Good morning, Augusta.

Kids at Wellstar Children’s Hospital received a Christmas treat Thursday as Santa delivered toys in the lobby, brightening their holiday.

He makes this special visit each year.

Local restaurants Café 209 and El Rey help residents by providing meals and resources all year long.

The owners (who also run nonprofit programs) say consistent support is vital beyond the holiday peak.

Fireworks stands are preparing for New Year’s celebrations as vendors like Joe Dirt Fireworks gear up for a busy holiday season — families will enjoy outdoor festivities and the chance to gather in the warm weather.

Local Kroger stores hosted a coat and blanket drive that began Friday and continues through Sunday to help individuals and families stay warm.

Donations of new or lightly used items are accepted at stores in Augusta, Aiken and North Augusta and will be given to nearby shelters and community groups.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions announced a new Hiring Our Heroes agreement — it will connect transitioning service members with jobs at the Savannah River Site to boost veteran employment.

Local business owners reported strong holiday foot traffic and sales in Aiken and Augusta during November and December, helping shops + boutiques stay busy despite slower months ahead while warm weather encouraged more downtown strolls and gift shopping.

Artist Przemyslaw Kordy installed a school of fish sculpture at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park earlier in 2025.

Commissioned by Dennis Skelley and the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, the work adds to park pieces like an eight-foot heron, dragonfly and Chompy the Alligator.

Warm weather drew crowds to Mullins Crossing on Friday as local stores offered post-Christmas deals+ holiday gift card promotions with busy parking lots and foot traffic.

Retailers also began discounting unsold Christmas decorations.

North Augusta councilman Dennis Briatico warned that construction debris from nearby sites is affecting Brick Pond Park + raising concerns about plans for a cyber center in Riverside Village.

Public hearings will soon allow residents to share input on conservation efforts.

Eagle South LLC plans a new data center that will cover twice the area of Augusta Mall between Hayne’s Station and Captain’s Corner off Gordon Highway.

Preliminary work has begun and the project is expected to finish in the second quarter of 2026 (expanding earlier plans from 2022).

Jefferson County’s Lady Warriors finished the state playoffs as area runner up after winning a tight first-round game 13-12 over Savannah Country Day and losing 20-0 to top-seeded Fitzgerald, scoring 423 points all season & overcoming injuries.

Seven players earned All Area 6 honors.

KPOP WARRIORS Live Show

6:30-8 p.m. — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a world-class show full of K-Pop music, stunning choreography, and vibrant costumes.

K-POP GOLDEN SHOW

3-7 p.m. — Warren Road Community Center — Family-friendly event — Dance and sing along to your favorite K-Pop hits and enjoy dazzling performances.

Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament

All day — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee varies — Engage in thrilling matches at this exciting tournament in Augusta.

Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament

Jan 23-25 — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling pickleball tournament in Augusta's premier indoor facility.