AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Junior Players are presenting “North Star,” a story about a young Black girl growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, in honor of Black History Month.

The performance focuses on resilience, family and stories that shape identity. The production uses a stripped-down approach on a small stage to emphasize the message the young actors deliver to audiences.

“I started to learn about my character and about the play and it was very impactful for me on a personal level,” said Nate Miligns, who plays Willie in “North Star.”

“North Star” retells the story of Relia, a young Black girl growing up during a time when finding your voice was rare and life was unfair to her family and other Black families during the Civil Rights Movement.

“He’s really passionate in his beliefs for freedom and free will. I think it’s kind of interesting that his mind is the fact that he thinks he isn’t heard,” Miligns said about his character Willie.

Co-director Sean Moton said working on the play demonstrates variety as the spice of life.

“I work with kids all day, so it’s nice to come and work with adults and kids who have a real passion for it, so it’s a joy,” Moton said.

Lewis said the play shows that every person has their own guiding star.

“The play itself is so impactful in itself. There’s such a great message that we’re trying to share about free will and our history, I’m so happy I got a chance to learn something from this character,” Sean said.

Lewis said he hopes audiences start seeing their light that can act as a guide, a light that heals, and a light that can change the world.

“North Star” will be performed Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Tickets can be purchased here.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Columbia County woman was sentenced to federal prison for using stolen and counterfeit business checks to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Dechanta Benning, 35, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term, according to prosecutors.

U.S. District Court Judge Randall Hall also ordered Benning to pay a $2,500 fine and $300 in special assessments.

Benning obtained business checks stolen from the U.S. Postal Service, altered them, deposited the altered checks into the bank accounts of co-conspirators as well as her own accounts, then withdrew the money, according to prosecutors.

The money was withdrawn before the banks were able to recognize the checks as fraudulent.

Benning stole approximately $1 million through this scheme, according to prosecutors.

There were hundreds of victims.

“Financial fraud schemes like this don’t just impact banks — they devastate small businesses, families, and entire communities,” said Matthew Ploskunak of the FBI’s Augusta office.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s mail system from theft and aggressively pursuing those who would commit fraud in this district,” U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap said.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Kristi Goodwin Connell has been sworn in as the new Superior Court judge of the Augusta Judicial Court by Gov. Brian Kemp.

Connell was an assistant district attorney for Columbia Judicial Court and has been practicing law in the Augusta area for 25 years.

She worked as assistant district attorney and chief assistant district attorney at the Augusta Judicial Court.

Also in the courts

Katherine “Kate” Mason, a longtime public defender and former statewide leader with the Georgia Public Defender Council was honored at a retirement celebration Thursday.

The event also included the swearing-in of Lee Prescott as circuit public defender of the Augusta Judicial Circuit.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.