Augusta, GA
Augusta demolition gets noticed and neighbors want more
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) A site for sore eyes, crews began demolishing the old Catholic Social Services building on Broad Street after it destroyed by fire eight months ago.
“It’s a big improvement and it already looks better it’s been a long time coming especially with this being a historical district it looks real good now,” said Mike Wechel who lives nearby.
“Oh Lord, they don’t know what a blessing it is to see all of that gone it would be nice if the whole thing would be torn down,” said Barbara Gresham who lives nearby.
The city is spending almost $80,000 to get the whole thing torn down.
Just some of the one million dollars budgeted this year to take on blight like the hundreds of run-down houses across the city.
“The reality is we’re knocking down as many blighted houses as we can they have to come down but they’re being done in a way is hard to see the impact because they are so scattered,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
Those watching the upper Broad Street building come down know where they would like the city to focus the demolitions.
“I think it should go up here in Harrisburg I really do there is a lot of old dilapidated houses it looks really bad it looks really bad,” said Wechel.
“Worked hours at a time to get that building demolished just as I’ve pushed for other buildings across the city unfortunately, we’ve had some hiccups along the way, but I’m excited we’re getting ready to get the building demolished so we can move forward cleaning up Augusta especially the Harrisburg neighborhood,” said Commissioner Johnson.
But with this work finally underway, this part of Harrisburg will soon look better.
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.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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