Augusta, GA

Local Goodwill gains support as kids go back to school

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2024

Local Goodwill gains support as kids go back to school

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As you’re wrapping up back-to-school shopping, one store is reminding its customers that every dollar matters.

At Goodwill, donations and purchases support education opportunities and job training programs.

As you’re looking around at all of those school items, it may be time for you to head to the classroom yourself.

“The back-to-school rush is heating up. I was just putting some backpacks out the other day for prospective students, so I’m very excited,” said Regional District Manager Joseph Cochran.

While you can find those back-to-school essentials at Goodwill, know you are supporting someone else’s education journey.

More than 86 cents of every dollar go toward Goodwill’s job training and placement services.

“It’s not just this is money going somewhere. There are legitimate programs we have here to serve the community and individuals in need,” said Cochran.

For those in need, they provide case management and intensive services through their job connection career centers.

“We try to serve mostly the underserved population of the disabled, previously incarcerated, and also individuals that are on the verge of homelessness,” said Cochran.

Cochran has been with Goodwill for 16 years and worked his way up the ladder.

He says Goodwill helped him when he was in grad school.

“The company was able to give me a tuition reimbursement so that way I was going to be in a better position coming out of school and after I graduated so it was very awesome that they were able to provide me with that,” he said.

Helms College is supported through Goodwill and offers everything from a GED to a college degree.

“Our Helms College, which has longer degree programs in health services in culinary arts, but we also have what’s called Helms Continuing Education and so we offer more short-term training and certifications,” said Cochran.

He encourages everyone to come visit.

“We’re glad to have you not only shopping, dining and donating with us, but should you be thinking about going back to school, it is an affordable option,” said Cochran.

They recently added an ESL course through Helms College.

You can also take phlebotomy, administrative and office skills and a forklift operator program through Helms College.

These programs are funded through their retail stores.

To sign up, visit https://goodwillcareerdevelopment.my.site.com/HCE/s/programs or any job connection career center.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

5 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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