Good morning, Augusta.

Parker's Kitchen plans to build a new 6,065-square-foot store at the shuttered Walgreens site at 3700 Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway — developers have asked Columbia County to change the 30-foot buffer rule so cars can access Caribe Drive easier.

The Columbia County Planning Commission will review the request on May 15, and if approved, the old building will be demolished for the new restaurant.

Local fundraisers on GoFundMe and MealTrain support the family of Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Sikes, who died Saturday during a traffic stop that turned into an armed standoff with a motorhome rigged to explode — Augusta Prep asked students and staff to wear blue today and suggested donations to charities aiding first responders.

Augusta University School of Public Health announced that Aaron J.

Kruse-Diehr, PhD, will become the new chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences in June. Dean Teresa Waters said he brings strong expertise in research and will start by launching a community-based research fellows program—focusing on improving cancer screening and diabetes management across the CSRA.

Governor Kemp signed multiple bills today to improve school safety and ensure fairness in school sports — the new laws will protect classrooms and keep female athletes from competing against biological male competitors.

Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley honored four officers for their heroic actions, including Sgt. Timothy Owens who averted a tragedy on the Fifth Street Bridge on March 28, deputies Martin Perez and Brandon Kennedy who revived an overdose victim on March 29 at 2 a.m.—and Capt. Scott Gay who coordinated security for the Masters Tournament.

Columbia County Emergency Management Agency will host its annual Public Safety and Preparedness Fair on Saturday, May 3 at Evans Towne Center Park from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature displays by local law enforcement, Fire Rescue and county departments — including a K-9 demonstration and child I.D. services — as well as food trucks, free rides and live music.

FEMA announced it is closing the SBA recovery center in Augusta — a decision that will change where local small businesses can access federal aid.

Senior Avery Jaynes won both the 5000 meter and 10000 meter races at the Peach Belt Conference track championships held April 28-29 in Daytona Beach while other AU athletes posted strong finishes in the steeplechase and middle distance events.

The Jaguars will face top seeded North Georgia in the baseball tournament on May 2, Zoe Pinillos will compete in the NCAA golf regionals May 5-7, former basketball standout David Viti was named coach at Greenbrier High School, and volleyball star Sophia Kruczko signed with Image 4 Sport which could lead to overseas play.

Sophomore Zoe Pinillos medaled at the Southland Conference Championship by winning by two shots and will pack her bags to join the NCAA Regionals in Norman, Oklahoma this weekend (she redshirted last season for extra preparation).

She expects to face longer shots than usual (a new challenge that adds to her competitive edge) at the event.

R&B Unplugged

7 PM - 12 AM — Toaste — Tickets required — Experience soulful R&B music performed acoustically by talented artists for a chill night.

AHA BLS CPR and AED Class

10 AM - 1 PM — CPR Certification Augusta — Contact for cost — Get hands-on CPR training and receive your certification card on the same day.

Gary Allan Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the signature blend of smoldering vocals and rebellious lyrics from country music's modern day outlaw.

Ladies R&B Kickback 3

8-10 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable evening of soulful R&B music performances.

Coheed and Cambria with Mastodon

8 PM — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices starting at $42 — Experience a night of progressive rock and metal with two iconic bands.