In today’s Digest:
🏗️ Google will occupy 33 data center buildings as a November tax-relief vote approaches
🔨 Rally Augusta wants $1M more to keep rebuilding Helene-damaged homes
🏥 Wellstar is cutting 761 corporate, shared-services and administrative jobs
🚧 Barton Chapel Road is closed for underground piping through Aug. 14
🏀 Cross Creek received its Class 3A state championship rings
🍽️ A Martinez Fine-Dining Mainstay Since 1987
At 106-A Davis Road in Martinez, Cadwalladers Cafe has served upscale American dinners since 1987. The weekly changing menu moves between seafood, steaks, bison, lamb, seasonal salads, and house-made desserts.
Chef Eric Lindsay, part of the restaurant since 2008, now runs the kitchen while owner John Donner carries on the Waller family's tradition. Expect business-casual dining, a full bar, and one of the CSRA's largest whiskey selections.
Read more here.
How to Turn Your Business into the One Everyone Knows
A great product or service does not create a successful business. It’s your visibility that does.
That's exactly why Shanita created the 8-week From Unseen to Seen Workshop.
Shanita Thomas coaches business owners out of exactly that spot, and she does the work in public every week: Morning Brews & Views on Wednesdays and the N2N podcast on Mondays.
People can't hire you, support you, or refer you because the lack of trust. They don't even know you exist.
Through her N2N Future-Proof Framework™, participants learn a practical four-step process to build clarity, strengthen relationships, create systems, and strategically use AI to increase their visibility and grow their business with intention.
And now she is putting the whole thing into an 8-week online workshop with one job, taking an owner from unseen to seen.
The current workshop is free to join through the waitlist, and spots are filling quickly.
But come prepared to invest not just financially, but in yourself. The entrepreneurs who experience the greatest transformation are the ones willing to step outside their comfort zone and commit to their own growth.
Join the waitlist today and take your first step from Unseen to Seen.
Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this publication possible!
🏗️ Google Project Puts Tax Relief on November Ballot
The Gist: Google will occupy two data center complexes near Appling covering 33 buildings and 3,500 acres, Columbia County Manager Scott Johnson said. A November referendum will ask voters whether the county may use project revenue for property-tax relief, with credits possible in 2027.
Why It Matters: The county says homestead bills could eventually fall to zero, while neighbors still face years of construction and questions about the sites' local impact.
What's Next: Voters decide in November. Full elimination could not happen before 2028 and would also require a state constitutional amendment.
Read more here.
🔨 Rally Augusta Seeks $1M to Keep Rebuilding
The Gist: Rally Augusta says it has completed 197 Hurricane Helene recovery cases and 135 major construction projects since February 2025. Its work covers Richmond, Columbia and McDuffie counties, where 65.9% of homeowners served are at least 60 and all were uninsured or underinsured.
Why It Matters: Blue tarps and condemned homes remain nearly two years after the storm, especially for older residents who cannot fund or manage major repairs.
What's Next: Rally Augusta wants $1 million more for materials before Mennonite teams are expected to return in September or October. Homeowners still needing help can register through ngumc.org/disasterassistance.
Read more here.
🏥 Wellstar Cuts 761 Jobs Across Georgia
The Gist: Wellstar Health System is eliminating 761 corporate, shared-services and administrative positions, about 2% of its workforce of more than 35,000. The system says doctors, nurses and other frontline clinical roles are not included.
Why It Matters: Wellstar runs MCG Health in Augusta and is preparing to open Columbia County's first hospital, but it has not disclosed how many local employees are affected.
Read more here.
🚧 Barton Chapel Closure Runs Through Aug. 14
The Gist: Barton Chapel Road is closed to through traffic between Gordon Highway and Wrightsboro Road from July 27 through Aug. 14 for new underground piping. The marked detour follows Gordon Highway, North Leg Road and Wrightsboro Road.
Why It Matters: The shutdown cuts a key South Augusta connection during the back-to-school rush, so commuters and families should expect extra travel time.
What's Next: Traffic control crews will keep local access and detours in place until the scheduled Aug. 14 end date.
Read more here.
⚾ Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies | SRP Park | North Augusta | Saturday, August 1, 6:05 PM | More
Catch a player autograph session before first pitch, then stay for fireworks.
🌍 Afro Caribbean Fest | Augusta Common | Augusta | Saturday, August 1, 5:00-11:00 PM | More
Fashion, live music, dance, and a rice cookoff celebrate two cultures.
💌 Artrageous! Family Sunday: Pretty as a Postcard | Morris Museum of Art | Augusta | Sunday, August 2, 2:00-4:00 PM | More
Turn snail mail into art with a free postcard painting project.
💧 Lil Waders: Water Wonders | Reed Creek Nature Park & Interpretive Center | Martinez | Tuesday, August 4, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | More
Ages 2 to 5 get hands-on with nature play; registration is required.
🧚 Create with Me! Forest Fairy Doors | Morris Museum of Art | Augusta | Thursday, August 6, 4:00-5:00 PM | More
Toddlers through tweens paint tiny garden doors; advance registration is required.
🧺 Augusta Market at the River | 8th Street Plaza at Riverwalk | Augusta | Saturday, August 1, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM | More
Shop produce, prepared food, and handmade goods while local musicians play.
🎶 Candlelight Music: PHAZE 360 | Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds | Augusta | Sunday, August 2, admission 6:00 PM, concert 7:30 PM | More
Neo-soul, R&B, rock, and soul fill this outdoor summer series.
✏️ Sip & Sketch | Evans Library | Evans | Monday, August 3, 6:30-7:30 PM | More
Bring a drawing project, try optional prompts, and sip mocktails with local artists.
🎸 Adult Guitar Club | Evans Library | Evans | Tuesday, August 4, 5:30-7:30 PM | More
Experienced players trade songs, tips, and techniques in a casual group session.
🏃 Augusta Run Club Poker Run | Cavalier's Coffeehouse | North Augusta | Thursday, August 6, 6:00-9:00 PM | More
Run or walk three miles, build a hand, and support local shelter pets.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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