AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Verizon is having problems with data, voice and text service in the CSRA.

The company posted a notice about the problem on its website Tuesday afternoon.

“Data, voice, and text are limited in Augusta, GA,” the company said. “There is a known issue in this area and we are working on a solution.”

Viewers told News 12 the problem wasn’t just in Augusta; they saw problems as far away as Aiken.

It further stated that most issues like these are resolved within 12 hours, and most 5G issues are resolved within 48 hours.

Verizon also offered a link to check network status and to learn how to use Wi-Fi calling.

Some people said they got an “SOS” notice on their phones.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Despite the hot weather expected on July 4th, celebration events will continue this week throughout the CSRA.

Wednesday, July 3rd

Fort Eisenhower is doing its Independence Day celebration from 6 to 11 p.m. Fireworks start around 9:45 p.m. that evening.

The Barton Field Independence Day celebration includes a kiddie carnival, shopping, food, live entertainment and so much more. The night ends with a firework extravaganza unrivaled by anyone in the CSRA from 5 to 11 p.m.

Burke County Recreation Department Complex is having an community celebration with a fireworks show, vendors, concessions, yard games, inflatables and more. Bring a chair and tailgate from your car starting at 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 4th

On Walton Way at the home of George Walton there is an Independence Day event at Meadow Garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In North Augusta, head over to the Living History Park celebration where there will be hot dogs, watermelon, water, and all free cool pops. Come dressed in red, white, and blue with children and pets. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grovetown is having a Bar-be-que in Liberty Park starting at 11 a.m.

Gates open for Boom in the Park at Evans Towne Center Park at 5 p.m.

The Augusta Greenjackets will be having fireworks after the July 4th game at SRP Park.

The City of Augusta invites all citizens, visitors, and guests to join us for the annual Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Augusta. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with live music, food trucks, vendors, a kid’s zone, and much more.

The fireworks show launches from right across the Augusta Common on the top levee of the Augusta Riverwalk at 9:15 p.m.

Join The Village at Woodside in Aiken for a free community event featuring live music, food trucks, and a firework finale you don’t want to miss. Make sure to bring a chair and a blanket for this spectacular evening celebration from 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, July 5th

Join the Thomson-McDuffie Government Center for an unforgettable celebration of freedom at Freedom Blast. This event will include a day filled with music, food, and exciting activities for the whole family starting at 7 p.m.

For those who are wanting some small-town Independence Day charm without giving up a big show can head to The Hephzibah Agricultural Center. The annual Fireworks Extravaganza will start around 9:30p.m.

Saturday, July 6th

Friends of Clark’s Hill Lake Fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. for people on land or in a boat at Raysville Marina in Thomson.

Sunday, July 7th

Join the Story Mill Road Baptist Church in Hephzibah for a community picnic and fireworks with Providence Baptist Church, Landscape Wizard, and The Masters Transport Ministry. Free meal including ribs, pulled pork, hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the sides. Games and events start at 6 p.m., food is ready at 7 and fireworks at dark will be around 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Monday marked the start of a new era at Augusta University: It was Dr. Russell Keen’s first day as president.

Longtime President Dr. Brooks Keel retired last week, and Keen, an internal candidate to be his successor, has taken over.

Keen is no stranger to the area. He is a graduate of Lakeside High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University and a Doctor of Higher Education from the University of Georgia.

Keen has more than 20 years in higher education.

Prior to becoming AU’s president, Keen served as executive vice president of administration and chief of staff to the president.

Out of all the job candidates that applied for the role, regents say Keen’s knowledge of Augusta University and the community really made him stand out.

We sat down with Keen to talk about his plans for the university.

“We have some of the most productive research faculty in the country for our size. The only limiting factor we have is space and infrastructure,” said Keen.

He says creating more space is a top priority.

“We need new infrastructure, new space for researchers to really go through and tackle disease and break some of the chains of cardiovascular disease, cancer, brain health,” said Keen.

The goal is to make AU the top university for research in the country.

“We want to grow our enrollment at Augusta University. We want to continue to provide programs that are competitive, and that will meet the workforce challenges that we have in the state and beyond,” he said. “Our goals are to enhance and increase our research. We want to be one of the top 60, then top 50, 40 30, 20, 10 five and one. That’s our goal.”

Above all, Keen wants everyone on campus to feel a sense of place — starting now.

In his first few hours on the job, Keen spoke with first-generation college students.

He says he wants them to see that having an education can make positive contributions to the community.

“If you’re a first-generation college student, and you’re trying to figure it out, you might hear voices in your own head or from other people saying you can’t do it and it doesn’t matter. But I’m living proof that an education can change your life. And that education can contribute to the community and the state of humanity,” said Keen.

Keen says he wants to really emphasize community engagement while president.

He says he wants the community to connect with the university that bears the same name.

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