Good morning, Augusta.

On Saturday, a Columbia County oyster cookoff in Augusta raised funds for Child Enrichment (an organization that supports children facing abuse and neglect).

The event also featured a dessert competition and opportunities for community engagement with local law enforcement.

Families gathered Saturday at Warren Road Community Center for Sip, Snack & Slither, an interactive festival that featured exotic and farm animals, food, games, and hands-on experiences hosted by Not Normal Exotics & Barnyard Buddies.

Guests enjoyed up-close encounters with a toucan and goat yoga during the community event.

Local interior designer Michael Siewert, known as Signature Mike, offers home décor tips on THE SIGNATURE MIKE SHOW at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on CBS Channel 12 WRDW — giving Augusta residents practical ideas for stylish makeovers.

After thunderstorms cut Saturday’s Arts in the Heart Festival short — the festival continues today with children’s events, art vendors, food from 20 nations, and stage performances.

Organizers assure attendees that author signings and additional activities will follow.

North Augusta hosted its second annual Oktoberfest Mustard Crawl on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., drawing large crowds to downtown stops such as Crown + Lavender and Grove Gourmet Market where visitors sampled mustard tea, herbal treats and other themed products.

Governor candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms held voter rallies at Paine College and Central Station on Friday, Sept.

18. She spoke to students and supporters, and a young attendee presented a handmade note — underscoring her push for local voter engagement.

Augusta University researchers discovered that the gene LMOD1 helps protect artery walls from plaque build-up.

In a study, mice on a high-fat diet — with rapid plaque formation after removing the gene — suggest a new path for understanding and preventing heart disease.

Data from 2026 shows that Weyerhaeuser is Georgia's largest private landowner & it manages 10.4 million acres of timberland across the nation & holds 300,000 more state acres than any rival.

This record figures highlight its key role in local real estate.

Windsor Academy outscored Westminster 32-7 on Friday, Sept.

18 with standout drives from Woodard, Lewis, Dale, Hardeman plus McGreggor's final rush helping secure the win. They will face Trinity Christian on Sept. 25.

Augusta University's volleyball team swept Georgia College on Saturday (Sept.

19) at Christenberry Fieldhouse, with strong plays from Nikol Antova, Andrea Rodriguez and Hunter MacFarland. The Jaguars will host Lander University on Tuesday (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m. in a Peach Belt Conference match.

Brent McMillian, AU’s new athletic director, plans to boost game attendance and strengthen Jaguars’ sports programs with family game-day events like courtside season tickets and a kids’ zone at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

A lifelong Augusta resident, he brings 13 years of sports experience to the role.