Good morning, Augusta.

On Thursday, the Community Foundation for the CSRA announced it awarded over $735,000 to 59 nonprofits in Augusta and surrounding counties with nearly 200 volunteers vetting the applications to support programs in arts, youth, health, and essential community services.

Maurice Tolliver opened Retro Store 706 on Jimmie Dyess Parkway in Augusta to offer local sneaker fans a shop with rare sneakers, cleaning services, and a touch of his lifelong collecting history.

He also opened a second location in Aiken to share his passion with collectors.

At CES in Las Vegas, companies unveiled accessible tech including a system for live ASL support, a handheld guide for the blind launching next year, and companion devices for older adults — each designed to boost independence for users.

The Tri-College Celebration took place Friday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.

Lamell McMorris delivered the keynote address and Mayor Garnett Johnson offered greetings — an homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Augusta Mini Theatre opened its 142-seat venue on Friday with a ribbon cutting that gathered a standing room-only crowd — local support runs high as MLK weekend performances are postponed.

The Richmond County School Board announced plans to close T.W.

Josey, Murphey Middle, and Jenkins-White and redevelop T.W. Josey into a districtwide College and Career Academy following a public meeting at T.W. Josey High School on Jan. 15. Some community members expressed dissent regarding the proposal.

A report from Open Georgia showed that Augusta University's top 10 highest paid faculty for fiscal 2025 are all Wellstar doctors, including specialists in pediatric heart and neurosurgery, with data released on Jan.

16. The report underscores AU's close link with Wellstar MCG.

Evans High School inducted six members into its first hall of fame class Friday night and retired the jerseys of two additional Knights at a campus ceremony (including Drew Eller and Forest Griffin).

Four more inductions are scheduled for next Friday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday — public schools, post offices, and banks will be closed while UPS halts deliveries and FedEx offers early call pickups.

Residents in Columbia County voiced strong opposition to planning commissioners approving three data center proposals, citing concerns over traffic, noise and environmental impact.

The final vote by the County Board is scheduled for Feb. 3.

Starting Wednesday, Jan.

28, CSX will repair the railroad crossing on Sibley Road between Woodcrest Drive and Ware Road; the road will be closed for about two to three days (weather permitting) and motorists should follow posted detour signage.

Josey's girls basketball team earned its 10th consecutive win by edging Thomson 47-44 on Friday, Jan.

16 at home. The Lady Eagles will host Glenn Hills on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Augusta high schools invite the public to vote for Cross Country Athlete of the Year as the poll remains open until Thursday, Jan.

22 at 5 p.m. The contest follows a fall season where teams like Westminster & the Augusta Eagles won state titles, showcasing top local talent.

K-POP GOLDEN SHOW

3-7 p.m. — Warren Road Community Center — Family-friendly event — Dance and sing along to your favorite K-Pop hits and enjoy dazzling performances.

Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament

All day — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee varies — Engage in thrilling matches at this exciting tournament in Augusta.

Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament

Jan 23-25 — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling pickleball tournament in Augusta's premier indoor facility.

Kerwin Claiborne Live Comedy Show

10:00 – 11:30 PM — The Scene Nightclub — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with the hilarious Kerwin Claiborne performing live.

Marty Stuart & Molly Tuttle Concert

7-10 p.m. — William B. Bell Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience great country music from legends of the genre.

Turandot

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticketed event — Experience Puccini's final opera in a unique multimedia staging reconnecting with its storied past.

Ray J Concert

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music with Ray J and special guests.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen

6:30-7:29 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic music of Queen illuminated by candlelight in a stunning venue.