Augusta, GA

Augusta commissioners approve the budget, but it comes with cuts

Published

1 year ago

November 26, 2024

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.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

24 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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