AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Good Trouble Day, the anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’ death, organizers gathered in Augusta for a community conversation about voting rights, election access and civic participation.

Among the topics discussed was educating people about their voting rights, including those impacted by the justice system.

Gayla Keesee, co-president of the League of Women Voters of the CSRA, said the issue came into focus for her during a recent conversation ahead of a primary election.

“We were talking just before the primary and trying to tell people, it’s early voting, get out and vote,” Keesee said. “And a young man said, ‘I can’t vote.’ And I said, ‘why not?’ He said, ‘I’ve got a felony.’ And I said, ‘are you off paper?’ And he went, ‘yes.’ And I said, ‘how long?’ ‘Eight years?’ I said, ‘we’ll register you today. You are eligible.’ He cried, because he never thought that he would be able to vote again.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A traffic stop attempt by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office ended in a rollover crash Friday afternoon after the driver refused to stop, authorities said.

Deputies attempted to stop the red 2017 Honda Civic around 2:22 p.m. on Peach Orchard Road near Mike Padgett Highway, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver continued south on Mike Padgett Highway before traveling east on Marvin Griffin Road, deputies said.

The pursuit ended near Marvin Griffin Road and Doug Barnard Parkway when the driver lost control, went into a ditch and crashed through a fence at the Augusta Water Works Wastewater Treatment Facility, according to authorities. The car overturned.

The driver had visible injuries that were described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities said warrants will be served after the driver is released from the hospital. Charges are expected to include multiple traffic violations, including felony fleeing or attempting to elude and DUI.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The VA Augusta Healthcare System cut the ribbon on its new emergency ambulance service on Thursday.

The in-house medical transportation program is designed to ensure specialized care for veterans with complex medical needs.

“So we have two new ambulances that we have put into service officially,” said James Doelling, the interim executive director of VA Augusta Healthcare System. “This is for us to be able to, through patient safety and get veterans where they need to be, when they need to be, to make sure we’re given the best care anywhere in our nation’s heroes. We’re really excited. As you are aware, we are the only four star facility in the Augusta area, and this is only going to make us even better and deliver exceptional care to our heroes.”

The VA said it hopes the service will reduce delays and better support veterans.

Photojournalist credit: Dania Alawir