AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The city of Augusta is celebrating a milestone moment in the arts community.

After decades of growth from a small downtown space to a brand-new home, the Augusta Mini Theatre is opening the doors to its new instructional and performance center.

October 8^th, 1975 is a day that has been cemented in history as Butler took the initial steps in creating what would be known as the Augusta Mini Theatre. 

Butler along with his wife and the artistic director of the Augusta Mini Theatre, Judith Simon-Butler, began their voyage of servitude to the arts in becoming the first performing arts school in Augusta to offer all of the disciplines which include acting, singing, dance, and visual arts, under one roof. 

The Augusta Mini Theatre moved into its current home on Deans Bridge Road in 2008, using a $1.3 Million grant from the city and $400,000 that the organization raised on its own.

History Of The Augusta Mini Theatre

On Friday, January 16th, the Augusta Mini Theatre held a ribbon cutting ceremony, and patrons had the opportunity to walk through the brand new instructional and performing arts center, which includes the Judith Simon Butler Theatre.

For the current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and attendees in general, this is truly a monumental moment.

“I’m feeling butterflies, and I’m overwhelmed with joy because when I started in the theater, I was in the second grade, and we were downtown in this little bit of space and the floor creaked, and it was so tiny. And now we just have this huge space to spread out, and it’s just so special to us,” says Brittany Dent, the Augusta Mini Theatre Alumni Chairperson. “The importance of this building is just so monumental because we have literally started from the bottom, and Mr. and Mrs. Butler have built their way out. The dream of just having a community center for the arts in Augusta… It’s so monumental to be able to have a 140-foot theater where we can do our own plays and shows and anything. It’s just a very special thing. After the celebration, we’re going forward. We pray for another 50 years of celebrations. We hope that there are so many kids that are able to pass through these doors, are able to earn the scholarship, and are able to just get all the programs that they have to offer.”

The Augusta Mini Theatre is located on Deans Bridge Road, and for more information, you can visit their website, https://augustaminitheatre.org/.

Photojournalist: Avery Van Dusen

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Volunteers planted nearly 60 trees at Diamond Lakes Park Friday to bring shade to families and runners who use the trail during hot summer afternoons.

The tree planting was part of a project called “Katherine’s 100 Trees” led by the Augusta Women’s Club. Students from Westminster, Augusta Parks and Recreation, Augusta Fire and the Savannah Riverkeeper participated in the morning planting.

“Feels good knowing that people will get to enjoy this and our hard work will pay off,” Banks Carter, an eighth-grader at Westminster participating in service day, said.

Project honors 95-year-old board member’s dream

Mary Jacobson with the Augusta Women’s Club said the project started when a 95-year-old board member shared her final wish.

“One of our board members that was about 95 and at a board meeting she was sitting beside me and said Mary you want to know what I want to do before I die, she said I want to plant 100 trees,” Jacobson said.

The organization has planted more than a couple thousand trees across Georgia since the project began.

“This has been this lady’s dream and I love seeing it through. It warms my heart,” Jacobson said.

Adding to previous plantings

The Augusta Women’s Club planted 45 trees at Diamond Lakes a few years ago and added 56 more today. Some of the new trees are expected to grow 50 feet tall in an area where shade is needed.

“We live down the road and have these walking tracks that in the summertime are absolutely brutal, so we are trying to put in shade trees along the walking track,” Jacobson said.

Tonya Bonitatibus, executive director for Savannah Riverkeeper, said the organization’s participation represents a long-term commitment to the Augusta and Savannah areas.

“This is just a long term commitment specifically within the Augusta and Savannah areas to try and be engaged outside the river in attempt to get others to come into the river space with us,” Bonitatibus said.

Carter encouraged others to get involved in their community.

“Just make sure you always give back to your community. Make sure you see the beauty in your community because someone worked to do that and always give back when you have the chance,” he said.

The Augusta Women’s Club gave away 2,000 trees to residents for Earth Day. The organization has 1,000 trees coming next month and plans another community giveaway.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man is wanted for questioning in the shooting death of a 38-year-old man.

Richmond County deputies say 34-year-old Joshua Anderson is wanted for questioning in the East Boundary Street shooting.

Deputies say he is known to frequent the East Boundary area.

He is 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds.

The shooting happened at the 600 block of East Boundary Street around 7:44 p.m., according to deputies.

On scene, deputies located 38-year-old Jawaun Scruggs, of Augusta, who was shot at least one time.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office says Scruggs was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:37 p.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

If you have any information on the shooting or Anderson’s whereabouts, call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.