Good morning, Augusta.

Sabrina Winfrey turned a birthday request into a thriving business with Unique Candle Designs—she makes handcrafted candles, body sprays, soaps, wax melts and shea butters inspired by her top-selling Georgia Peach line.

She custom blends over 200 fragrances to suit her customers and teaches candle-making classes at her shop on Deans Bridge Road.

A man died Friday night in Thomson when officers shot 63-year-old Arval Gross at the 800 block of Leslie Street just before 10 p.m.—the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident as the CSRA’s third officer-involved shooting in two weeks.

On Saturday at about 3:25 p.m., a Richmond County deputy at Augusta Mall was struck by a white 2020 Nissan Altima driven by Toni Wallace, aged 32, a known trespasser with past shoplifting arrests—he was taken to Piedmont Hospital for a hurt knee and sprained wrist.

A proposed $25 million sewer project in south Augusta will serve a 1,150-acre megasite and may attract large industrial projects that generate thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue.

The project is being considered for SPLOST 9 funding plus its construction, which includes new sewer lines and a pump station, is expected to take about 12 months.

Dozens of kids attended a back-to-school supply drive at Bernie Ward Community Center where they received school supplies for the upcoming school year.

On July 10, Augusta's city administrator recommended that SPLOST 9 focus on quality of life—public safety and infrastructure—to address urgent community needs.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation promoted Charles Kicklighter to special agent in charge of the Cyber Crime Center in Augusta; he has worked at the bureau for 27 years and led digital forensic and cyber-enabled crime investigations.

He also held roles on specialized task forces (including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force) and trained overseas (in the Republic of Georgia) to strengthen cybersecurity.

Nineteen-year-old ace Rayven Antonio delivered an impressive start for Augusta by pitching seven scoreless innings to secure a 2-0 win over Salem after heavy storms delayed the game until 9:05 p.m. He struck out 26 batters, a record for any Braves farmhand (the game was shortened to seven innings due to Carolina League rules).

Nike Jr. EYBL 7th Grade Championship

July 14-17 — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Entry fees may apply — Watch young basketball talent compete for the championship title.

Signing with Sara (ASL) Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Wallace Branch Library — Free entry — Learn American Sign Language basics with ASL Certified Signer, Sara Cooks.

Crimson Hills Trail Ride

4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — Crimson Hills — Cost varies — Experience thrilling trail rides, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere with food and games for all ages.

2nd Annual Bookbag Bash

10 AM - 1 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Enjoy free school supplies, costume characters, and live DJ performances.

Mahjong Mania Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Episcopal Day School — Supplies included — Learn the art of Mahjong with expert instruction in a fun, engaging environment.

Augusta Captains Seafood Festival

1 PM to 5 PM — Augusta Common — Free admission — Enjoy three days of fresh seafood and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

AugustaCon Summer 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket details pending — Explore a variety of fandoms at Georgia’s premier comic convention.

FREE Sundays at The Morris

12-5 p.m. — Morris Museum of Art — Free entry — Enjoy a cultural experience at Augusta's art museum on this special free Sunday event.

Free Sundays at The Morris

12-5 p.m. — Morris Museum of Art — Free entry — Enjoy art and culture at no cost thanks to community sponsorship.

PokeKon Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — $20 — Discover the ultimate gathering for Pokemon collectors and fans of all genres at this vibrant one-day convention.