Augusta Mini Theatre's new facility means more than new opportunities for students thirsty for the arts.

It's not signed, sealed and delivered, but a $160 million local sales tax package is on its way to becoming a resolution with a slightly smaller judicial center, less jail space, fewer public works projects and nothing for the arts.

Jonathan Mallett is grateful for the positive impact the Augusta Mini Theatre Community Arts School has had on his life.

Jonathan Mallett is grateful for the positive impact the Augusta Mini Theatre Community Arts School has had on his life.

Depending on whom you ask, George Bush and John Kerry just might have an effect on whether Augusta gets a performing arts center, a sports arena, an expanded Augusta Mini Theatre and much more from future sales tax money.

When it comes to golf, Augusta has made its mark. The sport is a recognizable signpost for the city, marketing tool for business and industry and source of civic pride. Test it out when you're traveling and somebody asks where you're from. "Augusta, you know, home of the Masters Tournament," you answer. Fine arts? That's a different story, say leaders from Augusta's major performing arts organizations.

GETTIN' PAID -- Stephen Jones, 16, and Ryan Thompson, 21, students of the Ron Jones Academy of Ballet in Columbia County and members of the Augusta Dance Theatre, have signed contracts to dance in a professional production of The Nutcracker in Savannah. Stephen, a member of Lakeside High School's wrestling team, is performing the roles of Soldier Doll and the Nutcracker in the Island Dance Theatre's production of the Tchaikovsky classic this weekend.

The founder and director of the Augusta Mini Theatre says the entire community should take pride in the arts school being built in south Augusta.

Tyrone Butler kept waiting for the groups who usually support Augusta's special purpose local option sales tax proposals to step forward and push the tax, but this time nobody has.

Augusta's arts community took the stage Thursday before an Augusta Commission audience to ask for special sales tax money for several planned projects.