Good morning, Augusta.

Destination Augusta is hosting a Staycation Giveaway that runs through Dec.

31 to boost downtown business by inviting residents to shop local at retailers and restaurants. Winners will be drawn each month and receive a package with hotel accommodations + dining and entertainment.

Following the fatal Tuesday night electric dirt-bike crash that killed a local 13-year-old near Harlem Middle School on Appling Harlem Road, pediatric trauma centers noted a 400% rise in youth injuries from electric mopeds, scooters, and bikes - with speeds of 20-28 mph blamed for severe injuries.

Augusta Players are staging a musical based on true stories and original music that addresses opioid addiction.

Director Roy Lewis (the group’s lead) said the group is the first outside Michigan to receive the rights, and the production will highlight local challenges and recovery efforts.

Guitarist and songwriter Buddy Red brings his blend of rock, blues + soul to the Arts in the Heart Jazz and Soul Stage in downtown, where he will perform soon.

The event promises a lively local music experience.

The Arts in the Heart Festival kicks off Friday at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 308 Hale Street, featuring over 130 artisans, demonstrations, and the Literary Lounge Stage (hosting book readings, Q&As, and open mics) through Sunday.

Small businesses learned how to work with the school board at a resource fair held Monday night at the Henry Brigham Community Center, hosted by trustee Monique Braswell; the fair aimed to educate local business owners on partnering with the school system.

Augusta University is launching its first undergraduate program after regents approved it on Wednesday.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree will prepare students for careers in disease prevention, community health and disaster management at the School of Public Health.

Augusta Technical College announced its sixth class of Den of Distinction inductees on Sept.

15. The college will honor the 10 inductees (nominated by alumni) at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at St. Paul’s River Room in downtown Augusta.

More than $13.6M in federal funding has been awarded to build Augusta’s largest veterans cemetery behind East Central Regional Hospital on Tobacco Road.

Groundbreaking will start in November, and construction is expected to take a year and a half to serve eligible veterans and spouses.

Georgia health officials reported that West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes at Fort Gordon, with eight human cases including one death noted across the state.

Officials advise residents to use EPA registered repellent and remove standing water to prevent further cases.

Walton Options for Independent Living will host a wheelchair tennis tournament from Sept.

18 to Sept. 20 at Riverview Tennis Center in North Augusta. The event, organized with Georgia Rehabilitation Institute (title sponsor), will bring together athletes, families and volunteers for adaptive tennis.