AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta’s next city budget is pushing $1.4 billion. On Tuesday, commissioners approved the budget, but it comes with cuts.

Public safety is the main concern because that of course impacts everyone.

Commissioners have heard from the district attorney’s office, sheriff’s office and public defender’s office all asking for more money.

The administrator’s recommendation of taking $1 million from the general fund passed on Tuesday and the money from that will go to the district attorney’s office, essentially saving them $1 million.

“It allows us to be competitive across the state and hire the best lawyers and professional staff to help reduce the population of the jail to help make sure that people get their day in court and to also make sure that victims are protected at every level,” said Jared Williams, district attorney.

The sheriff’s office had also gone in front of the commission asking for more money.

They asked for $3 million but didn’t get any of that.

This will be the first year without American Rescue Funds, so they’re looking at an $8 million hole.

The commission has figured out $1 million out of that $8 million as mentioned.

As for the remaining money, they’re still figuring it out.

The commissioners did explore cuts to several groups like the land bank and canal authority, but that did not pass.

The budget becomes official on Jan.1.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

STAPLETON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three victims drove themselves to the hospital after an argument at a party turned into a shooting between two groups near Stapleton, authorities told us on Tuesday.

On Friday night, at approximately 10:30 p.m., authorities say the Jefferson County 911 Center received a call concerning gunshots being fired in the 2000 block of Pughsley Road near Stapleton.

Responding deputies say they arrived in the area and found no activity. Several minutes later, the 911 Center received a call that three gunshot victims were in route to an Augusta area hospital by private vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies again responded to the area and located a home where a birthday party was held earlier, deputies said. A preliminary investigation revealed that one group of individuals began arguing with another group of individuals and gunfire erupted as the two groups began to leave the area.

Three occupants of one car were hit by gunfire and drove themselves to the hospital, according to authorities.

Two of those victims were treated and released early Saturday morning, authorities say, the third victim remains in the hospital in stable condition.

No suspect have been arrested at this time, Capt. Robert Chalker tells us.

Anyone with relevant information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division at 478-625-7538.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in the country for home cooking fires – and Georgia is one of the top places where that happens.

That puts Augusta right at ground zero for cooking fires this week.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more home cooking fires in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day than any other day during the year.

In 2023, State Farm, the country’s largest insurer, paid over $237.4 million for 3,390 grease/cooking fire claims.

In Georgia, State Farm paid $17.8 million for about 230 claims. That puts Georgia tied at the top with California, where claims also totaled $17.8 million.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Top 10: These states garnered the most money for cooking fires in 2023

1. California – $17.8 million
2. Georgia – $17.8 million
3. Illinois – $17.7 million
4. New York – $11.9 million
5. Michigan – $11.3 million
6. Texas – $10.6 million
7. Ohio – $10.4 million
8. Pennsylvania – $9.7 million
9. Tennessee – $9.1 million
10. Alabama – $9.1 million

Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.

The American Red Cross offers these safety steps:

Never use a fryer near your house or other structure. Place the fryer on a flat, even surface.

• Never fry a turkey that’s not fully thawed.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.