Good morning, Augusta.

Augusta police + doctors are teaming up for holiday shopping events aimed at brightening the season for children.

The events will be held soon at local venues and invite families to join the celebration.

The Salvation Army of Augusta (which launched its Forgotten Angels drive on Dec.

9) asked residents to donate food and essentials to help local families in need. The community initiative aims to bring vital support to neighbors across the area.

Members of VFW Post 649 visited Pruitt Nursing Home on Milledgeville Road Tuesday afternoon to surprise residents with karaoke and gifts to honor veterans.

The organization said it will host more holiday events throughout the season.

Amazon is reviving its 'Tip Your Driver' promotion for the holiday season; customers using the app or asking Alexa can tip eligible drivers in Flex & DSP roles a $5 bonus at no extra cost until the program’s $2 million cap is reached.

Cliff Eckles retired from Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company after nearly 20 years of service — he built the private banking division and supported community programs in Augusta while new leadership prepares to grow the bank’s private wealth sector.

Behold the Star returns as a cherished Christmas event showcasing classical, gospel, jazz and pop, dance and theatre.

It will occur at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Augusta University Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, supporting youth scholarships for Creative Impressions.

Meadow Garden held a candlelight tour that celebrated 250 years of local history and honored George Walton and other residents through 18th-century Christmas decorations.

Visitors enjoyed the festive ambiance and shared their own stories (reflecting the community's inclusive legacy).

Augusta University named Melissa Brocato interim athletic director after Ryan Erlacher resigned on Dec.

8. Brocato, who has led Jaguar softball and served as assistant AD since 1998 (previously interim in 2022), will oversee the athletic department as the university continues to search for a permanent appointment.

Evans High junior Liliana Beemer was recognized for her runner-up finish in the GHSA cross country state championship, and the board approved Harlem High renovation plans during its final meeting on Dec.

9 — a session that also saw public concerns on transparency and curriculum language.

Officials said plans to downgrade the Fort Gordon hospital remain possible, but the Defense Health Agency warned that talks over service reductions are premature & further reviews are underway.

Augusta’s 50-year-old downtown hotel, one of only three designed by I.M.

Pei, is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen as The Conroy in February 2027 as part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. The hotel will offer 176 rooms and over 10,000 sqft of meeting space to serve residents and visitors.

Clue Live On Stage!

7:30-9 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Enjoy a hilarious whodunit mystery inspired by the classic board game and movie.

Chelcie Lynn Live

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — $36.70 to $64.50 — Experience the comedic genius of Variety’s Top 10 Comics To Watch in a night of laughter.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience the timeless magic of a holiday classic at a beloved local movie palace.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling circus artistry set to your favorite holiday music in a winter wonderland.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

4:15-5:14 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed in a stunning candlelight setting.