Augusta, GA
Universities hope free applications attract more students to Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This month, application fees for high school seniors are free for more than 60 colleges and universities across Georgia.
Augusta University and Augusta Tech are two of our local colleges participating in this promotion put on by the Georgia Student Financial Commission.
Both Augusta University and Augusta Tech are hoping to see more students on campus and in the classrooms.
“If you have a student that maybe wants to apply to 10 institutions, that could be $400 or $500 in application fees, and some students just don’t have the ability to do that,” said Nichole Spencer, Augusta Tech Student Affairs vice president.”And then you have to pay it up. You can’t submit your application in most cases without that fee. So it is giving students the opportunity to apply to more colleges, shop around the Georgia match programs, and also take the difficulty out of the application process by giving that direct match.”
Giving more people the chance to apply who might not have applied before.
“Anything that we can do to make it easier for a student to apply to make it easier for a family to afford college is going to trickle down into all of our communities,” said Amy Smith, associate vice president for enrollment management. “Whether that’s first-generation students who maybe their families aren’t as familiar with the college and application process or underrepresented communities or lower socioeconomic background families.”
It’s only their second year as a part of this program. Last February, Augusta University had around 400 applications and Augusta Tech had around 600.
In March, Augusta University jumped to nearly 700 and Augusta Tech to just over 1,400, hoping to bring in even that many applications again, if not more this year, and so far, they say they’re right on track.
“So I anticipate seeing a similar volume this,” said Smith. “So again, you know, 700 students that this takes advantage of this opportunity I think is really amazing.”
Breaking barriers with a goal to keep students local and bring more in from outside the CSRA to help build up augusta as a whole.
“It can be a daunting task for a lot of institutions, including our own,” said Spencer. “So this program has really helped I think to bridge that gap for students and give them more access to into higher education.”
There are more than 60 Georgia colleges and universities waiving application fees for the month of March.
Depending on which one you’re applying to, there are different ways to get that fee taken off.
You can see all the colleges and universities that will waive application fees here.
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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