Augusta
Morning News
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Area Vietnam veterans were honored at a Welcome Home event at the Augusta VA Medical Center uptown on April 15. Veteran Dennis DuPuis gave an emotional speech as the 282D Army Band from Fort Jackson played upbeat tunes. Augusta Good News
- ➤ Augusta University held a memorial ceremony today to honor campus community members who passed away over the past year. President Russell T. Keen gave remarks at a quiet gathering that united faculty, staff and students in remembrance. The Augusta Press
- ➤ Former Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree, remembered by classmate Clarence Brown for his steady service, is honored at a funeral today at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church — burial follows at Noah’s Ark Baptist Church Cemetery in Waynesboro. WRDW
- ➤ Melisha Johnson, founder of The Compassionate Advocate, is spotlighting Second Chance Month to help formerly incarcerated residents secure stable housing + new opportunities as they reenter society. Augusta CEO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Plans for the new Lidl grocery store call for a 31,000-sqft facility to be built on 3.11 acres at 4285 Washington Road across from Publix in Columbia County — bids from contractors are now invited following county approval. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ Surcheros opened its second Augusta restaurant Thursday morning, serving authentic Mexican cuisine in a bright, modern space (located downtown). This expansion offers local diners a new spot to enjoy their favorite dishes. The Augusta Press
- ➤ Walmart is remodeling nearly 50 stores across Georgia and South Carolina to upgrade layouts and add self-checkout lanes, even closing its Grovetown Neighborhood Market for a month - the chain is also updating its Great Value brand with new food and household offerings. WRDW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Climate change and urbanization are pushing black bears and alligators closer to neighborhoods around Augusta as animals search for food and water. Wildlife experts advise residents to avoid feeding or handling the animals (to prevent dangerous habituation). The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ Georgia farmers face severe drought as dry weather strains crops and water supplies — they hope that upcoming rain later this week will ease the impact on their operations. Augusta CEO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Senator Jon Ossoff is boosting local small business training with $500,000 going to the GABCC Foundation (serving rural East Georgia) from bipartisan legislation (approved Feb. 3) that will support growth for local entrepreneurs. WRDW
- ➤ Thousands of Verizon customers (including residents in Aiken, North Augusta, Graniteville, and Edgefield) lost cell service on Thursday morning after 56 Verizon sites went offline, impacting nearly 79,000 subscribers; the sheriff’s office advised using alternate routes for emergency notifications. WRDW
- ➤ Senator Ossoff launched an investigation into insurance companies for denying claims and delaying medically necessary care after local Georgians reported issues, and he asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to review prior authorization requirements to speed treatment access. WRDW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Advocates in Augusta use Black Maternal Health Week's 10th anniversary to call attention to gaps in prenatal care and support for Black mothers, with community events planned across rural areas to stress the need for prompt treatment and fair care — a push aimed at saving lives. WRDW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Caden Merritt’s two-run triple in the eighth gave the GreenJackets a 6-3 comeback win over the Woodpeckers on Thursday night, earning their fourth straight win. Tomorrow, Azaleas Weekend begins at SRP Park with an Auggie Gnome giveaway for the first 1,000 fans + 7:05 p.m. first pitch. The Augusta Press
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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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Katy Nichole and Claire Leslie Concert
7-10 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP doors at 5 p.m. — Experience a night of honest music with Katy Nichole and special guest Claire Leslie that showcases faith and authenticity.
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Justin Hayward Live Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP packages available — Experience the iconic voice of Justin Hayward with classics from The Moody Blues.
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Dink’d Pickleball Invitational 2026
April 23-26 — Dink'd Pickleball — Not specified — Compete in a spirited pickleball tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
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Sacred Heart Garden Festival 2026
10 AM – 5 PM — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Admission details not specified — Celebrate spring at Augusta's cherished garden festival featuring vibrant blooms and local traditions.
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Augusta Symphony Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Enjoy an evening of symphonic music with Augusta's primary professional orchestra in its 68th season.
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The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power in Concert
5-9 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the orchestral magic of beloved fantasy soundtracks live in Augusta.
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An Evening with Josh Gates
7-10 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Cost info not specified — Discover thrilling adventures with explorer and talk show host Josh Gates from Discovery Channel's Expedition Unknown.
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First Tuesday Tech Talk Augusta
7-9 p.m. — Jessye Norman School — Free entry — Connect with local tech enthusiasts for discussions and hands-on workshops.
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Dinosaur Adventure
3:30 AM – 1 PM — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Check website for costs — Families can experience an exciting dinosaur-themed adventure at this local favorite.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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