Augusta, GA
What’s the status of tiny home projects in Augusta, Aiken areas?
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond and Aiken counties are seeing an increase in homelessness as their “point in time” counts wrap up.
Because of this, Augusta and Aiken leaders are working on bringing tiny homes to help provide resources to those struggling.
The transitional tiny home projects will be the first of its kind for both communities.
Organizers with Bridge Builder Communities in Augusta are a little over a month away from breaking ground on 25 tiny homes for young adults aging out of foster care.
The Aiken County Homeless Housing Coalition says they’re making steady progress with the city to get its 45-home project approved.
Homelessness continues to be a big issue but community advocates are getting that much closer to bridging the gaps.
Jackson Drumgoole with Bridge Builder Communities says helping to bring solutions is more than just a project.
“I have family members that were in orphanages and in foster care right here in Augusta. So, I saw the impact of the homelessness piece, I saw the personal impact of the foster care piece,” said Drumgoole.
Drumgoole says Hurricane Helene and increased site work expenses are a challenge but not too much to stop the mission of bringing security to the region’s at-risk youth.
“It’s preventive. I mean, once you have housing, safe, stable housing, you can function and focus on other things, like education, like your health,” he said.
In Aiken, city leaders are on the second reading of potentially changing a city ordinance to allow transitional tiny homes.
It’s a step leaders say may play a role in addressing Aiken’s growing homeless population.
George Clare plans to bring 45 of the miniature concepts to full size near vital resources, like the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Drug Services and Emergency Medical Services.
“The Aiken community is very much behind this project. I’ve been contacted by lawyers and bankers and engineers and businessmen saying. We need this,” said Clare.
Drumgoole says seeing efforts on both sides of the river is inspiring but it will take every aspect of the community to see the most change.
“You have to tie into everyone in the community to solve the problem, because if one part of our community has a broken leg, then the other limps,” said Drumgoole.
Bridge Builder Communities in Augusta expects to start breaking ground in March with more announcements coming shortly after.
The second reading to allow tiny homes in Aiken will be February 10.
Copyright 2025 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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