🌱 Augusta Church Disaffiliates + Former Mayor Battling Cancer

Hi there, Augusta. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Clouds breaking, a shower. High: 77 Low: 63.
• Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. An Augusta church won a lawsuit against the North Georgia Annual Conference of Methodists to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. Judge Sheryl Jolly denied the conference's motion to dismiss the suit, ordering a church conference to be held by May 16 for members of Trinity on the Hill to vote on the disaffiliation. The ruling was celebrated by members of the church, and other legal organizations are pushing for similar cases to be heard in the future. (Subscription: The Augusta Chronicle)
2. Former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver has confirmed he is battling esophageal cancer while receiving treatment for the illness. Copenhaver, who served as mayor for almost ten years, urged people to support the Unite in the Fight walk benefitting the Georgia Cancer Center. A special "Do It Deke!" shirt is available for purchase to support both Copenhaver and the cancer center. (WFXG)
3. The South Augusta Farmers Market is set to return on May 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with fresh produce, value-added products, and family-friendly activities available each month. The market also includes a variety of attractions, including the Wallace’s Farms Petting Zoo, MACH Academy National Tennis Month demos, and healthy cooking demonstrations by Chef Cassandra. The market is open on the first Saturday of each month from May to October, except for Jul. 8, at the Mayor Garnett Johnson South Augusta HQ. (Augusta CEO)

Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Saturday, May 6

• Augusta Social Spring Market At Ubora Coffee Roasters (10:00 AM)
• James Brown Birthday Get Down At Museum Of Augusta (3:00 PM)

Sunday, May 7

• Georgia Bird Fest At Phinizy Swamp Nature Park (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Augusta University has announced its dual enrollment program with Columbia County. AU faculty will teach college-level courses inside of the county's high schools, with the goal of increasing accessibility to higher education. (Augusta University via Facebook)
• Attention, drivers: 6th Street will be closed to traffic between Greene St. and Watkins St. from Monday, May 8 through Wednesday, May 10. Detours will be in place. (Augusta, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• The Golden Blocks-Block Party Health and Resource Fair is taking place today (Saturday, May 6) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, testing, and information, as well as receive no-cost clothing and food. (Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on May 11th and 12th at Jeff Maxwell Branch Library (May 11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another 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.