Augusta, GA

Augusta demolition gets noticed and neighbors want more

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2024

Augusta demolition gets noticed and neighbors want more

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) A site for sore eyes, crews began demolishing the old Catholic Social Services building on Broad Street after it destroyed by fire eight months ago.

“It’s a big improvement and it already looks better it’s been a long time coming especially with this being a historical district it looks real good now,” said Mike Wechel who lives nearby.

“Oh Lord, they don’t know what a blessing it is to see all of that gone it would be nice if the whole thing would be torn down,” said Barbara Gresham who lives nearby.

The city is spending almost $80,000 to get the whole thing torn down.

Just some of the one million dollars budgeted this year to take on blight like the hundreds of run-down houses across the city.

“The reality is we’re knocking down as many blighted houses as we can they have to come down but they’re being done in a way is hard to see the impact because they are so scattered,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

Those watching the upper Broad Street building come down know where they would like the city to focus the demolitions.

“I think it should go up here in Harrisburg I really do there is a lot of old dilapidated houses it looks really bad it looks really bad,” said Wechel.

“Worked hours at a time to get that building demolished just as I’ve pushed for other buildings across the city unfortunately, we’ve had some hiccups along the way, but I’m excited we’re getting ready to get the building demolished so we can move forward cleaning up Augusta especially the Harrisburg neighborhood,” said Commissioner Johnson.

But with this work finally underway, this part of Harrisburg will soon look better.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

11 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

23 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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