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Augusta, GA

“Definitely a little overwhelmed:” AU tries to get back to normal after Helene

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“Definitely a little overwhelmed:” AU tries to get back to normal after Helene


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cleanup is underway at Augusta University after heavy damage from Hurricane Helene.

Power is restored on campus and most of the debris is clear, but there is still caution tape up as crews clean up.

Dr. Keen says Helene left more than $5 million worth of damage.

AU leadership says although they’ve made strides with keeping the doors open, they still have a long recovery ahead.

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“We can replace buildings, we can plant seeds for more trees, but we cannot replace the human beings that take part in our community,” says Russell Keen, Augusta University president.

It’s a reality Keen says they’re still trying to navigate after Helene left its mark, but he says clean-up isn’t the top issue right now.

“I think the most difficult part is, not necessarily the cleanup, it’s getting everyone else back on campus, focused and ready to go, which our faculty and staff and our students have done an amazing job,” says Keen.

Families express concerns as Richmond County kids return to classroom

Students say the transition has been mostly smooth, but it’s hard to ignore the last two weeks and what it has cost them.

“We actually had water coming through our doors,” says Riya Patel, senior at AU. “It wasn’t entirely too much, but it was enough to for us to be concerned.”

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“Definitely a little overwhelmed,” says Tenbit Serbessa, a senior at AU. “You know, we didn’t have class for almost two weeks, so everything is, like, pushed until this weekend and next week.”

Students living on campus were moved to Gordon State College for refuge when power was out, and resources are still available for students like food and laundry services through the Salvation Army.

“It’s like good to see that everybody in the community stepped in to help one another out, especially the neighborhoods that were like severely impacted,” says Patel.

“I think they did the best that they could, given the circumstances,” says Serbessa.

Keen says fixing everything will be a long-term project, but he believes this will make the AU community stronger.

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“The resilience that was demonstrated, and really the last couple of weeks of this institution, this community, speaks very loudly, and I’m very excited about what that might offer for our future,” says Keen.

AU leadership says they’re continuing to work with contractors to get everything cleaned up.

They’re continuing to focus on the well-being of students and faculty through hybrid classes and continuing community partnerships to fulfill their communities’ needs during this time.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta commissioners receive updates on apartment safety improvements, SPLOST 9

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Augusta commissioners receive updates on apartment safety improvements, SPLOST 9


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners received a progress report on safety improvements at two apartment complexes that promised upgrades in August.

Redwood Housing provided updates on work at the Bon Air and Richmond Summit apartments.

The attorney for the housing company said the upgrades at both complexes are close to completion, from renovations inside to new security measures. Commissioners heard a long list of changes being made at both complexes.

The sheriff’s office and code enforcement backed up the improvements, saying their calls at both complexes have decreased compared to six months ago.

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“We have to keep their feet to the fire. I’ve received a number of horror stories from people living in both properties, from it being 100 degrees outside, and they’re not having air conditioning, to 13-year-olds being gunned down because of the lack of safety precautions at these facilities,” said Jordan Johnson, District 1 commissioner. “And, the list of these issues just goes on. I think it’s our responsibility to make sure that people have quality and affordable housing.”

District 3 Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice said she has seen improvements at the properties.

“Some people might say they are putting lipstick on a pig, but if you ride by there and see what they are doing, it’s a heck of a lot better improvement than what was there six months ago,” Smith Rice said. “I feel like, though. I’ve had more of a better response with Redwood than I have in the past.”

Ongoing oversight planned

Commissioners said they will keep checking in with Redwood Housing, including regular updates and meetings that include the sheriff’s office.

Redwood Housing is hosting what they call a grand reopening for both the Bon Air and Richmond Summit on Feb. 4. That will be at 10 a.m. at the Bon Air and 2 p.m. at the Richmond Summit.

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SPLOST 9 discussions continue

City leaders are deciding how to spend sales tax dollars through the SPLOST 9 project list, which totals more than $300 million. The list includes money for jail renovations, new parks and road projects.

SPLOST 9 is a one-cent sales tax that would last six years. It includes $85 million to renovate the jail, but also includes money for parks, roads and sewer improvements.

For months, commissioners have debated what should make the list. Some commissioners said there needs to be more attention to infrastructure.

“We gotta be able to grow. And the only way you can grow is ensuring that your infrastructure, your sewers, and are expanded and improved appropriately,” said Don Clark, District 5 commissioner. “Roadways need to be improved. The sewers, we still have a lot of folks that are on septics. We gotta get ‘em out of that and get the sewer lines improved, not just for the residents, but even for the introduction of businesses into the environment as well.”

The SPLOST 9 project list goes to voters in May. Commissioners are still debating the details.

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Augusta, GA

Morning Show Co-Host

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Morning Show Co-Host


88.3 WAFJ in Augusta, Georgia, is looking for a Morning Show Co-Host to join our team. If you’re looking for stability, a wonderful community to call home and the opportunity to do live and local radio, you’ll find it all here. As the heritage Christian AC in the market, we have been encouraging the Central Savannah River Area for over three decades. This is a rare opportunity and one that you should inquire about if you are passionate about loving and ministering to listeners who become like family.

We need an engaging storyteller to join an existing partner on the morning show. The right candidate will know how to connect with our listeners through your faith and everyday life. This is not a voice-tracking opportunity. We are looking for someone willing to relocate and join us in actively serving our community. Great things are happening here, and we think you’ll enjoy being a part of them!

When applying for this position, you must have experience in broadcasting or podcasting. We are looking for a gifted communicator who loves Jesus and thrives in doing local ministry. If you meet those qualifications and are looking for a job that is fun, fulfilling and meaningful, then let’s chat.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and demo to John Bryant at john@wafj.com.

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We are part of the Radio Training Network family of stations. Radio Training Network, Inc. (RTN) is a religious broadcaster, and all positions at RTN are subject to a religious qualification, including all positions at WAFJ-FM and WBIJ-FM. As a religious broadcaster, RTN makes reasonable, good faith efforts to recruit applicants without regard to race, color, national origin or gender among those who are qualified for employment based on their religious belief or affiliation.



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Augusta, GA

Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney

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Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A state bar complaint was filed against Augusta’s district attorney by a former deputy who sued the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office alleging racial discrimination.

The complaint by Quincy Cannon alleges violation of a rule requiring fairness to opposing party and counsel.

The filing says District Attorney Jared Williams selectively granted access to grand jury materials during an investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams(WRDW)

That’s an agency that accredits law enforcement officers in the state.

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Cannon alleged Williams helped a third-party investigator get and use evidence from secret grand jury proceedings against Cannon, while denying comparable access to Cannon’s attorney.

Although Cannon’s case was presented to a grand jury, the panel chose not to pursue criminal charges.

Quincy Cannon
Quincy Cannon(Contributed)

Cannon’s lawsuit claims he was treated unequally to white deputies who were also investigated over use of force.

A suspect in a deputy shooting accused several other deputies, including Cannon, of assaulting him in an elevator at the sheriff’s headquarters.



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