Augusta, GA

Augusta businesses offer cheaper, sustainable food in heavy food swamps

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2023

Augusta businesses offer cheaper, sustainable food in heavy food swamps

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For some, it can be a bit of a hike to get essential groceries, making the goal to offer sustainable groceries within walking distance downtown.

For the Medical District, that’s Augusta Locally Grown, but Downtown recently gained another resource on Broad Street.

“I realized Augusta is the perfect place because there’s no grocery here. You either have to go over the river or go to Evans, but a lot of people don’t even have cars to their Uber into groceries, or just don’t have access period with their schedules. So being in Augusta and being downtown gives us the ability to reach those people,” said Alexia Gonzalez, owner of the Earth Pantry.

It’s another way to access groceries if you live downtown.

“I’d say we’re middle of the road grocery on 90% of the items we have, there are some things that cost a little more, if I get them locally, sometimes it’s more because that small batch, but I want to make sure that we’re supporting the local farmers in the local community. And then some of our body and cleaning supplies, most of it’s actually cheaper,” Gonzalez said.

The Earth Pantry offers local, healthy items using refillable containers.

Just down the road, Augusta Locally Grown offers classes and a farmers market that is also online year-round.

“Our local farmers and our network will come and they’re selling their produce. And then we double-snap for those folks that have SNAP benefits. So therefore say we carry milk from a local dairy that milk is normally around a little more than $5 a gallon. And so that would be half off for someone who has SNAP benefits. So we also have meats and produce and other items,” said Diane Kerekanich, Development Director of Augusta Locally Grown.

Trying to better the community with healthier options, one step at a time.

“Whenever you can buy whole foods or foods directly from the farmer, most of the time, that’s going to be a little more affordable than say buying processed foods coming from a package or you know, especially some of that better quality foods can feel like it’s costing a little more however, it usually goes further when you buy quality,” said Kerekanich.

Anyone can go to Augusta Locally Grown or The Earth Pantry to shop and enjoy their services.

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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.