Augusta, GA

Habitat for Humanity to open new resource center in Augusta

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2023

Press Room

Habitat for Humanity to open new resource center in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Close to the border of Richmond and Columbia counties sits the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Now, a portion of this location is getting a makeover and transformed into a new resource center in early 2024.

“It feels great just to see the walls go up and the idea that was in my head come to fruition,” said Habitat for Humanity of the CSRA CEO, Bernadette Fortune.

The drywall is going up and being put into place by one of the Habitat for Humanity volunteer construction groups that call themselves the “Geezer Crew.”

Angela Bakos, Executive Director of Resourced Augusta, said: “They’ve got a wonderful group of volunteers that comes in and they do the labor for them. So actually, the costs are pretty minimal but they’re still there.”

HOW TO HELP:

If you are looking to become a volunteer when the center opens, visit www.augustahabitat.org.
If you are a non-profit looking to be a part of the center, reach out to Augusta Habitat for Humanity at 706-481-8681.

It’s an investment back into the community with a goal to give people one place to go to find dozens of resources.

“This is also a space where we can teach them how to go after those things themselves, and how to empower themselves. Not so much holding hands, but teaching them how to be their own hero,” said Bakos.

Because even those who run nonprofits don’t know what all is out there.

Fortune said: “We have a lot of resources in Columbia and Richmond counties that even those of us who work with nonprofits aren’t really aware of, so the idea of having a place to meet with someone who could walk you through what’s available for your particular situation and then give you a warm handoff to that partner.”

It also means those needing help don’t know either.

Bakos said: “They don’t know to ask for a resource that they don’t know exists.”

The Georgia Department of Health will also be holding classes in the center.

“These resources are paramount for a healthy community,” said Lisa Ann Wheeler, a patient navigator for DPH.

It gives those access to all needs not just one.

“A woman is not interested in a mammogram if she doesn’t have food on her table or lights on. And those are the resources that I need to tap into with this type of environment,” said Wheeler.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

4 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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Augusta, GA

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

Published

12 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – AugustaCon was back, but in a new home this time.

Saturday’s event was held in Columbia County at the Performing Arts Center.

The event holds video game tournaments and hosts vendors that had anime and video game-style items.

We spoke to one of the vendors, who helped run the video game tournament there.

“We really love it. It’s a great environment. We love seeing new gamers, collectors, anyone that likes anime,” said Cedric Bacon.

If you missed out on Saturday’s AugustaCon, there are ones usually in the summer and winter as well.

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Augusta, GA

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

Published

20 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was fatally shot in an armed robbery on Lumpkin Road, according to authorities, and a suspect has been arrested.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Abdallah Rubeha of Augusta.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened at the Smoke Shop at 2303 Lumpkin Road around 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Deputies say they arrived to find Rubeha, an employee, had been shot at least once.

He was taken to Wellstar MCG Hospital, where he died at 7:35 a.m. Saturday, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

After the robbery, deputies were able to identify three suspects and their vehicle.

The vehicle was registered in Burke County, and Richmond County deputies reached out to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with the information, according to officials.

Burke County deputies say they attempted a traffic stop at 11:25 p.m. Friday at Savannah Avenue and East 17th Street in Waynesboro.

Deputies in Burke County pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase, which turned into a foot pursuit, officials say.

The driver, 22-year-old Terrance Walker, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in Richmond County.