Augusta, GA

On Valentine’s Day, couples tie the knot for free in Augusta

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2025

On Valentine’s Day, couples tie the knot for free in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Love is in the air, and the ink is just beginning to dry for a series of newlyweds who tied the knot this Valentine’s Day.

Richmond County’s Civil and Magistrate Court staff wanted to help couples this holiday, especially after Hurricane Helene impacted so many hoping to save up for their big day.

So, they held special wedding ceremonies on Friday for free.

The most important promises of the day weren’t sworn in court but instead spoken between two hearts, free of charge.

Everlasting love comes with patience, intimacy and commitment.

“We’ve been together a long time. It’s about 20-something years,” said newlyweds Rebecca and Frederick Dickerson.

Daris and Amber Pinkson said: “I mean pretty much it’s like if you’re gonna do it, just do it, you know. So it all made sense, it all made sense.”

Garrett and Nicole Smith said: “We wanted to get enrolled in the military system as quickly as possible that would allow us to get stationed together in the future. And to do that, you need to be married.”

They come in as two and leave as one.

“We leave Augusta in the next month and a half. The goal is to live together again at some point. So, we got to figure it out, get enrolled in the system and figure out what we can do to make that happen,” said the Smiths.

But as the saying goes, when love is real, it finds a way.

“My sister-in-law sent me a text and told me, and she said, ‘Well it’s time for y’all, y’all need to get down there.’ So, I said we’re going,” said the Dickersons.

Carletta Sims Brown, Chief Judge of the Civil and Magistrate Court of Richmond County, said: “We have military families. Families that have been together for many, many years and are finally able to make this bond without going into the financial burden that weddings can carry, so it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Golden Harvest Food Bank's Spread the Love campaign

They’re weathering all odds.

While many lives were put on hold after storms, with a servant’s heart, Judge Sims Brown is helping couples start their lives.

“Our staff was slammed and resets and the massive amount of new filings that are coming in. But when one couple said, ‘Are y’all doing the weddings this year?’ Yeah, we’re going to do it this year because the community has seen it, they’re starting to embrace it. And so, we want to. That’s one of the greatest services we can give,” she said.

No better day to bond with those in love than on the most romantic day of the year.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

11 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

23 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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