Metro Spirit Blog

Help Augusta Prep student win golf scholarship

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:47:59 -0400

Augusta Prep student and Episcopal Day School graduate Sam Odi is competing for a Golf Digest Scholarship and he needs your help.

Augusta Boxing Club celebrates Rayonta Whitfield

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:48:52 -0400

Rayonta "Sting Ray" Whitfield celebrated his win with kids from the Augusta Boxing Club after regainning the NABO Flyweight title.

Local legislative delegation opposes cuts to universities

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:04:03 -0400

The Augusta-Richmond County Legislative Delegation held a press conference at the Coffee House on the second floor of ASU's Student Activity Center Friday, announcing their support for the university system, particularly the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta State University.

ASU students rally against cuts

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:17:03 -0400

More than 100 students gathered in front of Allgood Hall on the campus of Augusta State University to protest the $300 million in budget cuts requested by the state legislature.

Drive-By Truckers head to downtown Augusta on Saturday

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:11:14 -0400

Drive-By Truckers return to downtown Augusta this Saturday night at Sky City.

ASU students prepare to protest

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:03:19 -0400

Augusta State University students have planned a student protest today starting at 12:30 p.m. on the college campus to oppose proposed cuts by the state.

Shaun Piazza Band's new CD available

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:51:24 -0400

Shaun Piazza Band's CD was officially release on Saturday at Sky City on Broad Street.

Augusta Opera hosts event

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:48:03 -0400

Get a taste of opera tonight in North Augusta

"I want my crossword puzzle!"

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:52:40 -0400

We here at the Metro Spirit didn't realize how much people love their N.Y. Times crossword puzzle.

Columbia County needs your blood

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:13:11 -0400

The Columbia County Emergency Management Agency and Shepeard Community Blood Center will be holding a special blood drive Thursday, Feb. 25 at two separate county locations.

"Cabaret" offers an evening of dance and art

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:33:48 -0400

The Columbia Classic Ballet, under the direction of Radenko Pavlovich, who studied with the great Rudolph Nureyev, brings an evening of dance to Aiken

"Gypsy" coming to Columbia County this weekend

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:16:02 -0400

The Augusta Players are bringing the award-winning musical, "Gypsy" to Columbia County this weekend.

CSRA Bridal Expo benefiting the Red Cross on Feb. 21

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:37:37 -0400

As your big day nears, see what goodies await to make it even more spectacular at the 2nd Annual CSRA Bridal & Formal Expo this Sunday at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

GHS's drama department perform the award-winning drama "Rabbit Hole"

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:14:45 -0400

The Greenbrier High School Pack Players, the performing arts group affiliated with the GHS Drama Department, will bring the drama "Rabbit Hole" to the Greenbrier High Theater Feb. 18 - 20.

ASU awarded $69,300 grant

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:38:10 -0400

Augusta State University has been awarded a $69,300 grant by Simio, a developer of 3D object-oriented simulation software. ASU is now one of only about 100 universities worldwide to join Simio's academic program, which offers the software to schools at no charge.

Babypalooza postponed due to snow

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:41:03 -0400

Babypalooza, an event for pregnant moms and guests that was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, was postponed due to the inclement weather this weekend.

Richmond County schools dismissed early

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:58:54 -0400

Richmond County Schools have announced an early dismissal due to possible snow later today.

Garrison Keillor compelling in Augusta

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:38:31 -0400

The live broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion" shown at the Regal Cinema Thursday night gave fans of the popular public radio program just what they wanted — a look at what they see on the radio.

Augusta Photo Festival returns this June

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:25:12 -0400

After its tremendous success in 2008, the Augusta Photo Festival is ready for its proud return this June.

Hardie Davis wins District 22 Senate seat

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:22:42 -0400

Richmond County voters in District 22 have select former state Rep. Hardie Davis as their next state senator.

Runoff today in Senate District 22 race

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:08:47 -0400

Richmond County voters in District 22 are heading to the polls today in the runoff election for the Senate seat between former state Rep. Hardie Davis and former Richmond County Solicitor Harold V. Jones II.

Around the world with the Maestro

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:32:14 -0400

Donald Portnoy, the former music director of the Augusta Symphony, now Symphony Orchestra Augusta, didn't let any grass grow under his feet since he and the orchestra parted ways last year, and he took a trip around the world as if to prove it.

Grantham proposes 2010 art funding

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:51:43 -0400

Several art groups and public service organizations learned this week where they may stand regarding this year's funding from the city. And some are not happy.

Visit the Morris Museum for free

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:09:15 -0400

The Morris Museum offers free admission to all visitors starting today through March 14.

Art groups waiting on budget decision

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:04:54 -0400

Art groups and public service organizations may begin finding out this week about how much money they can expect to receive this year from the city.

