Augusta, GA

‘It takes a lot’: Shelters prepare to house for those in need amid cold temps

Published

1 year ago

December 21, 2023

‘It takes a lot’: Shelters prepare to house for those in need amid cold temps

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – To help Richmond County residents get through the cold night, Augusta Transit is providing free transportation to local overnight warming shelters, including the Augusta Rescue Mission, Garden City Rescue Mission, and Salvation Army Center of Hope.

Getting those in need to and from takes teamwork and the shelters taking people in are counting on your help.

“That little act of kindness might be the difference between somebody making a decision that day,” said Patrick Feistel, executive director at Garden City Rescue Mission.

Chris Jones, executive director at Augusta Rescue Mission, said: “It takes a lot to run shelters.”

The need is for items like clothes, blankets, hygiene products, and other basic items.

“Maybe someone’s not able to get to a shelter because of transportation. So I think that’s a big deal,” said Jones.

Feistel said: “We sure can’t reach everybody, but we can do our best and make a difference in the ones that do come through here and their lives.”

For safety precautions, shelters are requiring proof of a shelter clearance from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to be admitted.

Garden City Rescue Mission can only take people in within their check-in hours of 1-3 p.m. If someone shows up after 3 p.m., they will get help but they’re not guaranteed a bed.

The bus will operate continuously from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Individuals who can’t get to the Broad Street transfer facility and need a ride should call 706-821-1719 before 8 p.m.

People in need of a shelter clearance may go to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office before 5 p.m. to get documentation from the records bureau.

After 5 or if you are unable to go to the records bureau, call 706-821-1080 and a deputy will be sent to provide the clearance.

The bus pickup location will be the Broad Street transfer facility, 1546 Broad St.

Drop-off locations:

Augusta Rescue Mission, 526 Walker St. (Route 3 Gold Line/East Augusta)
Garden City Rescue Mission, 828 Fenwick St. (Route 6 Brown Line/Gordon Highway)
Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1384 Greene St. (Route 3 Gold Line/East Augusta)

Augusta is also offering daytime warming centers, and those locations are listed at augustaga.gov.

Augusta Transit will not be providing free transportation to the daytime shelters, but individuals can use Augusta Transit’s normal bus routes during regular operating hours to get to these locations. For more information and route planning, call Augusta Transit at 706-821-1719 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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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.

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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.

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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.