Good morning, Augusta.

After Hurricane Helene damaged Georgia pecan orchards a year ago, local artist Thom Suddreth gathered fallen trees to craft pecan bowls that help raise funds for affected farmers—supporting ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

The bowls are sold at art shows as part of a relief fund that has already distributed over $1.7 million to farmers.

Columbia County schools reported two safety incidents Friday at Evans High—where a fight among three students led to a staff member being hit—and at Greenbrier High when a student was found with a knife; no one was injured and officials are enforcing school policies and state law.

The Augusta Junior Players opened their production of Beetlejuice Jr. (spooky season kickoff) Friday (Sept.

26) at the Kroc Center.

Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts is filming his new independent film The Holy Father in Thomson near Augusta where he plays a priest with a twist.

The film’s trailer is set to release Jan. 15th—Jan. 16th, 2026 and it will debut at festivals next summer before a public release around August and September.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported that Augusta’s seven-county area held a 4.5% unemployment rate in August, unchanged from the previous reading and lower than 5.1% a year ago.

The report noted that the labor force numbered 266,998 with 255,009 employed residents and 247,500 jobs while initial unemployment claims dropped to 687—details that show a steady market—over the month.

Augusta University’s chief information security officer—Heather Roszkowski—was named a finalist for the 2025 GeorgiaCISO ORBIE Award in the nonprofit and public sector.

Winners will be announced on Nov. 20 at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta.

Colony Bank is accepting nominations for its 2026 Colony Leadership Academy+ the program lasting one year will give high school juniors professional leadership training, connections, and scholarship opportunities, with nominations closing on October 3 and final selections to be announced in late November.

Richmond County high schools will install metal detectors by the end of November—under the leadership of Dr. Malinda Cobb—to address long-standing safety concerns about weapons on campus.

A dedication ceremony was held Friday at Fort Gordon to honor Master Sgt. Gary I.

Gordon—his service celebrated by officials and community leaders. The renaming reflects his legacy of bravery and commitment.

IRONMAN and the Augusta Sports Council renewed their partnership to hold the IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta triathlon through 2030 and the race will be held on Sept.

28. Athletes will swim 1.2 miles in the Savannah River, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles along the Riverwalk—using courses in downtown and on the Greeneway trail.

Today, Georgia hosts Alabama in Athens at 7:30 p.m.—Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson makes his first SEC start while experts say the Bulldogs may win by a small margin.

Early predictions point to a score near 34—27.

IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta

4 AM – 5 PM — Augusta Common — Participate in a challenging middle-distance triathlon event in a scenic coastal city.

Stick To Your Guns - Tour 2025

6-9 p.m. — Grantski Records — Tickets starting at $72 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Stick To Your Guns in Augusta, GA.

Wheatus Concert

7-10 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticket info not provided — Relive the nostalgia with Wheatus performing their classic 'Teenage Dirtbag'.

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group Live

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience the stripped-down brilliance and storytelling charm of Lyle Lovett in an acoustic setting.

Tasha Page-Lockhart Concert

7-11 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of contemporary gospel artist Tasha Page-Lockhart live.

Augusta Symphony: The Music of Tony Bennett

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — $50 to $105 — Experience a spectacular celebration of Tony Bennett’s timeless music and captivating performances.

Women of Rock and Soul

7:30-9 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the powerful impact women have had on music across genres like Jazz, Blues, and Soul.

Bethel Music Night of Worship

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $28.65 to $93.65 — Experience a night of worship and ministry in a sacred space of unity and transformation.

Little Shop of Horrors Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience the classic film in a historic downtown venue known for creating lasting memories.

USSSA Military Worlds Softball Tournament

8 AM - 1 PM — Diamond Lakes Regional Park — Check the website for details — Celebrate military skills on the softball field with teams from around the nation.