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🌱 Patch AM: Why some Augusta University students never heard alarms during Elm Hall fire

You won't want to miss College Football is BACK at Top Dawg Tavern! on the Augusta Patch calendar

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Greetings Augusta! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why some Augusta University students never heard alarms during Elm Hall fire
  • How a new city arborist could change Augusta's storm readiness
  • What the new Augusta arena milestone means for hockey's big return

Also on today's calendar: College Football is BACK at Top Dawg Tavern! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Hot with some sun, with a high of 97 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 95, low: 74.
  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Students safe after fire at Augusta University dormitory (theaugustapress.com) — Students at Augusta University's Elm Hall were safely evacuated Friday after a small kitchen fire on the Summerville Campus, with no injuries reported. Several residents say they never heard alarms and instead relied on texts and door-knocking to get out, while Richmond County firefighters confirmed the blaze was already out when they arrived.
   

2. Augusta Commission approves plan to hire full-time arborist (wrdw.com) — Augusta commissioners have approved hiring a full-time arborist, mostly funded by a three-year grant, to better manage city trees and storm damage after issues highlighted by Hurricane Helene. The city will contribute about $36,000 annually plus a vehicle, with work focused on Richmond County tree assessments and regional replanting support once grant funds are secured.
   

3. Topping Out ceremony adds final steel beam to new arena's structure (wfxg.com) — Augusta's new arena has reached a major milestone, with leaders and residents celebrating the placement of the final steel beam downtown. Officials say the project remains on time and on budget, paving the way for events and the return of professional hockey, with the Lynx expected to drop their first puck next October.
   

4. State grant sends $100,000 to Golden Harvest for local food purchases (wrdw.com) — Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta is receiving a $100,000 state grant to buy food directly from local farmers, keeping the money and produce in the community. Leaders say the Farm to Food Bank funding will help address persistent food insecurity while giving small farms more stable income as Golden Harvest decides which partners to work with.
   

5. Georgia Power gives $100,000 to Camp Tanglewood campaign (augustachronicle.com) — Girls across the Augusta area stand to benefit from a $100,000 Georgia Power donation to the Trails to Tomorrow campaign at Camp Tanglewood. The funding will help repair hurricane damage, upgrade facilities, and build a new Girl Scout DreamLab so local girls can enjoy stronger outdoor, leadership, and creative programs for years to come.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey, we live on Stratford Dr and our cat hasn't been home.
    We've looked around our street, Hampshire, and Sussex and haven't seen her, if anyone has seen her or picked her up please let me know! I will pay a… (Nextdoor Hampshire Dr)
  • I am looking for my cat Timmi.
    He has not returned home in a day. He is neutered and chipped but does not have his collar on. He is very friend and is greatly missed. He is missing… (Nextdoor Arrowhead)
  • Hoar Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Construction Superintendent in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center posted a job opening for Supply Inventory Technician 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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