Augusta, GA
Augusta commissioners approve the budget, but it comes with cuts
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta’s next city budget is pushing $1.4 billion. On Tuesday, commissioners approved the budget, but it comes with cuts.
Public safety is the main concern because that of course impacts everyone.
Commissioners have heard from the district attorney’s office, sheriff’s office and public defender’s office all asking for more money.
The administrator’s recommendation of taking $1 million from the general fund passed on Tuesday and the money from that will go to the district attorney’s office, essentially saving them $1 million.
“It allows us to be competitive across the state and hire the best lawyers and professional staff to help reduce the population of the jail to help make sure that people get their day in court and to also make sure that victims are protected at every level,” said Jared Williams, district attorney.
The sheriff’s office had also gone in front of the commission asking for more money.
They asked for $3 million but didn’t get any of that.
This will be the first year without American Rescue Funds, so they’re looking at an $8 million hole.
The commission has figured out $1 million out of that $8 million as mentioned.
As for the remaining money, they’re still figuring it out.
The commissioners did explore cuts to several groups like the land bank and canal authority, but that did not pass.
The budget becomes official on Jan.1.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.
-
Rhode Island1 second ago
Newport’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration returns to Fort Adams – What’s Up Newp
-
South-Carolina3 minutes agoSouth Carolina is in for the longest day of year as summer 2026 starts
-
South Dakota8 minutes agoBoard approves higher income limit, higher prices for inmate-built affordable housing
-
Tennessee15 minutes agoVoting rights ruling echoes Tennessee’s Jim Crow past | Opinion
-
Texas18 minutes agoHot and humid Father’s Day for North Texas to kick off summer equinox
-
Washington23 minutes ago
Where to watch Washington Mystics vs Minnesota Lynx on June 21: TV channel, start time and streaming
-
Utah23 minutes agoFirefighters protect homes in Eureka as Iron Fire burns uncontained in Juab County
-
Vermont30 minutes ago
VT Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for June 20, 2026
