Good morning, Augusta.

Jones Creek Golf Course invites locals to celebrate Halloween Eve on Friday, Oct.

30 at 4:30 p.m. with a par-3 competition, kids chipping challenge, raffles, live music, food trucks and a Golden Shot contest for $1,000, free admission with a candy donation to support youth (costume contest prizes are offered).

SRP Foundation has named Lori Cefus as its new Executive Director today, and she brings 19 years of experience to steer initiatives in education, housing, healthcare, and human services in the region.

A Trader Joe’s is set to open its first store in Evans after officials revealed the planned location; the new grocery will offer local shoppers a fresh option in the CSRA community.

Controlled explosions will begin today near a new data center construction site in Columbia County; neighbors + businesses may feel vibrations from blasts scheduled on alternating weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Dec.

30.

Augusta Tech employees and supporters raised nearly $51,000 through their Family First Giving Campaign—exceeding the goal by about $11,000—to help students with scholarships, transportation, technology and emergency support.

State superintendent candidates debated long-standing questions about the school funding formula during a recent debate, raising issues that could shape future education policy.

Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital has honored long-serving PICU nurse Nicoletta Blocki by dedicating a bereavement cart stocked with sympathy cards, canvases, and heartbeat bears (a tribute to her 33 years of compassionate care).

The cart now serves as a comforting reminder for families facing loss.

Augusta Fire Department has received a $305,405 grant to boost mental health check-ins and early multi-cancer detection screenings for firefighters.

The funds will be split between $106,200 for behavioral care and $229,746 for cancer screenings — ensuring local firefighters get preventive health services.

At PaceDay 2026, cyclists, runners, and walkers energized Augusta by supporting cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University and finishing at the Health Sciences Campus; a record 909 participants gathered as organizers push toward a $500,000 goal (donations continue online).

The Augusta women’s golf team finished second at the UNCG Collegiate on Oct.

20 in Greensboro, N.C., with Sara Adams posting a 3-under-par round & Puntita Pawichai earning a top-10 finish. The team will next compete Feb. 1-3 at the UCF Collegiate in Orlando, Florida.

John Daly will return to Augusta at Topgolf during Masters week in 2027 and 2028 after his long-running tradition at Hooters ended.

The partnership brings new event details and exclusive merchandise as part of an expanded deal that will boost his national presence.