Augusta, GA
Augusta commissioners agree on reviewing the city charter but not on how
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Experts from the Carl Vinson School of Government tells Augusta a charter review should happen.
But it could take a year and a half and cost up to $200,000.
“It’s worth it because in the 28 years we’ve never had any formal review typically governments do it every seven to ten years, so this just makes sense and I think we’re at a crossroads right now in our government,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.
City leaders getting expert advice on changing the charter but we’re told any changes would only be recommendations and would have to be approved by state lawmakers.
“I think it’s time we look at the charter and consider it, my concern is to make sure it’s open to the public,” said State Representative Karlton Howard.
Experts telling commissioners to get the public involved the mayor and commissioners could make the appointments to an independent charter review committee.
“We are the elected representatives, and we have to pick someone to represent us in the matter,” said Frantom.
But others oppose having city leaders pick a committee and feel the experts at school of government should recommend charter changes
“Any type of appointments by a commissioner or the mayor would lead to this charter review being a political stunt basically,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
“Everything in life is political in some manner and it’s going to be political in some form,” said Frantom.
“We need to draft this charter in a way that does not speak to anyone’s personal political preferences including my own,” said Johnson.
City leaders are in favor of reviewing the city charter, but already there’s disagreement on how to get it done.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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