Augusta, GA
Wellstar MCG helps bridge gap in Ga. health care
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been over a year since Wellstar Health System and Augusta University Health System merged.
Since then, they have seen an increase in medical students.
Augusta University says MCG’s class size is one of the top five in the country with more than 300 students in each class.
We spoke with a doctor about how this growth is helping Georgians.
The Medical College of Georgia is the 13th oldest medical school in the country.
After years of maturing, the college’s current first year class is projected to be the fifth largest in the country.
MCG officials say the growth is positive for pipelining more medical professionals in Georgia.
From the lab to communities, Wellstar MCG is making headway into the future of investing in Georgia’s medical workforce.
Dr. Natasha Savage with the Medical College of Georgia says her journey through the medical field has come full circle, now being able to educate the next generation.
“I’m a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. I know how much our faculty cares about our residents, about our students and about our patients,” said Savage.
She says expanding specialty programs is what’s keeping MCG competitive in critical areas of healthcare like their newest program, maternal-fetal medicine.
“That is a three-year fellowship under the state under the program of OB/GYN and is fully supported by the state. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists help ensure that we have great care for our moms and their children,” she said.
MCG says they’re not slowing down because the need to grow the medical pipeline is more important than ever.
“Whether that be pediatricians or OB/GYNs or pathologists, etc. There’s many areas of the state of Georgia that have no OB/GYN or no psychiatrist and so we’re really working to fill that void,” said Savage.
Savage says MCG retains about 50% of its students each year, which is a positive sign for the future landscape of Georgia healthcare.
“We hope to maintain them, keep them here and continue to improve healthcare through optimal teaching, research and excellence in care,” she said.
According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, more than 140 counties in Georgia are medically underserved.
With a high retention rate, officials hope to continue to bridge that gap in healthcare.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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#
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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