I-TEAM UPDATE: Augusta leaders stall silent alarm discussion

Published

2 years ago

May 28, 2024

I-TEAM UPDATE: Augusta leaders stall silent alarm discussion

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For more than a month now, our I-TEAM has tracked errors and response times with Augusta’s Fire Department and 911 call center.

On Tuesday, we were hoping to hear from Augusta commissioners on the subject for the first time.

But that will have to wait.

FULL COVERAGE:

The topic was pulled from the agenda for Tuesday’s public safety committee meeting so they can talk about it in a legal meeting.

Our I-TEAM uncovered nearly 150 cases where a dispatching error happened.

One of those cases was in October 2023 when two people were killed in a house fire right across the street from a fire station.

Earlier this month, questions about the reliability of the Augusta Fire Department’s emergency response have caught the attention of Augusta Commission member Catherine Smith McKnight.

McKnight currently chairs Augusta Richmond County’s public safety committee.

McKnight said she was unaware of any problems and the issue was never brought up in the committee or in commission.

However, McKnight says she now wants answers and says this safety concern is a priority.

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Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WDBJ) – For a second straight game, the Salem Ridgeyaks bats blew up like…well..the fourth of July.

Andrews Opata hit his 5th home run of the season in the first inning, as Salem led wire-to-wire over Augusta, 7-4.

Opata also stole his Carolina League-leading 36th base of the season in the win for Salem (31-47). D’Angelo Ortiz’s 2 RBI double in the 4th pushed the Salem lead to 4-0. Ortiz finished 2-3 with three RBI’s on the night, while Louis Andujar went 3-4, scoring two runs and also plating two runs.

Salem pitcher Christian Foutch (ND, 6.18 ERA) pitched 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 8. Yermain Ruiz (W, 2-3, 9.87 ERA) picked up his first win since May 29th, going 4.1 innings while striking out another 4 batters.

Salem’s series at Augusta continues through Sunday.

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Augusta, GA

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

Published

15 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As a heat wave settles over Augusta, the Psi Omega Foundation is working with Richmond County Marshal’s Office to deliver fans as a part of their annual fan drive.

Eugene White, president of the Psi Omega Foundation, said his personal connection to the community drives the effort.

“I’m the son of someone. I’m the grandson of someone,” White said. “And so when we think about our elders who may have struggled, that really drives home our desire to build a tenacious community.”

Fans available, no questions asked

White spent the day delivering fans across Augusta. Around 140 fans were available for donation.

Lt. Monica Meyers of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office said this year’s conditions have been more severe than previous summers.

“This year I noticed that the humidity has been higher, the heat index has been higher,” Meyers said. “And with that said, we know that research shows us that the elderly and seniors are less likely to run their AC during the summer months because they’re trying to save their budgets, because they are on fixed budgets and low income.”

Doctors say anyone can be at risk for heat-related illness when the heat index reaches the 90s or above.

How to get a fan

The Marshal’s Office said fans are available to anyone, no questions asked. Meyers said residents can call the Richmond County Marshal’s Office at 706-821-2368 or visit the substation at 3050 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

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