Augusta, GA

Study shows heat affects Augusta more than other places in Georgia

Published

8 months ago

June 19, 2025

Study shows heat affects Augusta more than other places in Georgia

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This week is bringing us some of the hottest temperatures so far this year.

Like other cities, Augusta experiences the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas absorb more heat then rural areas because of buildings, roads and other dark surfaces.

Augusta is known as one of the hottest spots in Georgia, and a study was done by UGA on the urban heat island effect in our area.

“Compared to other cities in Georgia, it’s bad. So it’s probably one of the worst in Georgia. So if you were thinking from a state perspective, where would you have the most impact in Georgia, Augusta would be a good place,” said Dr. Patricia Yager, director, Georgia Climate Project, UGA professor.

Many trees were lost in Helene, and recently, downtown Augusta saw the remaining trees cut down.

The loss of trees in our city will worsen the urban heat island effect.

“If you add trees in Augusta, the trees that were there before Helene one or two years ago, were contributing to all kinds of good things, not just the temperature, water storm runoff, air pollution, and other things,” said Yager.

Excess heat in our environment can also lead to more health concerns.

Heat is really bad for the human body, and there is all kinds of data on both chronic illness due to heat and infectious diseases getting worse in the heat, waterborne diseases, tick, mosquito bites,“ said Yager.

Yager is working with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition to create solutions to this growing problem.

Trees are obviously the number one solution, but not the solution for everywhere and everything, so they also talk about green roofs, cool roofs, cool pavements and smart growth,” said Yager.

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

5 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

17 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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