🌱 AUPD Receives Lifesaving Award + County Search For Suspect

Hello all. I’m back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what’s happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 92 Low: 74.
• Friday: Thunderstorms. High: 92 Low: 74.

Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. Seven officers from the Augusta University Police Department (AUPD) have received the AUPD Lifesaving Award for their collective response to a welfare check that saved a man’s life. Officer Eugene Maes took immediate action upon discovering an unresponsive man in a stairwell, with Officers Rodriguez Washington, Rebecca Saunders, and Sgt. Justin Stowers providing crucial on-scene support until EMS arrived. The teamwork, professionalism, and swift response of the officers were commended by AUPD Chief James Lyon and Capt. Harry Smith, emphasizing the department’s commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect while prioritizing the sanctity of life. (Jagwire – Augusta)
2. Authorities in Richmond County are seeking Aaron Montel Askew, 28, in connection with an aggravated assault and armed robbery incident that occurred at Conklin Avenue and Conklin Lane on Monday. Askew is considered armed and dangerous, with active warrants issued for his arrest. He is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing around 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Individuals with any information about Askew’s whereabouts are urged to contact Investigator Alex Haskins or the on-duty investigators at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. (WRDW)
3. Residents of nearby Aiken can now use their cellphones to text 911 and seek help from emergency services, providing an alternative communication method during emergencies. The option, which was introduced last year, was re-announced to raise awareness among residents who may not have known about this additional means of accessing 911. Lt. Jennifer Hayes from the Aiken Department of Public Safety highlighted the main objective of offering the text option as providing residents with an alternative way to communicate during critical situations. (Charleston Post Courier)

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

• Live Music With Old Man Crazy At Top Dawg Tavern (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Christmas Tree Shops chain store in Augusta is set to close along with its 80-plus locations nationwide after defaulting on a $45 million loan unless a new buyer emerges within the next week. Augusta Exchange has experienced several business closures recently, including O’Charley’s Restaurant and Bar, Buy Buy Baby, and Bed, Bath and Beyond, but new businesses like Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and BrandsMart USA are also slated to open. (The Augusta Chronicle)
• Lidl, a popular German-based grocery store known for its low prices, will be closing its North Augusta location on Jul. 16, according to a sign posted on the door. (Charleston Post Courier)
• Shepeard Community Blood Center and Southern Dermatology are partnering to address the challenging week for blood donations. To incentivize blood donations, Southern Dermatology is offering a free Botox treatment valued at $120 to individuals who donate blood at any Shepeard Blood Drive until Jul. 7. (WJBF-TV)

You’re officially in the loop for today. I’ll see you soon!

— 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.