Augusta, GA

New ambulance provider wins contract with Augusta

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2023

New ambulance provider wins contract with Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The contract with a brand new ambulance service supplier was handed by the Augusta Fee on Tuesday.

It was accepted 8-1, with Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle voting no and Commissioner Alvin Mason not current.

It introduced a sigh of aid to commissioners who debated forwards and backwards for nearly a yr over a contract with Gold Cross EMS earlier than even beginning the method with Central.

“I’m simply happy to have this behind us so we are able to transfer on to extra necessary issues,” mentioned Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Within the draft contract with Central EMS, the ambulance service was in search of a $2.65 million annual subsidy – a better subsidy than the one sought by Central’s predecessor.

Central desires a 3% enhance within the subsidy yearly the contract is renewed, to account for inflation. The present contract that’s being proposed could be for 5 years. By yr 5, it’ll be almost $3 million.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

Central’s subsidy for this yr could be decrease than $2.65 million since we’re nicely into the yr.

As part of factoring in response occasions, ambulance quantities, and Richmond County’s indigent inhabitants that’s unable to pay for emergency service, Central EMS says it wants to keep up a ten% annual web earnings to have the ability to survive as an organization in Augusta.

The contract requires eight ambulances, six further ambulances throughout peak hours, and three quick-response autos.

Commissioner Brandon Garrett mentioned: “Once you have a look at the contracts facet by facet, one of many issues that basically stood out to me is what’s being offered in every contract. The contract that we checked out earlier this yr had a complete of 9 autos for $1.9 million, this one has upwards of 17 autos on the highway at any time.”

For Central EMS, by their projections, the subsidy quantity solely will get them a 6.3 p.c revenue margin on their deal. They needed ten.

In addition they face penalties for not with the ability to meet 911 response occasions between 12 and half-hour.

Central’s response occasions and different statistics to this point had been introduced to the Augusta Fee on Tuesday. The vary from six minutes and 49 seconds on April 5 to 16 minutes and 23 seconds the subsequent day.

SEE THE STATISTICS:

Date	Ambulances	Calls	Transports	Common response time
April 2	8	61	26	11:35
April 3	8	81	21	14:17
April 4	8	78	41	13:00
April 5	10	86	53	6:49
April 6	11	97	53	16:23
April 7	8	75	29	11:39
April 8	7	74	32	12:11
April 9	10	79	31	14:29
April 10	10	96	38	13:37
April 11	9	94	46	14:38
April 12	10	89	53	14:18
April 13	11	81	47	13:12
April 14	11	88	49	12:54
April 15	9	92	40	15:50

Central EMS President Gary Coker mentioned: “My medics inform me once they go into Walmart to purchase one thing, individuals are patting them on the again and thanking them for being right here.”

Central began offering ambulance service in Augusta-Richmond County on April 2 after Gold Cross EMS all of a sudden pull its companies. Gold Cross had beforehand mentioned it might exit on April 22, after which Central would take over.

However then Gold Cross all of a sudden mentioned it was leaving, giving 12 hours’ discover.

Central was chosen as Augusta’s new ambulance supplier after the town refused to provide Gold Cross the subsidies it needed. One of many final annual subsidies being mentioned with Gold Cross was $1.9 million.

Additionally Tuesday, the Augusta Fee accepted:

Emergency funding of $1.6 million for the Charles B Webster Detention Heart, and upkeep work starting from glass alternative to roof alternative.
A greater than $4 expenditure for packages involving the housing and repair wants of low- and moderate-income residents.

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Augusta, GA

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

Published

7 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Harlem child was transfered to a local hospital after shooting himself in the shoulder, according to the Harlem Police Department.

Officials say the Harlem Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Fairview Drive just after 8 p.m. Thursday in reference to a gunshot wound.

Deputies say they offered aid to the juvenile until the Fire Department and EMS arrived.

According to authorities, the child found an unsecured gun in his father’s room and shot himself in the shoulder.

Deputies say the child was alert and conscious and is expected to make a full recovery.

Spencer Johnson has been arrested on a charge of cruelty to children in the second degree and has been transported to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to officials.

This case is still under investigation.

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Augusta, GA

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

Published

15 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.

The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.

The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office says in a recent case, a scammer posing as “Sgt. John Lewis” demanded over $300 for a leg monitor. The scammer later requested additional funds, directing the victim to provide payment via a bar code at a retail store.

The phone number, 706-821-1000, which is the official Richmond County Sheriff’s Office line, was spoofed during the scam to lend credibility to the fraudulent calls, deputies say.

Key reminders to avoid being scammed:

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they will never demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately and contact the agency or business directly by looking up the official number on their website.
Avoid providing money or personal information to unknown individuals, especially when payment methods involve gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, debit cards or other non-traditional methods.

The sheriff’s office says to report the scam immediately to local law enforcement.

For questions or to report suspicious activity, contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000.

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Augusta, GA

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

Published

23 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We got an inside look at Augusta’s newest grocery store, FreshTake.

It’s located next to the Outback Steakhouse on Washington Road, where Whole Foods used to be.

FreshTake touts itself as an elevated shopping experience with a focus on fresh, ready-to-eat meals.

There is a butcher shop, seafood counter, specialty food stations like sushi, pizza, pasta, juices and smoothies and a Starbucks coffee shop located inside the store.

There’s also a beer and wine bar inside the grocery store and a BBQ smoker outside.

“I always wanted to have a store that had an abundance of food service offerings on one side just like you see here. I’m super happy and excited I was able to bring this to the Augusta community to enjoy,” said Jackson Mitchell, CEO of FreshTake.

FreshTake opens its doors to the public on Monday at 10 a.m. for its soft opening with a grand opening set for January 30.

The store tells us it is also committed to ensuring no food goes to waste and is partnering with Golden Harvest Food Bank.

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