Herbert L. Ellis, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, at his home in Augusta, GA with his loving wife, Judy Parkman Ellis of fifty-six years by his side. 

He was born on July 31,1946 in Washington, GA to Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis. Herb was raised in Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. He was recruited to play basketball at Augusta College where a beautiful young cheerleader, Judy, caught his eye and she eventually became his wife on August 26, 1967. Herb made lifelong friends with his fellow basketball teammates and through the years they have met annually to reconnect and enjoy a weekend of fellowship and golf. He left Augusta College and joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he was stationed in Cape May, NJ. Following his honorary discharge from the Coast Guard, Herb and Judy moved back to Augusta and he started his firefighting career. He started with the Richmond County Fire Department in 1978 and after many years serving the county, he took a job at Fort Gordon as a firefighter with the civil service. During his time with the fire department, on his days off, he built up a successful side business as a handy man and painter. He was always moving and didn’t like to sit still. Herb retired from firefighting in January of 2000 but he continued being a handyman until the last few years.

Herb loved sports, especially softball and all things golf. He participated in church league and travel softball with many teams. Herb excelled as a pitcher, and he could knock the cover off a softball. Since his return to Augusta in 1978 he never missed the Masters Tournament. His favorite spot to sit was behind number six green under the large oak, consuming egg salad sandwiches and occasionally a frosty cold beer. He spent many hours on the golf course and there were many memorable moments spent with friends and family on the links. 

Herb is survived by his wife Judy, their two sons and their children, Tripp and Lance, grandchildren Cal, Hayes (Tripp) and Parks, Preston (Lance). He is proceeded in death by his parents Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 23, at 11:00 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909 with the Reverend Rodger Murchison officiating. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Exchange Club of Augusta. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to: Exchange Club of Augusta Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914.

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Five people were arrested in a large multi-county drug bust Thursday, according to Burke County deputies.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, executed four search warrants as part of an ongoing drug investigation.

In Burke County, search warrants were executed at 1489 Hephzibah-Keysville Road and 2670 Farmers Bridge Road. In Richmond County, warrants were executed at 2305 Poteet St. and 2023 Smith Drive.

During the operation, investigators recovered:

• 4.5 pounds of marijuana.
• 15 grams of fentanyl.
• 50 Oxycodone pills.
• Two guns, one of which was reported stolen.
• $35,078 in cash.

Authorities arrested:

• Randy Williams on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime.
• Leah Owens on charges of charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic narcotics and possession of a controlled substance.
• Gregore Gordon on charges of trafficking fentanyl and possession of marijuana with intent.
• Georgina Robinson on charges of trafficking fentanyl and possession of marijuana with intent.
• Marquez James on charges of trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana with intent, theft by receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Williams was booked into Richmond County jail and the others were booked into Burke County jail.

“This operation highlights our ongoing commitment to combatting illegal drug activity in our communities,” Sheriff Alfonzo Williams said. “We are grateful for the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in Richmond County and remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Experts from the Carl Vinson School of Government tells Augusta a charter review should happen. 

But it could take a year and a half and cost up to $200,000.  

“It’s worth it because in the 28 years we’ve never had any formal review typically governments do it every seven to ten years, so this just makes sense and I think we’re at a crossroads right now in our government,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom. 

City leaders getting expert advice on changing the charter but we’re told any changes would only be recommendations and would have to be approved by state lawmakers. 

“I think it’s time we look at the charter and consider it, my concern is to make sure it’s open to the public,” said State Representative Karlton Howard.  

Experts telling commissioners to get the public involved the mayor and commissioners could make the appointments to an independent charter review committee.  

“We are the elected representatives, and we have to pick someone to represent us in the matter,” said Frantom.  

 But others oppose having city leaders pick a committee and feel the experts at school of government should recommend charter changes    

“Any type of appointments by a commissioner or the mayor would lead to this charter review being a political stunt basically,”  said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.  

“Everything in life is political in some manner and it’s going to be political in some form,” said Frantom.  

“We need to draft this charter in a way that does not speak to anyone’s personal political preferences including my own,” said Johnson.  

City leaders are in favor of reviewing the city charter, but already there’s disagreement on how to get it done.