Augusta, GA

Foster with Augusta shelter and give a pet a home for Christmas

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2024

Foster with Augusta shelter and give a pet a home for Christmas

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – If getting a pet for Christmas wasn’t on your to-do list, think again.

Augusta Animal Services has the chance for you to “test run” a pet this week as part of their Home for the Holidays program.

You get to foster a pet, with all the food and supplies you need provided for you and in return, a dog or cat gets to spend the holiday outside the shelter.

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Augusta Animal Services says they struggle with overcapacity almost all year round so events like Home for the Holidays are crucial.

“We have really high hopes for it, we always do,” said Rebecca Reece, Augusta Animal Services outreach coordinator.

It’s an event the shelter depends on.

“Home for the Holidays is one of our favorite programs,” said Reece. “We do it every year for Thanksgiving and for Christmas.”

The goal is for animals to find a home where they can spend lots of future holidays.

“We have a pretty good rate of people who take their dogs home for the holidays, deciding to keep them which is something we love having happen,” said Reece.

But adoption isn’t a requirement. They say taking them home even just for a little bit can help.

“It helps get the dogs out into a home environment over the holidays,” she said.

Which in turn, makes them more adoptable.

“It still helps us get a lot of vital notes about how the dogs do in the home environment, which helps future adopters,” said Reece. “It also helps the dogs to just enjoy themselves for a while. It means they’re not in the kennel.”

And they say they are there to help you through the process.

“You can always just come in and let us know if you’re looking for a dog or if you’re looking for a cat,” she said.

They say they’ll do their best to make sure both you and the animal are comfortable.

“We’ll talk to you a little bit about your home, what you’re looking for, whether you have any animals in the home already, and we’ll give you some suggestions of dogs you might like,” said Reece.

If you decide to add a furry friend to your holiday fun, they will give you everything you need to get started.

“The leash and some food. Some minor supplies,” said Reece. “Almost like a gift bag to make it easier for you.”

Augusta Animal Services says even though the shelter is closed on Tuesday, they will still have the event from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m

If you decide to return your foster animal, you can do that between Jan. 2 and 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you do adopt that animal, your adoption fee is waived.

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

8 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

20 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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