Tightening the security at the Marble Palace

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:03:01 -0400

With many questions still surrounding the recent break-in at the tax commissioner's office in the municipal building, Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick is anxious to talk about the stolen money.

Augusta Museum of History cutting hours

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:03:21 -0400

Due to the economic challenges facing the Augusta Museum of History, the museum will be reducing its hours of operation starting Feb. 1.

Daughtry coming to James Brown Arena

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:39:44 -0400

Rock band Daughtry will perform at the James Brown Arena on June 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $39.50 and $29.50, will go on sale on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

Investigation continues of the $25,000 stolen from the Municipal Building

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:48:11 -0400

With many questions still surrounding last weekend's break-in at the tax commissioner's office in the Municipal Building and the theft of more than $25,000 in cash, Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick is anxious to talk about the stolen money.

Morris Publishing enters Bankruptcy Court

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:40:46 -0400

Morris Publishing Group has received court approval to continue its business operations without interruption as the company seeks bankruptcy.

Brakes put on parking meters in downtown Augusta

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:54:26 -0400

The proposal for parking meters in downtown Augusta is parked for now. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director Margaret Woodard said today that she's backing off the plan to meter 1,000 parking spaces in downtown Augusta.

Morris Publishing Group seeks bankruptcy

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:02:55 -0400

Morris Publishing Group is seeking bankruptcy. The newspaper is planning to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy by early next week.

The Augusta Ballet hires new director

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:23:14 -0400

The Augusta Ballet has a new director. Jennifer Franks, who was previously employed by Art Peritus in New York City, has been hired by The Augusta Ballet to take over for the recently retired managing director Patti Ann Smith.

"The Clean House" returning to USC Aiken

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:11:20 -0400

USC Aiken will present encore performances of "The Clean House" on Jan. 19 - 20 at 7:30 p.m. The USC Aiken's student play has been selected as one of four productions to perform at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region IV in February.

Bill proposes changes in firearm legislation

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:13:08 -0400

Majority Whip Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has filed Georgia's "Common Sense Lawful Carry Act," which proposes to amend the current firearms legislation.

Symphony Youth Competition features 16 students from the CSRA

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:34:52 -0400

The Augusta Symphony Guild and Symphony Orchestra Augusta, under the direction of Music Director Shizuo Z Kuwahara, will hold its annual Symphony Youth Competition on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m.

Augusta Champions raise millions for Augusta

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:33:24 -0400

More than $18.6 million was generated in 2009 by local "Augusta Champions."

Augusta City Classic awards money to schools

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:26:21 -0400

Henry Ingram, president of the Augusta City Classic, recently distributed several checks to area schools, including a $40,000 check to Columbia's Benedict College.

Celebrating the Artist event this weekend

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:08:36 -0400

The Art Factory's "Celebrating the Artist" event will be held this Sunday, Jan. 10 inside Sacred Heart Cultural Center on Greene Street.

Augusta's downtown parking meter plan paused

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:33:30 -0400

The Downtown Development Authority's parking meter plan is now double parked while officials pave the way for more public meetings.

Art on the Wall event rescheduled to Feb. 20

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:47:04 -0400

Due to the extreme cold weather predicted for this upcoming weekend, the Augusta Utilities Department and the Art Factory have decided to reschedule the "Art on the Wall: Wall Walk."

Runoff in Senate District 22 race

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:28:32 -0400

Get ready for a runoff in the District 22 Senate race on Feb. 2.

Election today in Senate District 22 race

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:47:19 -0400

The four people running for the District 22 Senate seat recently vacated by Ed Tarver are battling for voters' support today.

Metro Spirit gallery closed for January

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:56:04 -0400

Due to the fact that this month's first Friday Friday falls on New Year's Day, the Metro Spirit's art gallery will be closed on Jan. 1.

Public meetings held for parking meter proposal

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:41:38 -0400

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proposing to install 1,000 parking meters in downtown Augusta by next year.

Bird houses on sale to benefit Mistletoe State Park

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:18:27 -0400

The Friends of Mistletoe State Park are selling bluebird houses, available in pine and redwood, for $15 and $20 to help fund improvements to the park.

Singer Carrie Underwood coming to Augusta on May 2

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:14:20 -0400

Grammy winner and country music sensation Carrie Underwood has announced that she will bring her tour to Augusta's James Brown Arena on May 2.

Rape charges filed against 19-year-old inmate in Columbia County

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:44:33 -0400

Sodomy charges were filed Dec.1 against 19-year-old Bradley Mandela Houston, who allegedly assaulted his 17-year-old cellmate at the Columbia County Detention Center.

Plans for TEE Center and Laney-Walker redevelopment approved

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:22:16 -0400

The trade, exhibit and event center is finally going to become a reality.

Ernie Smith declared winner in House seat 122

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:01:38 -0400

Only one candidate has qualified to represent Augusta in the Georgia statehouse.

