AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta Technical College announced the Robert Fields Annual Scholarship has been created to benefit students pursuing instruction in various construction-related fields.

In a press release sent Monday, Augusta Tech said the scholarship was founded in Fields’ memory by his cousin, Ms. Adrian Arnold of Sacramento, California. Fields, who died in 2011, lived in the CSRA and many of his family members still reside in the area.

A surprise party was held to introduce the creation of the scholarship on Dec. 5.

“My cousin, Robert A. Fields, was dedicated to a lifetime of improving himself and those around him,” Ms. Arnold said. “As an honor to his mother, Ms. Elease Harris, I chose to financially support the construction trades students at Augusta Tech. Prayerfully, these resources will be used to assist many in improving their educational endeavors in her son’s name.”

According to the college, the scholarship will be administered by the Augusta Tech Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 organization that works to raise and appropriate philanthropic resources to support workforce education.

Arnold who is originally from Augusta, said she admires Augusta Technical College for its commitment to students and the community.

“We are delighted to help Ms. Arnold honor her cousin with this new scholarship,” said Cheryl Ciucevich, Augusta Tech’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Although our tuition and fees are much lower than other colleges in the area, most of our students face financial barriers to accessing good-paying, sustainable careers. Scholarships like the Fields Scholarship ensure that more people in our community will be able to achieve their goals.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is calling on the community to help make sure no child is left without Christmas joy through its Forgotten Angels initiative.

Forgotten Angel tags, now available at all participating Angel Tree locations, list the most-needed toys, clothing and essentials to ensure every registered child receives items appropriate for their age and needs.

The Salvation Army says the need is urgent for older children, who are often the last to be adopted and the first to be overlooked when gifts are not returned.

HOW TO HELP:

• Visit an Angel Tree location and select a Forgotten Angel tag
• Purchase any of the items listed
• Return gifts to the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street, by the deadline listed on the tag
• shop directly from the Walmart Registry, which ships straight to the Salvation Army of Augusta 

Forgotten Angel tags include suggested items such as coats, hats and gloves, art supplies, science kits, sports equipment, teen-friendly gifts and more.

All donated gifts will support local children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas assistance to families facing financial hardship.

“Every child we serve deserves to feel seen and cared for on Christmas morning,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“When community members pick up a Forgotten Angel tag, they help us bridge the gap for families who are counting on us. It is one of the most meaningful ways to share hope during the holiday season.”

Angel Tree and Forgotten Angel tags can be found at locations throughout the Augusta Area. A full list of participating sites is available at SalvationArmyAugusta.org.

The deadline for all Angel Tree and Forgotten Angel tags is Tuesday.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A shooting in Richmond County left one male victim dead Sunday evening, according to officials.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3400 block of Lucie Street at 6:45 p.m., where they found one male victim with an apparent gunshot wound, officials say.

The victim, identified as John Bennett, 60, was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:37 p.m., according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.

A criminal investigation immediately began, which resulted in issuing warrants on Kenneth Murray Jr, a 40-year-old male of the same address, who had fled the scene, authorities say.

Within three hours, deputies Murray and took him into custody without incident at 9:56 p.m. in the 2200 block of Rosier Road.

Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley provided a statement: “Violence in any form is tragic but violence within families and between people who live together is especially heartbreaking. Too often these situations begin with anger frustration or unresolved conflict that continues to build until it reaches a point of no return.”

Brantley encourages anyone who is struggling or feels a situation is escalating to reach out for help before it leads to irreversible consequences.

The investigation is ongoing.

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