🌱 Multiple Million Dollar COVID Fraud + New Dual Enrollment Program

Morning, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Augusta Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local news you need to know right now.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 79 Low: 68.
• Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 85 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. A $4.5 million COVID scheme netted an Augusta man 38 months in prison. Kamario Thomas was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He is ordered to pay restitution to the US Small Business Administration. (WJBF)
2. A brand-new dual enrollment program is being offered to students by Augusta University and Columbia County School District. The program will assist Lakeside High School students to connect directly to Augusta University. Most of the courses this fall in the program will be university core classes. (jagwire.augusta.edu)
3. A public hearing on the Wellstar merger with Augusta University is set for Thursday, Jun. 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lee Auditorium. The proposed agreement would put Wellstar in charge of the Augusta University Health System and Augusta University Medical Center. The attorney general will have 30 days after the hearing in which to make a report. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Thursday, June 22

• Rachael Warfield Makes Music at Soul Bar (6:00 PM)

Friday, June 23

• Live Music With Alex Scott at Top Dawg Tavern! (4:00 PM)
• Travis Tritt at Bell Auditorium (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Top Golf summer camp received a visit from The Augusta Fire Department's Engine 10. The firemen gave out good summer fire safety tips to help the community be aware and be safe. (Augusta, Georgia Fire/EMA via Facebook)
• The red, white, and blue ambulance of the Bo Jangles Tour stopped right here in Augusta yesterday to honor first responder heroes. Augusta was only one of the 50 stops on the three-week tour across the nation called The Big Bo Box Campaign. All funds raised will go to the company’s non-profit partner, Folds of Honor. (WRDW)
• Suspects Vinston Moultrie, Ike Lang, and Kenneth Maurice Williams are now residing in the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta. The three have been arrested in connection with two separate murders. No bail information has been released as of Wednesday. (WRDW)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox 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.