Evans health care reform forum draws Democratic crowd

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:17:52 -0400

A coalition anxious to oust Paul Broun from his 10th District Congressional seat held a health insurance forum last night at the Evans library, drawing more than 25 people.

More than 300 art pieces available at Metro Spirit

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:51:26 -0400

Christmas shoppers can stop looking. The search is over. The Metro Spirit is offering Augustans a chance to purchase quality, local art for less than $100.

Matt Aitken winner in District 1 runoff

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:22:48 -0400

The face of the Augusta Commission is about to drastically change.

Cirque soars at the James Brown Arena

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:04:09 -0400

By the time we got to the contortionists in Cirque du Soleil's "Alegria," I'm sure even the most prudish audience members had given at least passing consideration to the recreational applications such toned and flexible bodies might offer ...

Deadline for Metro Spirit's short story contest today

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:08:26 -0400

Writers have one more day to enter the third annual Metro Spirit short story contest. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Dec. 1 ...

Willie Nelson coming to the Bell on Jan. 23

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:34:12 -0400

Country legend Willie Nelson will perform at the Bell Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ...

Less than a week for writers to enter short story contest

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:06:31 -0400

Writer have less than a week to enter the third annual Metro Spirit short story contest. The deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Deadline approaching for interested artists in "Art on the Wall" project

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:56:30 -0400

The Art Factory has a call for artists to participate in the "Art on the Wall" project on the newly refurbished Augusta Water Works facility on Highland Avenue.

My Instant Lunch winner of Band Aide 1

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:01:16 -0400

After four weeks of concerts that pitted Augusta's finest musicians against one another, My Instant Lunch was crowned the winner of the first ever Band Aide competition ...

Man's name released in shooting by police

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:33:17 -0400

Narcotics investigators were dispatched to the 1918 Ohio Avenue on Tuesday night to arrest Michael Chris Nestor, 30, on several felony warrants ...

Augusta Regional Airport hoping for new director

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:16:05 -0400

Rev. Karlton Howard, chairman of the Augusta Aviation Commission, announced that the board has unanimously selected Gary LeTellier, the executive director of Coos County Airport Authority in Coos Bay, Ore. ...

An additional prize for Metro Spirit's short story contest

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:20:45 -0400

It is time for the third annual Metro Spirit short story contest. This year, the grand prize winner will not only receive $100 in cash, but he or she will also get a free registration to Augusta State University's Sandhills Writers Conference ..

Sheriff Ronnie Strength says deputies justified in shooting

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:08:02 -0400

The two deputies who shot and killed a man holding a woman at knifepoint early Thursday morning were justified in their actions, according to Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength ...

SOA committed to Columbia County

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:28:39 -0400

Symphony Orchestra Augusta administrators addressed Columbia County's Community and Emergency Services committee looking to be designated the official resident symphony for Columbia County ...

Woody Merry's case remains in the dead docket

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:49:21 -0400

The simple battery case against political watchdog Woody Merry will remain in the dead docket following his outburst last week before the Augusta Commission ...

Tarver will become U.S. Attorney

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:07:05 -0400

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Georgia Sen. Ed Tarver 's nomination by President Barack Obama to become the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia

Kroc Center victory

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:46:51 -0400

At a press conference at Harrisburg's Free Will Baptist Church this week, Kroc Center Administrator, Capt. Todd Mason, announced the fundraising campaign for Augusta's Kroc Center had raised $22 million

A runoff in the District 1 race

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:55:09 -0400

The votes have been counted and the face of the Augusta Commission is about to drastically change ...

White's Building fails to sell

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:08 -0400

The much anticipated and often postponed auction of the J.B. White's Building on Broad Street turned out to be a well attended non-event ...

Former Gov. Barnes in town on Wednesday

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:20:45 -0400

Former Gov. Roy Barnes will be the keynote speaker at Paine College Department of Mass Communications' assembly program on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.

Woody Merry demands change in City Hall

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:20:38 -0400

In the days approaching the city election on Tuesday, there has been no shortage of passion on display ...

Augusta Regional Airport selects new director ... again

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:52:01 -0400

Rev. Karlton Howard, chairman of the Augusta Aviation Commission, announced this week that the board has unanimously selected Gary LeTellier

The Great Debate of '09 put on a show

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:16:40 -0400

The Imperial Theatre hosted an unusual show on Tuesday night. The candidates for Augusta-Richmond County Commission for Districts 1, 3, and 5 met on stage to answer questions ...

MCGHealth announces first kidney paired donation

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:01:58 -0400

When Gretchen Kingery of Pulaski, Ga., found out she
wasn't a match to donate a kidney to her husband Lee, she was
disappointed, but she didn't give up ...

Metro Spirit's short story contest

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:36:42 -0400

It is time for the third annual Metro Spirit short story contest. Last year, we received more than 100 entries and we chose our top five picks.

