Augusta, GA
Augusta leaders look to check every corner with Parks and Rec audit
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners took another step toward auditing the Parks and Recreation Department, following the departure of former director Maurice McDowell.
On Tuesday, a committee approved the audit. Now, it’s up to the full commission to decide next week.
They’re trying to clean the slate, following a controversial departure.
“What we want to make sure we’re doing is adding in processes that will make our city more transparent,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
Right now, they’ve narrowed the field down to 16 candidates to fill the Parks and Rec head position. While they look to the future of that position, they’re also looking to make sure there are no lingering issues from the past.
Some areas they are interested in exploring in the audit include Riverwalk expenditures, park expenditures, hotel stays with locations by employees, an IT search if any documents were deleted, community center dollars and more.
The auditing firm they selected, UHY, would charge a little more than $70,000 to explore this and more, within 90 days of commissioners’ approval.
Commissioners also tossed around the idea of tacking on audits for other issues they came across, like a new furniture request for a little more than $150,000 for the new Henry Brigham Center.
Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight said: “Ya’ll ain’t gonna wanna hear this, but it is beginning to smell fishier than a fish market.”
Commissioner Brandon Garrett responded: “I’m not even sure where to pick up on this one. Well, you know, apparently they stink.”
In every instance, commissioners brought up the need for more audits and oversight.
But a $300,000 to $400,000 full government operational audit failed to pass months ago.
“Again, more accountability has got to be put in place in this government that is just not there currently,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.
Also at Commission…
- SPLOST 9 work session scheduled is scheduled for June 20. Infrastructure and Facilities Work and FY25 Budget Retreat is scheduled for June 26.
- Three Flock Cameras will be placed at the three entrances to Goshen Plantation for one year, with a total cost of $10,500.
- Commissioners approved 17 Dodge police chargers and a Dodge Durango for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for $840,749.26.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Mother’s Day concert brings gospel music to Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Several artists came together for a Mother’s Day concert Bethel Community Church Family Life Center.
Lucresha Thomas with Psalm 100 Entertainment said the event honors mothers.
“I think that is very important to honor the mothers because there’s some people that don’t have mothers due, the mothers passing away and mothers not being local,” Thomas said. “So this helps bring them together and they’re able to fellowship with other mothers and just be positive, bringing some gospel to the community where they can fellowship together, be blessed and maybe receive a blessing.”
Host Tommy Ingram said groups from across the area participated in the concert.
“We got a live, a lot of groups coming from all over the area to make sure that all the mothers in the area have a good time today,” Ingram said.
Host Adrian Monet said the free concert gives back to the community.
“Well, okay, yeah, a lot of mothers enjoy some good gospel singing. They love gospel concerts,” Monet said. “And this one is a give back, you know, to the community because it’s completely free. And so it’s a chance for people to bring their mothers to enjoy the music that they love so much.”
Erica and Jessica Harris, co-owners of Sophisticated Soul Food, said they wanted to celebrate mothers.
“Okay, we’re out here today for this pre-Mother’s Day event, and we’re just, we just want to give back to the community and celebrate all mothers,” the co-owners said. “And so we’re so excited to be out here. And we have great soul food for everybody that wants to come out.”
Kenneth Medlock, Tyrell Gibson and Gary Durham of The Country Boys, a gospel group from Thomson, said they were honored to participate.
“So we’re just so grateful to be here and honored to be able to stand up and let the world know how good God is through our songs and our praise,” the group said.
Anthony Gallant and Lamont McDowell, members of a gospel group from the Carolinas, said celebrating mothers is important.
“Oh yeah, I think it’s extremely important because mothers work hard throughout the year. They’re very diligent,” Gallant and McDowell said. “And I think at least if you could celebrate them one time, just make them feel special and that the queens that they are, I think it’s important and they’ll feel that love.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Historic Masters landmark purchased and renovated by local resident
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Augusta, GA
Georgia governor candidate Olu Brown campaigns in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Olu Brown visited Augusta on Friday evening, stopping near the Sand Hills Community Center as early voting continues.
Brown is one of six candidates in the Democratic primary.
Campaign priorities
Brown said his vision as governor would focus on three main areas.
“One, it’s affordability around health care and making sure we expand Medicaid and expand Peach Care and make sure we continue to make our rural health care systems healthy and vital,” Brown said. “Number two, we’ve got to address education in all of Georgia, making sure every kid in Georgia gets an excellent education, and we’re paying our teachers more. And number 3, we’re protecting the rights of all women. Folks in the Gold Dome shouldn’t be making decisions about their bodies or the choices that they make.”
Brown is running against Amanda Duffy, Derrick Jackson, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mike Thurmond.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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