Good morning, Augusta.

Amy Pittman Lawson was honored Sunday as Georgia DAR’s new state regent at a tea held at Julian Smith Casino — hosted by local DAR chapters.

Lawson, the first regent from Augusta in 128 years, will serve a three-year term.

Officials in Columbia County set new ticket rules for Boom! in the Park—a move to boost safety and control crowds after fights disrupted Thunder Over Evans in May; tickets were first given to local residents and later released to surrounding counties amid debate.

In honor of National Fried Chicken Day today, Blue Collar Bistro at 312 Augusta Rd. in Edgefield shares its secret recipe passed down through generations that brings home-style flavor to each piece.

The family-run restaurant serves Southern fried chicken with collard greens & mac and cheese to celebrate the tradition.

The Ask A Master Gardener column offers essential July garden care tips including deep morning watering, fall seed planning, and advice for container plants.

It also announces free college classes for seniors & invites residents to join the Master Gardener volunteer program for fall 2027.

Downtown Augusta road construction is causing delays for drivers today as crews work on improving intersections — detours are planned with additional updates coming later this week.

Holiday Inn Express on Broad St. in Augusta scored a 72 during its food safety inspection because it lacked a Certified Food Safety Manager and must secure ServSafe Certification within 30 days.

Country music performer Eric Lee Beddingfield has proposed a revision to build 38 new single-family homes in the Bartram Trail neighborhood.

The project, which seeks to extend a cul-de-sac from 700 feet to 1,350 feet, is set for review by the county board tomorrow.

A vote is open for Augusta-area high school boys lacrosse players to be named Player of the Year, with local fans encouraged to support their top candidate.

The poll remains open until Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m.

AJ Smith-Shawver pitched four scoreless innings at SRP Park as the GreenJackets beat Salem RidgeYaks 4-1 to tie the series and the team is set to face the Hickory Crawdads—who lead Single-A—for the first game at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday with six homestand games ahead.

Hickory Crawdads at Augusta GreenJackets

7:05-8:05 PM — SRP Park — Check for ticket prices — Watch local baseball as the Crawdads face off against the GreenJackets.

Peach State Summer Showcase

8 a.m. — Augusta Preparatory Day School — Competitive entry fee — Experience a high-energy weekend of youth basketball with teams from various divisions.

3rd Annual Bookbag Bash

9 AM – 12 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Kick off the school year with free supplies, fun music, and community resources for families.

Hickory Crawdads vs Augusta GreenJackets

2:05 – 3:05 PM — SRP Park — VIP tickets available — Experience the thrill of minor league baseball with top-notch amenities and entertainment.

Nike Peach Jam Basketball Tournament

July 14-19 — Riverview Park Activities Center — Admission TBA — Witness the pinnacle of grassroots basketball as top high school players compete for the championship.

On The Border - The Eagles Tribute Band

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Miller Theater — Ticket options available — Experience the classic hits of the Eagles performed live.

Abigail Lord Live Performance

Acoustic Set — Evening — Doc's Porchside — Cost TBA — Enjoy a night of live music featuring top hits from Country, Pop, and Rock.

National Treasure Screening

2-4 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Enjoy a nostalgic movie outing at the historic Miller Theater with a screening of National Treasure.

A Night of Soul Concert

8 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket info available — Experience a soulful evening of music from talented performers.