Augusta takes step to hire full time EMA Director

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

Augusta takes step to hire full time EMA Director

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – There can be big time disaster emergencies in Augusta, but an emergency management director is not a full-time position for the city.

“I think lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, we desperately need it as we try to recover our city as we try to prepare from the next storm,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.

The consolidation bill gives the mayor the authority to name an EMA director.

But for the last 20 years, the mayors have called on the fire chief to pull double duty while getting supplement pay.

But at the Mayor Johnson’s request, commissioners have approved beginning the process to hire a full time EMA director.

“You want to make sure that when disasters come, we are 100 percent fully prepared,” said Commissioner Stacy Pulliam.

“A city our size deserves someone who is full time committed to that role that helps with our storm preparedness,” said Mayor Johnson.

But when commissioners approved this year’s budget in November, funding for a new EMA director was not a part of it.

“You talking about cutting budgets but yet you’re talking about increasing personnel. It comes with a cost,” said Commissioner Tony Lewis.

“It will pay for itself as we go through this recovery for Hurricane Helene, as we try to see out grant opportunities and funding opportunities for reimbursement,” said the Mayor.

For sure the city has not seen its last emergency, now the city is seeking a permanent director to manage it.

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Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

Published

6 hours ago

June 19, 2026

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Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

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.

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Augusta, North Augusta join for July Fourth celebration

Published

16 hours ago

June 18, 2026

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Augusta, North Augusta join for July Fourth celebration

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta is hosting an Independence Day event to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the city’s 290th birthday.

Augusta is partnering with North Augusta for the event, telling the communities to meet at the river.

There will be food, music, crafts and more. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

The event starts at 5 p.m. with fireworks going off at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.

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Augusta man sentenced to federal prison on illegal firearm possession

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2026

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Augusta man sentenced to federal prison on illegal firearm possession

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – An Augusta man has been sentenced to nearly 6 years in federal prison on an illegal firearm charge, according to the United States Department of Justice on Wednesday.

Chauncey Lavon Feby, 20, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and a $1,500 fine, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.

In November 2024 in Richmond County, Feby was reportedly found with a Glock Model 45, 9 mm pistol which had been modified with an auto sear, converting the pistol into a fully automatic machinegun.

“We will continue to support our law enforcement partners in their efforts to remove these dangerous weapons from the streets and to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to hold accountable those that unlawfully possess these lethal weapons.”

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