Augusta, GA

Augusta National Women’s Amateur golfer plays for a bigger purpose

Published

11 months ago

April 4, 2025

Press Room

Augusta National Women’s Amateur golfer plays for a bigger purpose

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The bags at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur have their own personality.

But one stands out when it’s made to blend in.

Rachel Heck is playing in her fourth tournament. However, it’s her first spotting the colors she’s worked toward for the last four years.

“I did ROTC all throughout college, started ROTC my freshman year, and then commissioned as a second lieutenant last June,” said Heck. “I’ve been in the reserves since then.”

She may be one of eight golfers from Stanford playing, but her team outside of her 9 to 5 is the stars and stripes.

“Golf is so individual, and I really wanted something that was a total opposite,” said Heck. “I wanted to be a small part of something so much bigger.”

It’s the first event she’s been able to play as an officer.

“I had a lot of military folks, you know, yelling, ‘go Air Force, go Army, go whatever,’” said Heck. “There was actually a girl who’s an ROTC cadet at Alabama, I met her today, she drove to watch me play, and it’s just so cool to have that support.”

On the course or off it, it’ll always be a game of perspective.

“It’s just, you know, when things are tough out there, when I get frustrated, I remember what I’m a part of,” said Heck.

This is Heck’s final Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament.

Both sit at 9-under-par with scores of 135 entering Saturday’s final round of the championship.

It’s hard not to think of them as anything but competitive golfers, but when you hear some of their stories, it makes you appreciate everything it took for them to get to this moment.

Winning the tournament is at the top of the list for everyone in this field, but at the end of the day, this has got to be one of the biggest highlights of each of their young careers.

It’s only going to get better from here.

The third and final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will take place Saturday at Augusta National Golf Club.

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

2 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

14 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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