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🌱 Patch AM: How a $1 million gift could transform autism care in Augusta

Happening soon: Nitro Circus 2.0 at SRP Park on the Augusta Patch calendar

Friday August 21st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Augusta! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $1 million gift could transform autism care in Augusta
  • Which Augusta routes will face construction delays through 2027?
  • How one tech conference brought millions to Augusta's struggling downtown

Also on today's calendar: Nitro Circus 2.0 at SRP Park and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A heavy thunderstorm, temps: high: 90, low: 72.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 94 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. $1 million gift will expand autism services in Augusta (augustachronicle.com) — A $1 million gift from Augusta philanthropists Allan and Ursula Soto will significantly expand autism and developmental services for children at the Kisner Center in Wellstar Golisano Children's Hospital of Georgia. The funding will boost diagnostic capacity, family navigation support, and regional collaboration, aiming to improve early intervention and specialized care for families in the Augusta area and beyond.
   

2. Roadwork coming to three busy routes in Richmond County (wrdw.com) — Drivers in Augusta and Richmond County should prepare for years of work on I-520, Mike Padgett Highway, and State Route 88, including new lanes, turn options, and resurfacing. The Georgia DOT and Augusta's Engineering Department have set completion dates through 2027, while also updating the Broad Street Improvement Project schedule, meaning long-term impacts on local commutes and traffic patterns.
   

3. TechNet Augusta brings in record amounts of economic growth (wfxg.com) — TechNet Augusta 2026 has pumped an estimated $10 million into the local economy, far surpassing early projections and giving a much-needed boost to Broad Street businesses hurt by construction. Destination Augusta leaders say the city's military and cyber presence, plus an upgraded convention center funded by SPLOST 9, should keep the conference – and its visitors – coming back for years.
   

4. Meet Augusta University's Class of 2030 (augusta.edu) — Augusta University is welcoming its Class of 2030, including more than 100 first-year students from Augusta and hundreds more from surrounding CSRA counties. The incoming Jaguars represent 14 states and nine countries, span ages 16 to 25, and are heavily focused on biology, pre-nursing, and other health-related majors. The piece also highlights popular names, standout GPAs, and top feeder high schools.
   

5. Prison Foster Program Saves 120 Rescue Dogs Through Inmate Training (wgac.com) — Inmates at Augusta State Medical Prison are helping rescue dogs heal and find homes through the Pups in the Pen foster-training program, which has saved more than 120 dogs in two years. Local volunteers with Dog Networking Agents visit regularly, and the men even sell handmade key chains and bracelets to pay for food and care for struggling families' pets.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Augusta, GA, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 days, 0 hours. Message from Finder: "Found this little guy… (Nextdoor Tupelo Dr)
  • Our three dogs escaped this morning around 3:30 a.
    m.. we have searched for them for hours and we cannot find them. We live in the Harrisburg area but they could have traveled even to downtown Augusta… (Nextdoor Harrisburg)
  • Sprouts Farmers Market posted a job opening for Produce Clerk in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Thompson Hospitality Corporation posted a job opening for Utility Worker - Paine College 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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