🌱 Teen Charged With Murder + Doctor Performs Life-Saving Surgeries

Hello, neighbors. I’m back with your fresh edition of the Augusta Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what’s happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and humid. High: 96 Low: 75.
• Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 97 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. The Augusta Commission has decided to hire an external firm within the next two weeks to initiate the search for a permanent administrator for the City of Augusta. The position has been vacant for over a year since the departure of former administrator Odie Donald. While there are differing opinions on the timeframe, some commissioners emphasize the need to move forward quickly to ensure strong financial management and to begin the budget season. (WFXG)
2. Sixteen-year-old Bernard Freeman Jr., from Augusta, has been charged as an adult with murder and weapon possession in the latest homicide case. The charges are related to the shooting death of 30-year-old William David Wolf near the Woodcrest Apartments. While the motive remains unclear, friends remember Wolf as a nonviolent and respectful person with a warm and loving personality. (Subscription: The Augusta Press)
3. Dr. Justin Bundy, an orthopedic surgeon from Augusta Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, is making a global impact by traveling to Jamaica to perform life-saving spinal surgeries on scoliosis patients. With limited access to medical care and education about scoliosis, Bundy and his team prioritize educating families, patients, and local physicians about the condition. During their week-long trips, they perform 12-17 surgeries, lasting three to five hours each, aiming to improve each patient’s quality of life and prevent severe complications that can affect organs like the lungs and heart. (WJBF-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

• Candlelight Music Series At Augusta Common (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Augusta area at the link! (Augusta Patch)
• During the Boom in the Park Event in the nearby Evans Towne Center area, drivers should take note of two temporary road closures: Antebellum Way will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Jul. 4, while Evans Town Center Boulevard will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the same day. Additionally, pedestrians are advised to use designated crosswalks and follow instructions from law enforcement. (WJBF-TV)
• Are you still looking for Fourth of July plans? Augusta is celebrating leading up to Independence Day, featuring various events such as concerts, firework displays, live music, and family-friendly activities. You can find events in the area at the link! (Subscription: The Augusta Press)

Now you’re in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. 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.