After big early voting turnout, Augusta prepares for primary election day

Published

3 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

After big early voting turnout, Augusta prepares for primary election day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – It was a busy day, installing voting machines at 41 polling sites. However, thousands of voters will not need them, as many have already cast ballots.

“On the day of the election, I don’t want to take a chance of the machine go down, overcrowding, you’ve got to wait in line a long time,” said Ed Bowen.

But others prefer their home polling sites on Election Day.

“There’s no reason to rush. Voting is very important and we have to get out and vote,” said Sam Fisher.

More than 18,000 voters already have.

Elections Director Travis Doss says that’s 14 percent of registered voters, and he expects to see another 14 percent on Tuesday.

“Usually, we see about 50 percent of the people will have voted early, so with 14 percent, then we should hopefully get into the 30 percent range when it’s all said and done,” said Doss.

Doss advises voters to go to their Georgia My Voter page to verify their precinct, and get a sample ballot.

Here’s one of sign of the times: At St. Marks Church, its telling voters of a precinct switch. Mann Mize Church and Oasis Church are also out this election.

And the ballot is long, and this long line of campaign signs at Diamond Lakes is an
indication.

“That’s a lot of signs,” said Fisher

“Too many?”

“That’s a lot of signs out,” he said.

For Augusta, there is a mayor’s race, five contested commission races and two sales tax questions – all reasons to turn out.

“That is the person that you’re electing for the next four years to represent you, so for mayor and five commissioners, this is make or break time for them,” said Doss.

The voting machines will be there Tuesday waiting on the voters.

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World Cup: Where to find a crowd to catch all the action

Published

6 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Press Room

World Cup: Where to find a crowd to catch all the action

It’s almost World Cup time, and the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are gearing up to host the international soccer tournament.

Action for the World Cup starts Thursday and continues through July 19, so unless you’ve scored tickets, it’s time to start planning how to best watch the tournament.

Fortunately for Augusta soccer fans, there are plenty of sports bars where viewers can watch the matches, cheer on their favorite teams, and enjoy good food and drinks.

Using Yelp.com and internet searches, The Augusta Chronicle compiled a list of bars and restaurants in the Augusta area with plenty of televisions and atmosphere to catch all of the action.

Carolina Ale House

Where: 203 Robert C Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Augusta
What to know: It’s known for a massive collection of large screen TVs, making it ideal for watching simultaneous World Cup matches. It’s open late every day until around 2 a.m.
For more information: www.carolinaalehouse.com/locations/augusta-ga

Buffalo Wild Wings

Where: 120 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta
What to know: The restaurant has big screens and many TVs and is widely recognized as one of the most popular sports-viewing spots in Augusta.
For more information: www.buffalowildwings.com/locations/us/ga/augusta/

Dave & Busters

Top Dawg Tavern

Where: 2821 Washington Road, Augusta
What to know:Many large TVs line the walls, and it is family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ room. There’s also a patio with TVs for outdoor viewing.
For more information: topdawgtavern.com/augusta

Tank ‘N Taps Sports Bar & Grill

Where: 215 10th St., Augusta
What to know: This new downtown sports bar has several large TVs and some outdoor seating.
For more information: tankntaps.com/

Cliffisms Sports & Spirits

Where: 2416 Windsor Spring Rd., Augusta
What to know: A laid-back local bar with what’s been described as a “super cool atmosphere” and regulars who come just to watch games.
For more information: https://cliffisms.com/

Riverfront Pub & Sports

Where: 531 Broad St., Augusta
What to know: This is a classic downtown pub with plenty of sports viewing that keeps late hours. There are plenty of pool tables to keep non-soccer fans busy.
For more information: www.riverfrontpubaugusta.com/

Mellow Mushroom

Where: There are three locations in the Augusta area: 1102 Broad St., in Augusta; 4348 Washington Road in Evans; and 151 Bee Lane in Aiken.
What to know: All three locations have multiple TVs. It’s been described as a crowd-pleaser during major sporting events. It’s a sports bar with a Southern flair.
For more information: www.mellowmushroom.com/

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ARC’s Beman headlines CSRA field at Georgia Amateur

Published

16 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Press Room

ARC’s Beman headlines CSRA field at Georgia Amateur

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A strong CSRA contingent is set to tee it up this week at Ocean Forest (Sea Island) for the 105th Georgia Amateur Championship, with Richmond Academy’s McKnight Beman is making his first start in the event after qualifying with a standout round.

