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🌱 Patch AM: Could Paine’s new debt forgiveness program wipe out your old balance?

And on the Augusta Patch calendar - Live Music from Magnolia Honey at Top Dawg Tavern

Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Coffee in hand, Augusta? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Augusta PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • Could Paine's new debt forgiveness program wipe out your old balance?
  • Where to drop pajamas that Augusta shelter families urgently need.
  • How Augusta shelters and cooling centers are handling this dangerous heat.

Also on today's calendar: Live Music from Magnolia Honey at Top Dawg Tavern and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Augusta Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Augusta Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Augusta.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 95, low: 76.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 99 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New debt forgiveness program helps former Paine students (wjbf.com) — Paine College in Augusta is launching a new debt forgiveness program this fall to help former students with unpaid balances return and finish their degrees. Eligible ex-students can apply to have outstanding Paine institutional debt cleared, reconnect with the college community, and explore updated financial aid options through the admissions office.
   

2. Finding Solutions: Salvation Army pajama drive addresses shelter's most needed items (wrdw.com) — The Salvation Army of Augusta and Bradley's BBQ are teaming up this month to collect desperately needed pajamas and undergarments for adults and children staying at the Center of Hope. With more women and kids now in the shelter, donations in all sizes can be dropped at Bradley's BBQ, the Center of Hope, the Kroc Center, or Salvation Army Family Stores.
   

3. Local shelters see more unhoused residents amid extreme heat (wrdw.com) — Augusta shelters and city-run cooling centers are stepping up to protect unhoused residents and vulnerable neighbors from dangerous heat, extending hours and adding space when needed. The Salvation Army's Center of Hope and the Love Center report rising demand, especially from families with children, while the city offers open community centers as cooling sites across Augusta.
   

4. Sylvia Cooper says retirement is for the birds (theaugustapress.com) — Longtime Augusta journalist Sylvia Cooper, now Sylvia Cooper-Rogers, is best known locally for her years covering city politics and writing a weekly column for The Augusta Chronicle. This profile traces her Georgia roots, teaching career, and award-winning reporting that helped shape how residents understood local government and community issues.
   

5. Workers, student-athletes adjust as dangerous heat grips the CSRA (wjbf.com) — Dangerous heat around Augusta and the CSRA is forcing outdoor workers and student-athletes to change routines and lean on strict safety rules. A local landscaper shares hydration and clothing strategies, while Columbia County schools rely on wet-bulb readings and athletic trainers to decide if and how long teams can safely practice outside.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found this sweet dog on the running trail at Augusta Prep.
    Has a collar with no tag, we took them to get scanned for a microchip, but they found nothing. We tried walking around Spring Lakes. Does anyone know… (Nextdoor Mason McKnight Jr Pkwy)
  • A dog has been around my house for two days.
    It's a service dog. Is it yours??? Belair Hills Estates… Augusta…. Can you come get it (Nextdoor Wrightsboro)
  • State of Georiga posted a job opening for Housekeeper 3 - Augusta in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Augusta Marriott posted a job opening for Part Time Night Auditor in Augusta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Augusta here.

Ok Augusta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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