Good morning, Augusta.

Kroger manager Marla Choice announced the Pack the Pantry event to provide food supplies for students at Paine College.

The event will offer pantry items (including staples) to support local students.

Kroger donated $35,000 worth of food and gift cards to five HBCUs, including Paine College in Augusta, on Thursday, Feb.

26 as part of its Zero Hunger Zero Waste program.

A & D Carpets & Hardwoods is spotlighted in Cyber City’s Best Community’s Choice Awards, highlighting a local business known for its flooring expertise.

Residents can nominate favorites online with voting set to begin in April while the store offers personalized showroom consultations.

Chase Bank opened its second branch in south Augusta on Wednesday morning at 3125 Peach Orchard Rd., and local dignitaries joined the grand opening at the renovated former IHOP while a third branch is set to open in spring.

Federal energy officials announced on Wednesday, Feb.

25 that Georgia Power will receive $22.4 billion as part of a record $27 billion loan to fund new natural-gas plants, transmission lines, and upgrades plus the company expects to save customers over $7 billion in lower rates over time.

The Richmond County School System changed the 2025-2026 academic calendar so that April 3 will now be an in-person learning day instead of asynchronous instruction (introduced at the Feb.

10 board meeting) to ensure continuous learning.

Augusta University restored its Summerville Campus entrance after Hurricane Helene by planting two mature deodar cedars sourced from North Carolina & staging a dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10.

The project marks a nearly year-long effort to renew the campus landscape after significant storm damage.

Historian Carol Sue Humphrey will deliver the 2026 Future of the First Amendment Lecture on Tuesday, Mar.

10 at 7 p.m. in the JSAC Coffeehouse + located at Augusta University’s Summerville Campus +.

H V Jenkins Warrior Council earned multiple honors at the GASC Convention this past weekend at Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Eatonton).

The council received the Council of Excellence award and student members earned a $500 scholarship as they plan to attend the VISION National Student Council Conference next year.

Augusta Tech students earned 15 medals at the SkillsUSA Georgia state competition held at Augusta Technical College, with historic first golds in Aviation Maintenance Technology and Culinary Arts.

Their team also won gold in Advertising Design, Video Production, and Graphic Imaging Sublimation.

Nationwide, measles cases have varied since last year’s first measles death in West Texas involved an unvaccinated child, and Georgia reported its second case of 2026 in Bryan County.

Drivers near Summerville Campus should expect traffic changes Saturday for the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races starting at 7 a.m. (no roads will close, but several streets will turn one-way until 11:15 a.m.).

Augusta National and Masters Tournament Charities have pledged $1.5 million to expand the USNDP State Junior Team Program — which now serves 30 states — and will distribute $500,000 annually through 2028.

The funding will support athlete and administrator development to help young golfers thrive.

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.