Augusta
Morning News
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Patch celebrated its soft reopening yesterday with a ceremonial first tee led by the family of local golf legend Jim Dent and community leaders at Highland Avenue. The 18-hole course will fully open to the public (April 15) after three years of renovation. The Augusta Press
- ➤ The Salvation Army hosted the Hop for Hope event Sunday afternoon at Posh Tots Children's Boutique to support its campaign to build a new Center of Hope. The new shelter will be built on Hale Street at the former Murray Biscuit Company site + replace the current Greene Street location. Augusta CEO
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Illegal dumping is straining local resources as the Marshal’s Office worked 126 cases in 2026 (down from 691 in 2024 and 673 in 2025) with only three enforcement officers after budget cuts, and officials expect nearly 700 cases this year. WRDW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Maxwell Theatre hosted its final open mic night of the spring 2026 semester on March 2nd, where students showcased music and poetry without needing to sign up beforehand. Organizer Coco Rubio said more open mic events are planned for next semester (inspiring spontaneous family connections). The Bell Ringer
- ➤ Inner Bean Cafe has held a 20-year brunch tradition & now features a local art gallery in Martinez. The event connects food with art to support local culture. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ The Greater Augusta Arts Council and partners announced the 2026 storm drain mural project where six schools and local artists will paint murals to show how storm drains affect water — the 'Down the Drain' exhibition runs at City Gallery until April 22 with a reception on April 17. Augusta CEO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Thirteen tornadoes touched down in north and central Georgia by March 18, including seven EF-0, five EF-1 and one EF-2 — with minor damage and a few injuries reported. The storms indicate an active season so far. The Augusta Chronicle
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, Mar. 19, an Augusta lottery player won $1 million playing the Lucky 7 Multiplier Scratcher (a major jackpot that has the community buzzing). WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia drivers will soon benefit from a 60-day suspension of the state excise tax that saves about 33 cents a gallon on gas and 37 cents a gallon on diesel. Gov. Kemp will sign the bill tomorrow after it passed unanimously in the Senate. The Augusta Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Modoc Speedway reopens today after four years with the Ed Basey Memorial—a marquee stop on Schaeffer’s Spring Nationals featuring Super Late Models, CRUSA Street Stocks, Factory Stocks, and Crown Vics. Gates open in the afternoon at 1133 Washington School Road in Modoc. WRDW
- ➤ Jacob Judson emerged as the top junior sporting clay shooter at a local event (Mar. 19) and his performance highlighted the rising talent among young athletes near home. WRDW
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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.
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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.
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Dare To Tri Sprint Triathlon
9 AM – 1 PM — Fort Gordon Indoor Swimming Pool — Check your competitive spirit with a 300m swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 5K run.
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Stand-Up Comedy by Steven Ho
8-11 p.m. — Miller Theater — $39 to $59 — Laugh out loud with former ER Technician turned comedian Steven Ho as he shares hilarious healthcare tales.
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Heroes for Hope 5K Run/Walk
8:00 – 11:55 AM — Mill Village Trailhead - Augusta Canal — Registration fees apply — Unleash your inner hero at this vibrant 5K event supporting Child Enrichment.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Augusta Morning News
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