Good morning, Augusta.

Veteran McDonald’s operators Angela and Andy Harrelson will open three Scenthound dog wellness centers in Augusta and three in Columbia — the new centers will offer routine dog care and community partnerships, with the first set scheduled to open in March.

Buffalo Luke's, a new fast-casual restaurant in Martinez, offers wings, tenders, burgers, salads, and kid plates in a modern space (orders are served from the counter to your table).

The restaurant operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hobby Town is moving to its new space (110 Davis Rd., Davis Square, Martinez) and will open in March; until Feb.

28 the retailer offers a 50% discount on merchandise that gives local customers a chance to shop and save.

Legendary rock band Foreigner will perform at Bell Auditorium on Sept.

19 — tickets go on sale Friday at 11 a.m.

A Columbia County mother said a paraprofessional cut her autistic son’s dreadlocks without consent, and despite a school investigation announced after the incident, he remains unsettled by the act.

The Georgia House passed two education bills that will affect public schools by extending a cellphone ban in high schools & requiring weapons detection systems at school entrances, and both now head to the Senate while officials question whether current safety grants will cover new costs.

The Columbia County Board of Education approved a $687,700 warehouse bid during its Monday evening work session and noted that middle schools improved by 8.8 points (other results were mixed).

The Joseph M. Still Burn Center opened a new cafeteria as part of a $4.5M renovation to offer a calm dining space for employees + visitors.

The facility, which treats over 3,000 burns annually, upgraded this area to better support staff and patient families.

Downtown Augusta continues its construction surge with the new Augusta Arena rising on schedule + on budget while the former Ramada Hotel is redeveloped as The Conroy and roadwork on the 500 block of Broad Street will begin next week.

Downtown Augusta crews continued work on a new construction project, completing key stages with progress visible throughout the area.

Updates are expected as the project advances in phases (plans include additional details soon).

Augusta University women’s golf tied for fourth at the Momentum Transportation UNF Intercollegiate on Feb.

24 in Jacksonville with Sara Adams and Sofia Valera finishing in the top 10. They will next play at the More Than Golfer Invitational at Old Barnwell Golf Club from March 1 to 3.

Tiger Woods will decide in the next few weeks whether to join the upcoming Masters and lead the Ryder Cup team — a choice the PGA requests before the tournament.

He is recovering from recent surgery while managing his role on the Future Competition Committee.

Augusta University men’s golf team won the Gulf Coast Collegiate on Feb.

24 by 16 shots with a 1-under-par score - the team will compete next at the Schenkle Invitational in Statesboro from March 13-15.

C&G at Fat Tuesday Food and Music Fest

1-8 p.m. — Evans Towne Center Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant rhythms and flavors of the Big Easy with live music and delicious food.

Independent Hustler Awards Show

7-11 PM — Jammin Moments — Ticket sales for the public — Celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs and artists at this annual awards show.

An Evening of Soul with Raheem DeVaughn

3:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $64.15 to $106.15 — Experience the soulful sounds of Grammy-nominated Raheem DeVaughn and Eric Roberson in a night of R&B music.

2026 Augusta-Aiken Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show

10 AM - 6 PM — Julian Smith Casino — Under 12 free with paid adult — Discover gems, minerals, and fossils along with exciting activities and demonstrations.

Fifth Annual Run the Runway 5K

8-11 a.m. — Augusta Regional Airport — $12-$30 — Experience a unique running event on an airport runway while supporting a local nonprofit for veterans.

Robert Earl Keen Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Tickets available — Experience the musical journey of Robert Earl Keen as he continues to inspire with his storytelling and melodies.

Doing Business with Augusta Workshop

2 PM — Accelerate Augusta — Free entry — Discover opportunities and insights into doing business in Augusta, Georgia.

I-20 Highways Basketball Tournament

All day — Riverview Park Activities Center — Entry fee varies — Compete in a thrilling weekend of grassroots basketball with top AAU programs from the region.

Board Game Night with Cardboard Castle

5-9 p.m. — Savannah River Brewing Co. — 15% off draft beer for steinclub members and more — Enjoy a fun evening filled with games from the local store.

Annual Spring Luncheon Event

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Augusta Country Club — Registration required — Celebrate spring with renowned speakers and fellow garden enthusiasts at the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs' luncheon.