AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A giant inflatable brain appeared on the lawn of Piedmont Augusta, allowing people to walk through and learn how to identify stroke symptoms.

The exhibit was part of Stroke Awareness Month. Visitors stepped inside the inflatable brain to see what a stroke looks like and learn how to spot one.

Dr. Barry Jenkins, chief medical officer at Piedmont Augusta, said the message is particularly important for the region.

“So in the southeast we live in what we call the stroke belt. We have high prevalence of risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure so it’s really important that people understand what their own risks are and what the signs and symptoms of a stroke are,” Jenkins said.

Ruthie Kelly attended the event.

“I learned about speech and the different signs of stroke and be aware of and to prevent or help someone if they may be having a stroke,” Kelly said.

Doctors say knowing stroke signs could make a difference. Warning signs include sudden loss of balance, vision changes, facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or slurred speech.

If any of those warning signs appear, call 911 immediately.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Augusta’s new pro-hockey team is preparing to unveil its logo and name. The hockey team is working to build a strong fan base across the CSRA before it even hits the ice. Supporters say it will be fun and a place for family and friends to come together.

Locals in Augusta have had the opportunity to participate in choosing the teams logo and name for their upcoming season. This gave the community an opportunity to be a part of something that will grow to be huge here in the city.

“This is Augusta’s team, and we want to make an impact on the ice and off the ice in the community. But really have a place where people can come for great, affordable fun, and then we can do great things off the ice as well to positively impact the community. “, says David Hodges, Co-Owner of the Augusta Pro Hockey Team.

Having the new sports team present the name and logo unveil has almost made a sold-out event. With 2,100 plus seats being RSVP’d prior to the start of the event.

The new team will not take the ice until the 2027-2028 season, but excitement is already high. The name and logo reveal event is set for this evening at the Augusta Convention Center (2 10th Street, Augusta, GA 30901), with doors opening at 5:30 PM and ending at 8 PM. You can click here to RSVP for tonight’s event.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Community members, veterans, military families and local leaders gathered Monday at the All Wars Memorial in Olde Town Augusta to honor the men and women who died while serving the United States.

The Augusta CRSA “America 250” Memorial Day Ceremony featured patriotic music, prayers, a roll call honoring local veterans organizations and remarks from city and military leaders.

Major General Ryan Janovic with the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon says Memorial Day is a time to remember service members who never returned home.

“I myself have been deployed with a brigade who didn’t bring everybody home,” Janovic said. “I remember the faces, families and the ceremonies.”

Janovic says the day carries a deeper meaning for many veterans and military families.

“Memorial Day is an American time to get quiet and remember those who didn’t come home from serving overseas and defending our way of life,” Janovic said.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson also spoke about the connection between Memorial Day and the Augusta CSRA’s “America 250” observance, which marks the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“We have been involved in every major conflict since this nation even became a country,” Johnson said. “From the Revoluntionary War to the Vietnam War to the Korean conflict, to World War I and II, Augusta has been the fabric of America.”

The ceremony also focused on teaching younger generations about the sacrifices made be service members.

Janovic says be believes younger people understand the importance of the day.

“I have an 18-year-old son, so that question hits home well,” Janovic said. “He knows this is a special day and his friends do as well.”

Timothy Tyler, volunteer with the Augusta Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, says he hopes people remember the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

“Here we have three great memorials to the different people from the CSRA who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Tyler said. “I just hope people remember all the sacrifices.”

Organizers say events like this help make sure the stories and sacrifices of fallen service members are never forgotten.