Wood Merry is back

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:01:33 -0400

Political watchdog Woody Merry is ready to get his government reform group, CSRA Help, back into action.

Augusta ranked 23 by BusinessWeek

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:27:48 -0400

Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver announced this week that the Augusta metro area has been ranked 23 by BusinessWeek's list of "The Forty Strongest U.S. Metro Economies."

Dessert with a Ghost moved to Oct. 30

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:10 -0400

Local entrepreneur Michael Wolff is turning part of the Doris Building into a spooky venue for ghoulish family fun with the introduction of "Dessert with a Ghost" ...

Metro's Best party a huge success

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:25:23 -0400

Thank you to everyone who attended the Metro's Best celebration at The Partridge Inn on Oct. 21. The event was a tremendous success with more than 500 people in attendance ...

Don Snell resigns from MCG Health

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:40 -0400

Don Snell has resigned as president and CEO of MCG Health, Inc., effective at the end of this month ...

Boshears: The Experience

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:02:01 -0400

Each year in October the skies over Daniel Field in Augusta come alive with planes, parachutes and pilots ...

Advanced Voting Week begins Oct. 26

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:15:02 -0400

Don't want to stand in line on election day? Get ready to vote.

Advance Voting Week will begin on Monday, Oct. 26 and will run through Friday, Oct. 30 ...

Metro Spirit short story contest

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:07:42 -0400

It is time for the third annual Metro Spirit short story contest. Last year, we received more than 100 entries and we chose our top five picks ...

Early voting turnout is low

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:11:53 -0400

In the first two weeks of early voting, the Richmond County Board of Elections Office is reporting an extremely low turnout ...

The Great Debate of '09 at the Imperial

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:40:34 -0400

Just one week before the Nov. 3 election, "The Great Debate '09", sponsored by TalkRadio 1230 WNRR, has been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6:30pm at the historic Imperial Theatre ...

Jessye Norman School of Arts receives $25,000

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:20:26 -0400

The Jessye Norman School of Arts is scheduled to receive a donation of $25,000 on Sunday, Oct. 18 ...

Symposium honors Ed Cashin

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:48:52 -0400

Augusta State University's Center for the Study of Georgia History will present a two-day symposium on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 in honor of its founder, the late Edward Cashin ...

Hero Way coming to Grovetown?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:37:37 -0400

The new elementary school planned for Grovetown may still be in the design phase, but the road going into it is about to have a name ...

Shinedown concert moving to the Bell

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:05:17 -0400

The Shinedown concert with Sick Puppies and Adelitas Way scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. has been moved from the James Brown Arena to the Bell Auditorium ...

Comedians Mark Evans and Kier at Somewhere in Augusta

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:24:39 -0400

The Comedy Zone at Somewhere in Augusta will feature comedian, singer and songwriter Kier along with Atlanta native Mark Evans ...

What is going on with Augusta's law department?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:34 -0400

A few weeks ago, I wrote an editor's letter asking that the city please bring back former City Attorney Jim Wall. Back then, I was writing a bit in jest. Now, I'm serious ...

"Dracula the Undead" author in Aiken

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:22:55 -0400

Author Dacre Stoker, an ancestor of Bram Stoker, will be signing copies of his book, "Dracula the Undead," in Aiken today ...

Close call for Richmond County student

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:14:37 -0400

A Richmond County student trying out for the All-State chorus last Saturday received minor injuries after the bus she was riding in was reportedly damaged by gunfire ...

Cut for a Cause today

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:48:15 -0400

Jon Ric Augusta at 229 Fury's Ferry Road will be holding, "Cut for a Cause," from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. today with all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research ...

Bedden's son goes to Washington

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:49:49 -0400

Richmond County School Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden's son, Daniel Davenport, is currently in Washington D.C. ...

Concertmaster announcements from SOA

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:15:40 -0400

While Symphony Orchestra Augusta (SOA) prepares to hold a second round of auditions to fill the concertmaster vacancy ...

Jones drops out of race

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:11:12 -0400

Anthony Jones, candidate in the Augusta Commission District 1 race, has officially withdrawn his name as a candidate ...

Pagan Pride Day donates 343 pounds of food

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:41:33 -0400

Augusta's first ever Pagan Pride Day held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Lake Olmstead gazebo attracted more than 250 people and collected more than 340 pounds of food ...

Historic Augusta announces endangered properties for 2010

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:19:28 -0400

For the fourth year in a row, Historic Augusta has announced its Endangered Properties List in an effort to save some of the city's treasured buildings ...

Author of "Jacob & His Magical Flying Bears" in town

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:06:42 -0400

Local author Gerrie Sobel will be signing her new book, "Jacob & His Magical Flying Bears - A Halloween Story" on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Sacred Heart Cultural Center ...