Frank’s Alley

This Scrambled Dog was by far the fanciest. It had the most ingredients, causing a cacophony of flavors that turned into a symphony in my mouth.

3: Jordan’s Girls Gourmet Dawgs

Jordan’s Girls is one of my favorite places to go for lunch when I’m reporting near the Columbus Civic Center or after an assignment at Recorder’s Court or the Public Safety Building.

2: Dinglewood Pharmacy

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is put Dinglewood in second place in this competition. The Dinglewood Scrambled Dog is the epitome of creativity when it comes to hot dogs. It’s full of flavor and yet simplistic in nature, not doing too much and not doing too little.

It’s the Goldilocks “just right” of Scrambled Dogs. The chili is some of the best in Columbus. The pickles, chopped hot dog, bun and onions combined to give an earthy, savory, and vinegary taste with a nice crunch from the oyster crackers.

I have and always will love the Dinglewood Pharmacy Scrambled Dog, and it still will be my go-to Scrambled Dog place despite its second-place ranking.

1: Southern Roots Country Store

Having never had the Scrambled Dog here, this was a very pleasant surprise. The chili on the Scrambled Dog was phenomenal. It had an amazing all-around flavor with a slightly sweet tomato flavor. The combined flavors of the ingredients had the most flavor of any of the Scrambled Dogs.

I must also compliment the presentation of the Scrambled Dog from Southern Roots as well. It easily was one of the prettiest Scrambled Dogs to look at. I’ve always considered food to be an art form. That’s why I take photos of my food (and probably why I can’t lose that extra 10 pounds).

I am sad to have to dethrone Dinglewood, but perhaps I’ll do this again next year and see what my taste buds tell me then. For now, though, I crown Southern Roots Country Store the winner of this blind taste test.

This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM.

A beloved barbecue restaurant open for nine years in Columbus announced its closure this week.

Zombie Pig BBQ, 6201 Veterans Parkway, has closed. The restaurant announced the news “with heavy hearts” Sunday on Facebook.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank each and every one of you who has supported us throughout the years,” the restaurant said on Facebook. “It’s been an honor to serve you, to share in your celebrations, and to be a part of this incredible community.”

The business owners said they appreciated the memories made with customers over the years.

“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community, and while this is goodbye for now, we’ll always carry the spirit of Zombie Pig BBQ in our hearts.”

David DeSteno, owner of Zombie Pig, told the Ledger-Enquirer he was overwhelmed by the positive support of the community in the comments of his closing post.

“It really warms my heart knowing that the city will support local businesses, and when those businesses take a downturn, the city is there for you,” DeSteno said. “I’m proud of what I did with this restaurant.”

The Zombie Pig BBQ restaurant started as a response to popularity in sales from barbecue competitions with the Kansas City Barbecue Society, which later developed into a popular food truck business. The popularity of the food truck encouraged DeSteno to open The Zombie Pig storefront in 2016.

“We would sell barbecue on Saturdays at the roadside. We’d start out the day with ribs, pork, chicken and brisket about 400 pounds,” DeSteno said. “We’d open at 10, and by 2 o’clock were sold out.”

Now, the rising costs of food supply and rent are the main reasons why Zombie Pig is closing. DeSteno said that over the last 10 months, sales at Zombie Pig have dropped 30% to 40%. He cites this drop in sales to customers trying to save money in the face of economic hardship.

“The first thing that does is (stop) people going out to eat, for the most part,” DeSteno said. “That’s just the way it is when you’re trying to save money.”

After he finalizes the details with the closing in the coming weeks, DeSteno plans to take some vacation time with his family. Then he plans to pursue other business ventures in Columbus.

“I’m a former Army vet, and nothing keeps down the Army,” DeSteno said. “We’ll bounce back and find new things to do.”

This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 1:55 PM.

JP

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Jordyn Paul-Slater is the business and engagement reporter at the Ledger-Enquirer. Her work has appeared in publications such as Reuters, Fast Company and The New York Observer. She completed her master’s degree in specialized journalism at the University of Southern California and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A $45 million project to build a bridge over a portion of Buena Vista Road is set to begin on April 7. The bridge aims to solve the problem of motorists having to wait for a standstill train to pass, though the construction is causing inconvenience for surrounding schools.

Residents have expressed concerns about how this will impact the community, particularly the safety of children who walk to bus stops in certain neighborhoods. Some parents are worried about the increased traffic.

The Muscogee County School District announced on Tuesday that they have been working with city officials to develop a plan to ensure safe and timely transportation of students to and from school.

Starting April 7, Carver, Columbus, and William H. Spencer high schools will start at 9:15 a.m. and end at 4:05 p.m., while Rainey McCullers School of the Arts will start at 9:15 a.m. but end at 4:30 p.m. Traffic will be routed away from the construction project, which has raised concerns among residents.

“Buena Vista Road or St. Mary’s Road traffic is light until six in the morning,” said one Columbus resident, who did not want to appear on camera. “Some of the bus stops here are at 6:30, 7, and 7:30 in the morning. So if they are coming through here and the buses are coming through here, that’s my concern—the safety of the school kids catching the bus.”

Another resident understands there will be traffic backups and confusion once the project begins but believes the long-term benefits are worth focusing on.

“Once they get done with it, I’m not sure when they are going to be done. But it’ll help commuters travel better. It’ll definitely help the area out,” said Columbus resident Derrick Weldon.

One Columbus resident, who has lived on nearby Vivian Lane for over a decade, expressed frustration about waiting for the train when taking his son to Carver High School. He is glad to see those days will be over, allowing people to get where they need to be on time.

“As long as the project helps the workers, people who have to go to work in the morning and don’t have to wait on that train to come by so they can get to work on time, I’m all for it,” the anonymous resident said.

This will all go into effect on April 7, which is roughly two weeks away.

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