🌱 New Non-Profit For Veterans + 2020 Murder Cold Case Seeks Tips

Morning, friends. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Augusta Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny. High: 89 Low: 68.
• Sunday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 91 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. Guitars for Vets, a non-profit organization, has expanded its mission to Augusta to aid struggling veterans in the area. By offering free guitars and music lessons, they provide therapeutic support and a sense of community to veterans like David Morerro, who found solace and regained control through learning to play the guitar. The program in Augusta spans 12 weeks and includes an advanced class, ensuring that graduates receive ongoing support and a free guitar to continue their musical journey. (WTVM 9 News)
2. During the first year of the pandemic, Carl Collins Jr. relocated back to Augusta from Atlanta, only to be tragically murdered soon after. His family is determined to seek justice for his murder, which occurred on Old Barton Chapel Road in September 2020. If you have any information regarding the murder of Carl Collins Jr., please reach out to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at 706-821-1080. (WJBF 6 News)
3. Former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who launched the "Crush Cancer with Copenhaver" campaign, has completed his chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. The five-and-a-half-week journey was made more comfortable with the support of the medical community and his faith in God. Copenhaver plans to undergo scans in Texas and surgery in the future, but he remains grateful and hopeful, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges with his message of resilience and offering a listening ear and support to those in need. (WFXG)

Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Saturday, June 17

• Wild Woods Fest At Back To Nature Garden Center (5:00 PM)
• Augusta Comedy Show At 1035 Ellis Street (7:00 PM)

Sunday, June 18

• Run Club At Savannah River Brewing Company (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Limited free eye exam appointments are still available in nearby Gwinnett County. Appointments are required; learn more here. (Gwinnett County Public Library via Facebook)
• Comedian Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is headed to Augusta in September! You can find tickets here. (Augusta Green-Jackets via Facebook)
• REMINDER — Most Augusta city offices will be closed on Monday, Jun. 19 in observance of Juneteenth Freedom Day. You can learn more here. (Augusta, Georgia Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! See you 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.