Beman secured his spot at Bartram Trail, where he shot a 69 and finished tied third in qualifying.

“It was really exciting,” Beman said. “It was one of my main goals this year. It was great to accomplish that already and get some experience with some of the top amateurs in the state of Georgia.”

Local list: CSRA representation at the Georgia Amateur

Golfers from the area expected in the field include:

Lucas Hopkins (Thomson)
MacGregor Thompson (Augusta)
McKnight Beman (Augusta)
Kipp Madison (Augusta)
Colten Lewis (Swainsboro)
Austin Vick (Evans)
Cody Shafer (Evans)
Bo Blanchard (Augusta University, defending champion)

One notable name not playing: Hamilton Coleman is listed as exempt, but is opting out with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills coming next week.

Beman paired with Madison in opening rounds

Beman won’t be going it alone early. He said he will be paired with local Kipp Madison in the first two rounds, adding a familiar face as he steps into a field that often includes players decades older.

Beman said he’s comfortable in that environment.

“Not really,” Beman said when asked if it’s intimidating to play against older amateurs. “I played with so many older people through the years. I just like meeting new people and I think it’s a great opportunity to grow.”

Beman also pointed to the value of relationships and exposure the tournament can provide.

“The state amateur allows me to grow relationships with maybe older people that have bigger connections with college coaches,” he said. “It gives me a shot at the U.S. Am if I were to win.”

Ocean Forest test: “play the course”

The championship will be contested at Ocean Forest (on Sea Island), and Beman said he’s expecting the conditions—especially the wind—to be a major factor.

“It’s going to be windy so I’m just going to be working on not playing my game—playing the course,” Beman said. “I just got to stick to my process and not let anything affect me.”

“I’m not going to let how I’m hitting dictate how I play. I’m just going to go out there and show confidence and be determined to win.”

Defending champ Bo Blanchard expected to play

Defending champion Bo Blanchard is expected in the field, adding another high-end benchmark for the local golfers chasing the title.

History: Richmond Academy and Augusta winners

The Georgia Amateur has deep local history:

The last Richmond Academy golfer to win the event was Randy Strozier (1969).
The last Augusta golfer to win was Augusta Prep’s Lee Knox (2012) — and Knox won the Georgia Amateur twice over a three-year span.

What’s on the line: trophy, medal, and major exemptions

Beyond state bragging rights, the prize package is one of the most coveted in amateur golf.

The Georgia Amateur champion earns:

The Robert H. Martin Trophy (with the champion’s name engraved on the historic trophy)
An exemption into that year’s U.S. Amateur Championship
An exemption into the Jones Cup Invitational

Past winners engraved on the Robert H. Martin Trophy include Bobby Jones.

For Beman—entering the tournament as a first-timer—those rewards are part of what makes the week so meaningful.

“I know it’s a big tournament so I just got to stick to my process,” Beman said. “I have to be straightforward with myself.”

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Augusta, GA

New system launches in Augusta, offering noninvasive brain tumor treatment

Published

1 day ago

June 9, 2026

Press Room

New system launches in Augusta, offering noninvasive brain tumor treatment

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cancer patients in the Augusta area will soon have access to a new, non-invasive treatment option for brain tumors and other neurological conditions through the Elekta Gamma Knife Esprit system at Wellstar MCG Health and the Georgia Cancer Center.

Leaders from both organizations will celebrate the technology’s launch during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, alongside patients, elected officials and community leaders.

According to the news release, the Gamma Knife Esprit uses highly focused radiation to treat brain tumors, lesions and vascular abnormalities without incisions or general anesthesia.

The advanced system can reduce recovery times, shorten hospital stays and minimize side effects compared to traditional surgical procedures.

Physicians have already begun treating patients with the new machine, which replaces a previous Gamma Knife model following months of installation and preparation.

The ceremony will take place at Professional Building 1, 1481 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta.

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