Good morning, Augusta.

This October, Golden Harvest Food Bank launches its 34th annual It’s Spooky To Be Hungry food and funds drive — a long-time CSRA tradition — to raise $500K to provide 1.25 million meals, uniting community groups to help feed neighbors.

Restaurant Biscuit Belly will open its new Evans location on Tuesday, Oct.

6 at Evans Town Centre, serving hearty biscuits with creative toppings. A grand opening on Friday, Oct. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. will offer complimentary drip coffee with purchase + giveaways.

LiveOak Fiber announced a $100 million investment to build a new fiber-optic network in Augusta, Evans and Martinez.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027 (services will start in April), giving homes and businesses a new option for high-speed internet and supporting local job opportunities.

Megan Hilty will headline the Augusta Symphony’s ninth annual Gala on Saturday, Jan.

30, 2027 at the historic Miller Theater. The fundraiser will support performances, education, and community programs as she performs with the orchestra under Music Director Dirk Meyer.

The Greek Festival is underway today at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Telfair Street, offering traditional dishes, pastries, and cultural displays.

The free event runs (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) on Friday with extended hours on Saturday and Sunday.

At the Inspiring Women Awards luncheon on Sept.

24, Air Force veteran Amy Dotson was celebrated for reclaiming her life after an MS diagnosis by joining adaptive sports and getting help with an accessible vehicle from Paralyzed Veterans of America. She later won several medals at national wheelchair veteran games + credits these events with renewing her spirit.

Governor Kemp announced that MEC will invest about $26 million to refurbish an existing building at 1048 Superior Way in Thomson for a new metal fabrication facility.

The project is expected to create around 140 jobs, with workforce expansion set to begin later in 2026.

A new UGA report shows that Georgia ports support 19,277 jobs across the CSRA, with Richmond County accounting for 9,168 while Governor Kemp said the findings support plans to boost the economy through further port investments + continued growth opportunities.

Augusta Technical College will host a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Oct.

6 at 3:30 p.m. to honor Aurubis Richmond’s investment in workforce training—supporting new scholarships and a refreshed outdoor patio. The event will be held at Building 600, 3200 Deans Bridge Road.

Grovetown Elementary School teacher Heather Cottingham was named Columbia County Teacher of the Year (2027) at a banquet on Oct.

1. She will represent district educators at the state competition for Georgia Teacher of the Year.