🌱 $6.2M Grant For Augusta Transit + Mayor's Trash Cleanup Initiative

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Augusta Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Clouds breaking, a t-storm. High: 80 Low: 63.
• Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. Augusta Transit is set to replace its current public transportation system with energy-efficient buses, thanks to a $6.2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The funds will be used to purchase a fleet of Gillig buses that operate on electrical power, with the aim of having them running by early 2025. Augusta city officials have expressed their commitment to reducing the city's carbon emissions by 50 percent, with the new bus fleet marking the first step in achieving that goal. (WJBF-TV)
2. Mayor Garnett L. Johnson's initiative to beautify the Augusta-Richmond County area will see local volunteers and city officials participate in a community-wide trash cleanup today (Saturday, Mar. 25). Johnson has expressed that litter is a prominent issue in the community, and said, "It's time to remind residents and visitors why Augusta is called the Garden City." Designated cleanup locations include Lake Olmstead, Damascus Road, and Morgan Road, among others. (WRDW)
3. Family and friends of Commen Schuttz, an Augusta mom and business owner who was allegedly killed by her husband after reported abuse, hosted a march to shed light on domestic violence. Despite the tragedy, Schuttz's legacy lives on, as she was known and loved by many in the community. Those who participated in the march hope Schuttz's story will give people the courage to speak out against domestic violence, with friends and advocates urging others to speak up and seek help. (WRDW)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Saturday, March 25

• Fortune Feimster: Live Laugh Love! At Bell Auditorium (7:00 PM)

Sunday, March 26

• FREE Sundays At The Morris At Morris Museum Of Art (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The 10th Street Bazaar, scheduled for today in Downtown Augusta, has been canceled due to inclement weather. As of Friday, there is no word as to whether the event will be rescheduled. (WJBF-TV)
• The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System invites the community to the grand (re)opening of the Friedman Branch Library on Friday, Apr. 14 at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. (Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System via Facebook)
• Registration is open for the Citizen's Firearm Safety and Training Class, hosted by the Richmond County Marshal's Office. The class will be held on Saturday, Jun. 10 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Pinetucky Gun Club in nearby Blythe. (Augusta, Georgia Government via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you soon with your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.