Augusta, GA

Augusta bars prepare for early New Year’s Eve celebrations

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2023

Augusta bars prepare for early New Year’s Eve celebrations

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’ve been following the recent revelation that Augusta bars won’t be celebrating the new year on December 31.

Due to Sunday alcohol sales laws, Richmond County already used its one annual Sunday on the Super Bowl.

But we found that the law wasn’t enforced everywhere back in 2017.

This year, businesses downtown and across Richmond County are trying out themes like “Almost New Year’s Eve” or “New Year’s Eve Eve”.

Despite the effort this year, we discovered the law wasn’t enforced the last time we were in this situation back in 2017.

Booze, hats, and dancing feet are normal pictures for ringing in the new year, but back on December 31, 2017, it technically wasn’t allowed.

Through some online digging, we found a New Year’s Eve event from Edge Night Club off Gordon Highway.

It showcases a photo gallery of more than two dozen pictures of people celebrating the new year.

Despite this, an open records request through the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office shows no incident reports were made back about illegal Sunday sales for Washington Road, Broad Street, or Gordon Highway.

It’s part of the ‘lack of enforcement’ Augusta’s Planning and Development Department mentioned a few weeks ago.

Regardless, bars and businesses we’ve talked to have accepted their fate for this December 31 and are trying to keep spirits high.

“Unfortunately, it’s on Sunday and we have these laws that will impact those particular businesses, my heart goes out for them as well, but just coming out and having a great time,” said Veronica Simpkins, owner of the band Phase 360.

Phase 360 is performing at the downtown Marriott on December 30. They’re trying to keep things on a high note despite the slowdown for bars.

“Fellowship, family, fun,” said Simpkins.

The sheriff’s office says they have no plans to deviate from their normal enforcement practices on New Year’s.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

1 hour ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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Augusta, GA

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

Published

9 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – AugustaCon was back, but in a new home this time.

Saturday’s event was held in Columbia County at the Performing Arts Center.

The event holds video game tournaments and hosts vendors that had anime and video game-style items.

We spoke to one of the vendors, who helped run the video game tournament there.

“We really love it. It’s a great environment. We love seeing new gamers, collectors, anyone that likes anime,” said Cedric Bacon.

If you missed out on Saturday’s AugustaCon, there are ones usually in the summer and winter as well.

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Augusta, GA

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

Published

17 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was fatally shot in an armed robbery on Lumpkin Road, according to authorities, and a suspect has been arrested.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Abdallah Rubeha of Augusta.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened at the Smoke Shop at 2303 Lumpkin Road around 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Deputies say they arrived to find Rubeha, an employee, had been shot at least once.

He was taken to Wellstar MCG Hospital, where he died at 7:35 a.m. Saturday, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

After the robbery, deputies were able to identify three suspects and their vehicle.

The vehicle was registered in Burke County, and Richmond County deputies reached out to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with the information, according to officials.

Burke County deputies say they attempted a traffic stop at 11:25 p.m. Friday at Savannah Avenue and East 17th Street in Waynesboro.

Deputies in Burke County pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase, which turned into a foot pursuit, officials say.

The driver, 22-year-old Terrance Walker, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in Richmond County.