Augusta, GA

‘Most prestige’ fishing tournament returns, makes big impact

Published

1 year ago

October 7, 2023

Press Room

‘Most prestige’ fishing tournament returns, makes big impact

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Mr. Clark Hill Fishing Tournament returned this year with over 180 participants.

For local businesses like Hadden Outdoors, it’s a way to generate more business. They saw an increase in sales by 100%.

People were buying things ranging from clothing to drinks to a variety of fishing supplies.

“It’s exciting when you blast off with 189 boats, and the sun’s coming up all those big Mercury motors running. It’s unbelievable,” said Bobby Gaston, fisherman and tournament participant.

People come to Clarks Hill to experience just that.

“There’s probably people as far as from Savannah, and probably as far north as Athens and maybe around Greenville. This is kind of our Daytona 500 on Clarks Hill locally,” said DJ Hadden, Hadden Outdoors owner.

The tournament is put on by the Clark Hill Committee.

“It’s the biggest one we do. We do about eight tournaments a year, and this is by far the largest. We average from 180 to well over 200 boats,” said Robin Whisenant, local bass club president.

The more people that come to the tournament, the more sales.

“It has a huge impact on my store. It drives a lot of, you know, pollards and pair of jacks and all of us here locally between gas and selling tackle, selling ice, selling drinks,” said Hadden.

The sales have been happening all week.

“It’s such a big deal. They’ve been coming to my store all week. Monday it started you know, Tuesday picked up a little bit more, and then yesterday was really big. Everybody had to get the last-minute baits to get prepared for today,” he said.

Once people get out on the water, it’s go time.

“I caught about 15. You can weigh in five, so it worked out pretty good,” said Gaston.

And this tournament means more. The winner gets the title of ‘Mr. Clark’s Hill’ as well as either a personalized jacket or ring.

“This is what we want to win. It’s not the biggest pay in, but it’s the biggest, most prestige,” said Hadden.

Source link

Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

42 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

12 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

Source link

Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

24 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.

Source link