Augusta, GA

Augusta demolition gets noticed and neighbors want more

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2024

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.

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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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