Augusta, GA
Finding Solutions: Volunteer for Red Kettle Campaign to help those in need
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has kicked off and bell ringers are ready to greet you as you make your way inside the stores.
Last year, they exceeded their goal and raised more than $235,000.
Every time you donate, the money stays local and goes right back to the organization that is finding solutions in how to serve more people with your help.
Caroline Barrett has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for 30 years.
“It brings the Christmas spirit to you and makes you feel happy. It’s the time for Jesus and his birthday,” said Barrett.
It’s a job she takes seriously.
“We need more joy. We need people to smile, and it seems like all year long they’re sad. When they see somebody like that smiling and ringing the bell, they get happy,” said Barrett.
Every donation stays local and directly impacts people at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope.
Major Jonathan Raymer with the Salvation Army of Augusta said: “Over the last two years, we’ve been able to get 300 people into housing. So without this piece of it, without this funding part, it’s difficult to do what we do at the Center of Hope.”
So far this year, the Salvation Army of Augusta provided shelter to nearly 25,000 people, served more than 57,000 meals and had 61 job skill grads.
You, at home, made this possible.
“We are infinitely blessed by the community and their amazing generosity. We saw that through Helene and we see that still to this day. People are willing to jump in and help. People willing to donate, and sign up to ring the bell,” said Raymer.
As the holidays approach, more volunteers are needed to ring the bell.
Barrett said: “I’m just happy to do this and keep on ringing every year and helping out the Salvation Army so they can help the people who are in need.”
For more information or how to sign up, visit Salvation Army’s website.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.
Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.
The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.
All areas of the park will be closed.
However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.
The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.
The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.
The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.
“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.
“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.
Specialty flavors made in house
The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.
“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.
A business built for family
Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.
“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.
Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.
“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.
Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
A long-buried recording and the Supreme Court of old (CT+) : Consider This from NPR
Child predator cleared for parole arrested after surprise warrant drops hours before prison release
Repeat offender kills 2 deputies days after $50K bond despite long violent record: police
5th Circuit clears Texas to enforce drag show law in front of minors, Paxton claims ‘major win’
Virginia murder suspect in bus stop stabbing had lengthy criminal history, multiple dropped charges
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
A long-buried recording and the Supreme Court of old (CT+) : Consider This from NPR
2 Survivors Describe the Terror and Tragedy of the Tahoe Avalanche
Iran fires missiles at US bases across Middle East after American strikes on nuclear, IRGC sites
Israel strikes two schools in Iran, killing more than 50 people
Anthropic CEO says he’s sticking to AI “red lines” despite clash with Pentagon
-
World3 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts3 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Louisiana6 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Denver, CO3 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT