🌱 New Behavioral Health Crisis Center + Shooting At Augusta Store

Hey, everybody. It's Tuesday in Augusta and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 73 Low: 62.
• Wednesday: Sun and areas of high clouds. High: 76 Low: 57.

Business owners and marketers in Augusta: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. Serenity Behavioral Health, located in Augusta, is constructing a new facility to address addiction and mental health issues, aiming to combat the rising number of drug overdose deaths in the United States. The new center, expected to open in 2025, will offer comprehensive services for mental health, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disability disorders, as well as increase the current capacity of its Crisis Stabilization Unit from 16 to 24 beds. Additionally, the facility will provide observation beds and an outpatient area for patients to access resources and support. (WJBF-TV)
2. Augusta is facing the challenge of being a food swamp, an area with an abundance of fast food options but a scarcity of fresh and nutritious food. This issue extends beyond the medical district and worsens in downtown Augusta, where fast food establishments dominate, while grocery stores are located from one to six miles away. The lack of accessible healthy options contributes to high obesity-related cancer mortality rates. Potential solutions may involve government subsidies or other initiatives, such as The Hub and Augusta Locally Grown, which offer programs, farmer's markets, cooking classes, and community gardens to promote healthier choices. (WRDW)
3. A shooting took place at the EZ Grocery store on Olive Road in Augusta over the weekend, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Three men in an SUV fired shots at three other men outside the store, but no injuries were reported. The incident is currently under investigation, and further details are not yet available. (WJBF-TV)

Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Tuesday, May 23

• Pottery On The Wheel At Gertrude Herbert Institute Of Art (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 24

• Kids Club At Top Dawg Tavern (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• As summer approaches, a variety of festivals and events are coming to the Augusta area, including outdoor concerts, music festivals, and special movie screenings for families. Upcoming options include the CSRA Nerf United War and Augusta's Candlelight Music Series. Visit the link to see holiday events and activities scheduled for the season! (Subscription: The Augusta Chronicle)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Augusta area! Get all the property details at the link. (Augusta Patch)
• Beth Harden, a middle school athletic director at Augusta Christian Schools, was recognized and honored for her 40 years of dedicated service at an event where she was joined by Charles Cooper, varsity athletic director. Congratulations! (Subscription: The Augusta Press)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for 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.