Augusta, GA
Augustans share frustrations as search continues for city administrator
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The search for a permanent city administrator in Augusta is closing in on two years.
It’s arguably one of the most important jobs in running Augusta’s government, but multiple votes to decide on a candidate have failed.
The Coalition for Action in Downtown Augusta called a public meeting on Monday to talk about the frustrations surrounding the search for a permanent administrator with tensions running high.
Coalition founder Kevin De L’Aigle responded to a surprise guest in attendance.
“To be called a liar is not something I will accept,” he said.
It was in response to Christopher Douse, Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse’s husband, who fired back at shots about his wife, saying they do live in Augusta, which refuted online claims they live in Beech Island.
“That’s fine because you don’t have to accept it because the facts are the facts. When you began to defame someone’s character, even though you used freedom of speech, you are wrong sir,” Christopher Douse said back to De L’Aigle.
We confirmed a legal permanent address for Douse in Augusta.
People in attendance also voiced a need for a change in the rules. Favoring a vote for the mayor, voters will get the chance to decide on that in May.
They also want to find a way to prevent commissioners from abstaining, which is what has created this gridlock in the first place.
“No progress made is intolerable and these people need to be voted out this year,” said De L’Aigle.
While it’s not clear when the commission will make another attempt to vote on a permanent city administrator, the vote is still between the Interim Takiyah Douse and longtime city employee Tameka Allen.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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