🌱 Augusta Rowing Club Relocates + Augusta Man Charged With Fraud

Hello, neighbors! I’m here with your fresh copy of the Augusta Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 84 Low: 64.
• Friday: Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 87 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. Augusta Rowing Club is in need of a new home due to mold issues at their current facility, The Boathouse. Augusta Commissioners have unanimously voted to demolish the building, leaving the club searching for a new location. The Rowing Club has suggested that the city either remove the mold or provide them with a similar-sized building, but one commissioner has proposed using shipping containers to store the club’s boats, which the club argues is not a viable solution. (WJBF-TV)
2. Maurice Sturgis, a 24-year-old from Augusta, has been charged with insurance fraud and forgery, according to Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. Sturgis allegedly submitted two additional claims for pet examinations using the same invoice as the initial claim, and on the third attempt, he added a “3” in front of the previous dollar figure in an attempt to receive $352.00. Warrants have been issued against Sturgis in Richmond County, and he is currently detained on unrelated charges. (WRDW)
3. Georgia is one of five states with the highest homelessness rates for veterans. While homelessness among veterans dropped by almost 56% between 2010 and 2022, the rising rental prices have made it challenging for many to find affordable housing. The Charlie Norwood Veterans Medical Center is planning to turn two unused wings into 76 units of housing to help address the issue. (WRDW)

Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

• Augusta Air Show At Augusta Regional Airport (All Day)
• Waterpalooza At Augusta Utilities (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Warm weather means the “gnat line” is approaching Augusta. Learn more about the pests at the link. (WRDW)
• Mother’s Day is this weekend! Check out the list of great Augusta-area restaurants to treat mom. (The Augusta Chronicle)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Augusta area! Get all the property details at the link. (Patch)

You’re all caught up for today! See you soon for 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.