Augusta, GA

Augusta businesses see hiring struggle into the new year

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2024

Augusta businesses see hiring struggle into the new year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are starting the new year, but businesses in Augusta say they still haven’t fully rebounded from COVID, especially when it comes to hiring and keeping staff.

Many local restaurants in Surrey Center told News 12 that January is known for being slow in the industry.

Online, hundreds of positions are open for restaurants in the area but when there aren’t enough people in the area applying, problems arise.

“Pretty much since we’ve opened, we’ve had a problem with getting staff in the door and getting enough people to kind of keep us going. I mean, even tonight, we’re short-staffed on servers. So we’re hoping that someone can come in last minute,” said Matthew Richards, SolFood Kitchen Bar Manager.

The SolFood Kitchen opened just after COVID, two years ago, and their hiring struggle is familiar to a lot of businesses.

Now, with higher inflation, customers are cutting back on what they’re spending too.

“With not as many people coming in, and not making as much money, so it’s kind of hard to retain that staff a lot of times, so it kind of gets into that situation of we need more. We need it to be busier. And for it to be busier, we need that more stuff. Kind of stuck, kind of in between a rock and a hard place,” he said.

It could potentially even lead to their business closing.

Now, they’re leaning on the community to help.

“We’ve been doing our best making it, making things work. But we’re here, we’re doing our best to try and make sure we can keep the doors open,” said Richards.

Many restaurants say things just haven’t been the same for the industry since COVID and that they are doing what they can but need the community’s help to stay open long-term.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Fire Department toy pickup brings holiday joy to families

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Augusta Fire Department toy pickup brings holiday joy to families

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department’s toy pickup event brought smiles to children and parents as dozens of families in need collected new gifts to put under the tree.

The toys were donated by local businesses, nonprofits and families of Augusta Fire Department members. For organizers, the event represents more than just gift distribution.

“It’s been supremely joyous for everyone. I haven’t seen anyone who hasn’t had a completely wide smile on their face when they come through,” said Lerone Beasley, deputy chief of technical services. “Everyone has just been overwhelmed and happy about this opportunity.”

The fire department said the event celebrates unity, compassion and the true meaning of giving.

This is the second year that Augusta Fire has hosted the toy pickup event.

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Augusta, GA

Salvation Army calls on public to fill $50K gap in final push

Published

19 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Salvation Army calls on public to fill K gap in final push

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With just two days left, the Salvation Army of Augusta’s 2025 Red Kettle Campaign is still $50,000 short of its goal.

The organization is calling on the community to come forward and fill that gap.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing critical funding that sustains programs and services throughout the year.

Every donation made — whether at a physical Red Kettle or online — stays local, directly supporting neighbors in need across the Augusta area.

Funds raised through the campaign support essential services at the Center of Hope emergency overnight shelter, where approximately 200 meals are served daily through the soup kitchen.

In the past four years, caseworkers at the Center of Hope have helped more than 400 individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing.

In addition, The Salvation Army’s rent and utility assistance program has helped over 900 residents in the past year alone keep their lights on and remain housed — preventing homelessness before it begins.

“As we enter these final days, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity we’ve already seen, and we know this community will rise to the occasion once again,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army area commander. “These last two days are critical. Every gift — large or small — directly impacts families who rely on The Salvation Army not just during the holidays, but all year long.”

Community members can still give in person at Red Kettles located at participating stores throughout the Augusta area. For those who prefer to give digitally, each kettle features a QR code for easy, cashless donations. Online gifts can also be made at any time through the Virtual Red Kettle at donateaugusta.org.

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Augusta, GA

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

by: Bebee S. Ledger

Posted: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Updated: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Augusta, Ga (WJBF)– The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

According to RCSO, Hudson was last seen on the 3500 Block of Peach Orchard Road at 5:00pm this evening wearing a red shirt and black shorts.

Hudson suffers from Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

Anyone that comes in contact with Nia Hudson or has any information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact any on call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1085 or 706-821-1020.

Nia Hudson: 27 years old, 216 pounds, 5’06”

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