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Augusta, GA

Accelerate Augusta launches to drive local economic growth

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Accelerate Augusta launches to drive local economic growth


AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Augusta has a new non-profit to help small businesses get off the ground. They cut the ribbon Friday morning for Accelerate Augusta.

Accelerate Augusta is a new program aimed at improving economic growth and innovation.
It’s a major resource for small business owners in the area.

“I’m proud. I’m ecstatic. We have a great crowd. We work with entrepreneurs. This means so much for the city of Augusta. And I’m just so proud to be here,” said Shaun Andrews, the recently announced Executive Director of Accelerate Augusta.

The idea for the organization came 4 years ago, when so many small businesses struggled to stay open during the pandemic. Dr. Jermaine Whirl, former president of Augusta Tech, and Margaret Woodard, the Executive Director of the Augusta Downtown Development Authority got together with other partners to discuss ways to help local entrepreneurs.

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“During COVID, a lot of people started what I call cottage industries in their homes. We were quarantined and they started, you know, hobbies of making things, and a lot of small businesses came out of that. And this is just a center that gives them the resources to succeed,” Woodard explained.

Accelerate Augusta is a start up center for small businesses, providing a range of resources like mentorship, financial planning and access to funding.

“It is just to ensure that small businesses thrive, grow, existing small businesses expand. It’s just to be a training center where they get all the resources they need to thrive,” Woodard said.

The nonprofit’s executive director said the community support for Accelerate Augusta is impressive and he’s excited for the new journey.

“I came in from Charlotte. I’ve been here for about six weeks and I am floored with the amount of support that I’ve gotten from the community. And it really means a lot,” said Andrews.

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The building, located at 600 Broad Street, is owned by the city of Augusta and they are providing it to Accelerate Augusta rent free for the next 20 years.

Accelerate Augusta is now open and ready to serve the CSRA’s entrepreneurs. You can find more information on how to participate at Accelerate Augusta’s Facebook page.



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Augusta, GA

Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies

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Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.

The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.

What to donate and where to drop off

Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.

“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.

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Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.

“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta

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16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 16-year-old wanted in connection with an aggravated assault.

Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Travis Pines Drive on May 18 after reports of shots being fired into a home, according to an incident report.

Investigators say Kawung Bentley Jr. is wanted in connection with the alleged shooting.

According to deputies, two people inside the home said they were lying in a bedroom when gunshots came through the bedroom window. One of the occupants said she ran to the bathroom and hid in the tub.

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The other occupant told deputies he saw four males creeping around outside the residence before grabbing his weapon.

The occupant said the suspects then drove away in a Durango.

Deputies found four bullet holes in the bedroom window and about two bullet holes on the outside of the home near the window.

They also found two bullet holes in the rear window of a black Dodge Charger.

Investigators recovered two shell casings in the roadway in front of the home, along with a bookbag.

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Anyone who comes into contact with Bentley is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home

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Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home


Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…

Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.

Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.

Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

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We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.

Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.

Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.

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