Augusta, GA

City leaders discuss potential uses for old jail site in Augusta

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2024

City leaders discuss potential uses for old jail site in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta leaders are looking at the possibility of transforming the property where the old jail on Walton Way used to be.

A couple years ago, they decided to demolish it shortly after parts of it were featured in the movie ‘Suicide Squad.’

It’s still up in the air on what this land could be used for. City leaders gathered on Wednesday to discuss what would be best.

People who live in the community are hoping it’ll improve the area.

It’s the beginning of something new off Walton Way.

“There’s a lot of commercial land down here. People want to move down here but they ain’t got nothing to do. All the facilities have been torn down,” said James Williams, who lives nearby.

And some city leaders agree, hoping to come together on ideas for what would fit best.

Commissioner Jordan Johnson said: “We need more shops in this area. We need more restaurants for families to be able to go to. We need more places for kids to patronize. We need things for our youth to do in the city of Augusta. This is six acres of opportunity that we can tap into. So I’m confident that these conversations will lead us to that point.”

It’s an area where people who live in the community have wanted to see improvements over the last few years.

“A nice grocery store that’ll help the community real good. That’ll make the value of the homes come up to,” said Williams.

From grocery stores to retail and green space, people are just hoping their ideas will be heard.

Cal Wray, Augusta Economic Authority President, said: “You got a lot of city-owned property. You’ve got the highly trafficked Gordon highway. So obviously a catalyst project that improves the entire area around it. But something also the residents want. That’s a key piece. If we put something here the residents don’t want, that’s not a win.”

The project is still in its early stages, but community members say they’re excited to see something new.

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Augusta, GA

3rd suspect arrested in November murder near Paine College

Published

7 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

3rd suspect arrested in November murder near Paine College

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the November shooting death of a 32-year-old on Verdery Street, according to authorities.

Myron Garnett, 32, of Verdery Street, was shot at least one time and pronounced dead at 9:43 p.m., according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

In March, authorities announced they were searching for Cameron Williams, 19.

On Thursday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshal’s Southeast Fugitive Task Force arrested Williams on a grand jury arrest warrant.

MORE CSRA CRIME COVERAGE:

Williams is the third suspect connected to this case. In December, Anthony Williams, 20, was arrested and charged with murder, according to Richmond County jail records.

In November, Shakeichia Jackson, 30, was arrested and booked. She’s also charged with murder.

Anthony Williams, Shakeichia Jackson(Contributed)

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Augusta, GA

Ossoff to mark hospital, airport improvements in Augusta

Published

14 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

Ossoff to mark hospital, airport improvements in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is scheduled to be in Augusta on Friday.

The Democratic senator from Georgia will join Wellstar MCG Health in marking the delivery of two new MRI suites.

That’ll be at 9:30 in the morning.

Then at 11, he will join Augusta Regional Airport and community leaders for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the recent passenger terminal upgrades.

It comes as Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock are announcing $3 million in funding for both the Augusta Regional and Daniel Field airports.

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Augusta, GA

AU president gives final State of the University address

Published

20 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

AU president gives final State of the University address

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Wednesday, Augusta University President Brooks Keel gave his final State of the University address.

Keel is retiring this summer.

In the address, Keel highlighted past and present accomplishments.

He mentioned things like the largest freshman class ever with 10,000 students, the Wellstar MCG Health partnership, the new statewide transfer program for cybersecurity degrees and the 35% increase in academic programs since 2015.

The university also seen a 32% increase in degrees awarded since 2015.

Keel says it’s not just his final State of the University address. It’s his best one yet because it’s the most they have ever accomplished.

It’s an address that is bittersweet.

“We are sad that Dr. Keel is leaving. He’s just such a nice guy. He has guided the ship through name changes, through difficult times. But the one thing that his legacy will be is that he has set us up for the future,” said Angel Lovett, director of parent and family engagement.

It’s also a time to celebrate everything they’ve added.

“The name change, the building of the math and science, getting us a new parking deck, the new dorms,” said Lovett.

Russell Keen, executive vice president for administration and chief of staff, said: “If you look at where we were in 2015 to where we are today, it’s a remarkably different institution with remarkable support from the campus and the community.”

At a time when enrollment is tough for lots of universities, AU saw an increase.

“The five years prior to him getting here, it decreased 3% every year. And so, if you look at where we are this year, we’ve increased 27% in our enrollment over the last nine years, which is huge,” said Keen.

Keel has just 46 days left at the university before his retirement. He says he is excited to continue to watch the university grow.

“Thank you all so much for what you do day in and day out to make this place. You have a lot to be proud of, because of these folks sitting to your left and your right. We look forward to following this place from afar and watching the great progress that you make. So, thank you so much, and one more time, Go Jags,” said Keel.

While talking about what’s in store for the university, Keel signed off saying the future is bright for Augusta University.

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