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Augusta factory to produce key component for drugs to fight malaria

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Augusta factory to produce key component for drugs to fight malaria


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  • An Augusta biomanufacturer is building a new facility to produce a key ingredient for malaria treatments.
  • The chemical, artemisinin, is a vital component in drugs used to combat the deadly mosquito-borne illness.
  • The company, Manus, is also partnering with the University of Georgia on a biomanufacturing apprenticeship program.

An Augusta biomanufacturer will start making ammunition in the global fight against malaria.

Manus last week broke ground at its local plant on Lovers Lane on a production facility to produce artemisinin. The chemical is a key starting component in drug treatments to treat the deadly mosquito-borne illness. Malaria killed more than 600,000 people worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization

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“This groundbreaking reflects a shift from dependence to capability,” said Ajikumar Parayil, Manus’ founder and CEO. “For decades, the U.S. has relied heavily on overseas supply chains for the building blocks of essential medicines. What we’re establishing in Augusta is a new model – one that restores control, strengthens resilience, and proves that advanced biomanufacturing can be deployed at scale, here at home.”

About 80% of key ingredients for essential U.S. medicines are made or sourced overseas, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

That has led companies such as Manus to pursue biomanufacturing production models capable of making medical compounds domestically, efficiently and on a large scale.

Earlier in 2026, Manus won federal funding to expand production to make shikimic acid, a key compound in the antiviral medication oseltamivir, better known by its brand name Tamiflu.

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On April 30, Manus announced a partnership with the University of Georgia to start a structured biomanufacturing apprenticeship program in Augusta. With a UGA “academic blueprint,” according to Manus, apprentices would receive extensive training on live production equipment to produce more experienced professionals for bio-industrial manufacturers nationwide.

Manus reopened Augusta’s old NutraSweet plant in 2019. In 2021, it introduced NutraSweet Natural, a zero-calorie stevia sweetener made using a smaller environmental footprint.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Players, Imperial Theatre announce Shane Peterman as new CEO

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Augusta Players, Imperial Theatre announce Shane Peterman as new CEO


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre have announced a new Chief Executive Officer.

Shane Peterman will lead the organizations as they continue working toward a proposed merger and a shared future for the performing arts in Augusta.

Peterman brings nearly 30 years of experience in commercial and nonprofit performing arts, including executive leadership, producing, arts education, organizational growth, revenue development and community engagement.

Shane Peterman(WRDW)

He most recently served as Producing Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas. Peterman has also worked in commercial theatre development and producing in both the United States and United Kingdom.

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“Shane brings the rare combination of artistic understanding, business discipline, warmth and vision that this moment requires,” said M. Amy Patton, Interim CEO of The Augusta Players and Search Committee Co Chair. “He understands that strong organizations are built through trust, transparency, relationships, and mission. We believe Shane is the right leader to help guide this next chapter.”

Peterman’s background also includes leadership of performing arts organizations, theatrical producing and presenting, donor and corporate support, arts education and organizational transition.

“I’m deeply honored by the trust both organizations have placed in me during such an important and exciting moment in their histories,” said Peterman.

“The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre together represent a nearly 200 year legacy of artistic excellence, civic engagement and community impact. I look forward to working alongside the boards, staff, artists, patrons, donors and the greater Augusta community as we help shape a strong and sustainable future for the performing arts together.”

Peterman is expected to begin his role on June 15.

His leadership comes nearly 7 months after the death of Augusta Players Executive and Artistic Director Scott Seidl.

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Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

College basketball: Keshun Sherrill enters Augusta Sports Hall of Fame – Salisbury Post

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College basketball: Keshun Sherrill enters Augusta Sports Hall of Fame – Salisbury Post


College basketball: Keshun Sherrill enters Augusta Sports Hall of Fame

Published 5:34 pm Sunday, May 31, 2026

 

 

 

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Staff report

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Keshun Sherrill, one of the all-time basketball greats at West Rowan, was inducted into the Augusta Sports Hall of Fame in ceremonies held on Friday.

Sherrill, a 5-foot-9 guard, had his number retired by Augusta. He was the leading scorer, not only in Augusta University hoops history, but in Peach Belt Conference history with 2,333 points.

Sherrill was honored as Augusta’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2017.

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Sherrill was named All-America by the National Association of Basketball Coaches  and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and played in the 2017 Reese’s Division 2 College All-Star Game. He was Southeast Region Player of the Year as a senior.

Sherrill played for head coach Mike Gurley at West Rowan and graduated in 2012. He was all-county four years and all-conference three years. He was West’s Male Athlete of the Year for the 2011-12 school year.

Sherrill, 31, is the son of Keith and Rhonda Sherrill. His brothers, KJ Sherrill and Jamel Carpenter, were also stars for the Falcons.

Sherrill has played pro ball overseas since graduating from Augusta. He finished his most recent season in Turkey in March.

 

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Deputies seek man in Augusta robbery case

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Deputies seek man in Augusta robbery case


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for questioning in connection with a robbery and battery at a convenience store in Augusta.

The incident happened May 30 at C&M Curb Market, also known as the Grey Store, at 619 E. Boundary St., according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say the subject is wanted for questioning in a robbery by force and battery.

He was last seen leaving the area in a small silver SUV with an unknown tag, authorities said.

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Anyone with information about the man’s whereabouts or who may come into contact with him is asked to contact Investigator Trivia Hardy at 706-821-1178. Tips can also be directed to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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