Augusta, GA

Here’s an update on construction in downtown Augusta

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2023

Here’s an update on construction in downtown Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – From gutters to sidewalks and curbs, several zones in downtown Augusta started getting a major facelift this year on 5th, 6th, 13th, and Greene streets.

The multi-million dollar project started around May with work impacting traffic business and more in the area, but there’s even more in store for 2024.

It’s giving construction workers a bad rap for people driving through downtown.

Many businesses say they rely on the people who live and work downtown, so their traffic is mostly foot traffic.

“They spend their money here, support us, so we don’t have much of an issue whatsoever with them,” says the Store Manager of Groucho’s Deli, Katlyn Kelly.

They’re nestled on the corner of Broad and 8th streets, hearing noise every day but say the progress hasn’t kept people away.

“Our regular customers started to slow down just a little bit, but realized it’s not going away yet so I’m still going to make the attempt to come eat where they would normally eat during the week,” said Kelly.

It’s a good thing too, with work on Broad Street just serving as a preview.

The current work on Broad Street is Georgia Power’s. The city’s own renovation is expected to start at the beginning of next year.

The most notable work starts on 15th Street and building a new plaza around the James Brown Statue.

5th and 6th Streets are working ahead of schedule, and expected to finish half a year early in mid-2025, but 13th Street is seeing delays with canal work and will finish sometime in 2027.

Greene Street is still on track but has heavy work that will shut down some blocks for a few days soon.

All work is necessary growing pains for future bike lanes and a shinier downtown.

Assistant Director of Traffic and Engineering, John Ussery, said: “Just be patient with us as we go through this process but continue to come downtown. We should have most of everything cleaned up and passable by the time the 24′ Masters gets here.”

All of the projects have a three-year timeline, so the finish line is between mid-2025 through 2027 for everything to be completed.

Source link

Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

1 hour 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.

Source link

Augusta, GA

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

Published

9 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.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

Published

17 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.