Connect with us

Augusta, GA

Ga. attorney general brings ‘war on fentanyl’ to Augusta

Published

on

Ga. attorney general brings ‘war on fentanyl’ to Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr on Wednesday hosted a meeting of his statewide opioid task force at Augusta University.

The goal was to discuss the “war on fentanyl” and what Carr’s staff described as his continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Georgia.

Carr was joined by local leaders, law enforcement officials, state agency representatives, and recovery and addiction specialists.

“This is a mental health issue, a public safety issue, and most of all, a human issue,” said Carr. 

Advertisement

Attendees got updates from public, private, and nonprofit partners who are working to address this issue in the region and throughout the state.

Carr says there’s still a lot of ground to cover in the Peach State’s opioid problem. 

“How do we leverage the expertise, the assets and the resources that we have to combat this crisis that’s impacting everybody?” asked Carr. 

Carr says success is already being seen in the CSRA with a 15-pound fentanyl drug bust in Augusta alone last fall.  

Although recent statistics show overdose deaths have fallen in Georgia and across the country, it’s still a problem.

Advertisement

GBI Director Chris Hosey said: “It’s starting to spread throughout the state, just like an epidemic, as it’s been explained, is getting into our rural counties. And it is something that we’ve got to address in every county in the state.” 

The average age for overdose deaths is getting younger. Overdoses are the leading cause of death of people 18 to 45.

Reports show Georgia deaths are down nearly 6% – the first change in an increasing trend since 2011.

Local government leaders are hopeful to combat this with state funding from nearly a billion dollar’s worth of settlements from drug manufacturers and distributors. 

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said: “We could establish a task force to determine how those dollars can be distributed to the many, many needed organizations throughout our community.” 

Advertisement

It’s an issue the state says is not going away anytime soon, efforts will continue until the end.   

A Chick-fil-A employee fights off an armed robber inside Stone Mountain store.

Carr says those state funds are projected to go into the hands of local governments over the span of the next few years.  

Money will be focused on providing resources for treatment and prevention. 

It’s small comfort to families in the CSRA who’ve lost a loved one to an overdose – people like the family of Alex King, who was killed by fentanyl in 2020.

“There’s a lot of grief, there’s a lot of anger because a child should never pass away before their parents. It’s just not nature and it’s not natural,” said King’s stepfather, Bryan Lugo.

Colin Magill was prosecuted for the death, but released from prison early after taking a plea deal for drug possession and distribution charges. His release came less than a month before a new Georgia law strengthened efforts to fight the spread of fentanyl.

Advertisement

The strengthened law holds the drug dealer responsible for the crime with a charge of involuntary manslaughter. It carries a sentence of one to 10 years.

Burke County has charged two local suspects under the new law.



Source link

Advertisement

Augusta, GA

Augusta commissioners receive updates on apartment safety improvements, SPLOST 9

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Augusta, GA

Morning Show Co-Host

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.



Source link

Continue Reading

Augusta, GA

Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending