Augusta, GA

‘Run to Remember’ 5K honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

Published

2 months ago

May 28, 2024

‘Run to Remember’ 5K honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dozens of runners hit the trails on Monday in honor of the fallen in the Wear Blue Run to Remember 5k.

Each runner was assigned a veteran’s name so they could run in their honor.

Mahalia Marin is a veteran but also a part of the Student Veterans of America Association at Augusta University

“I’ve been deployed three times, I’m back here. There are many people who didn’t make it back. And we’re just here representing them. And so we speak their names, so we don’t forget,” said Marin.

Coming home isn’t something everyone gets to do. So, on Memorial Day, they run in their honor and think about how each person paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“I actually just retired this past year. But this was one of my soldiers in Washington, one of my soldiers in San Antonio and also Germany. And the last soldier I was stationed with at Fort Stewart we deployed together to Iraq and got killed over there,” said Jamie Graham, a veteran.

During the run, 133 posters could be seen along the sidelines with names and photos of fallen members since 9/11 who served in the CSRA, once lived in the area, or were friends and family members of locals.

“I lost my father in active duty Army when I was six. He was deployed in Iraq in 2010. So it’s, it’s been very rough. But starting this organization at Augusta University has really helped to not only educate the community on what Goldstar families are but to also bring in local, other Goldstar families who go to Augusta University,” said Caitlyn Burner, founder and President of Augusta Goldstar Foundation.

Burner came to honor her dad. Burner’s boyfriend and his family also ran in her dad’s honor.

“When I was running through it, I just used it as a point to just kind of go as hard as I can because we wouldn’t be here without any without their service. So I just use that as motivation just to do my best,” said Stephen Webster, Burner’s boyfriend.

They’re showing support for those you know and even those you don’t while remembering what this holiday is truly about.

“It’s pretty cool that people, people really do care. And they’re out here showing it and they’re running for fallen soldiers who they don’t even know,” said Burner.

For more information on Goldstar families and how to support them, click here.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta program provides resources to parents, students

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

Augusta program provides resources to parents, students

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are less than 10 days away from another school year in Richmond and Columbia counties, and parents getting prepared.

But it can be hard on your wallet.

On Friday, “Living in Purpose” helped with more than just school supplies.

Hundreds of families had a good time while stocking up on school supplies over at the purpose center. Organizers say they went through all 100 of their backpacks within an hour.

But many families and incoming students say Friday today was more than just a handout.

Families took advantage of free backpacks, haircuts and shoe raffles ahead of the new school year.

Event leaders say Friday really shows the growing need for families when it comes to school supplies.

“I mean, the way that it’s looking right now, I probably needed 200 book bags. The goal is for us to target the kids’ right hand to direct the community. But we have kids coming from all over the community because there is such a great need,” said Kamilah Freeman, executive administrator for “Living in Purpose”.

Organizers say it’s really about the resources they’re trying to bring to the at-risk youth in the community.

“We are targeting youth to prevent them from going through things in life teaching them about integrity, purpose character, helping them to know that they have a purpose in life and to be all that they can be,” said Freeman.

School supplies needed at Murphy-Harpst Evolve Initiative

Along with free supplies, they’re offering mentorship and after-school programs to families for their kids to get involved in.

Joshua Hawthorne says he’s a product of that, and it’s motivating him to reach for places he never dreamed of before.

“I got between sort of three choices right now that I want to go to. Kelsey, JSU or Talladega,” he said.

It’s a community effort to remind the next generation what they’re capable of.

Freeman said: “It is so rewarding to me because I see them when they come in and I see them as they’re progressing. I see their heads going from down to being lifted up I see their chest coming up. I see smiles on their face and they are gaining hope and I love it”

With the start of the new school year for Richmond County, “Living in Purpose” will resume its after-school programs for kids to get assistance with homework and other essential needs.

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Augusta, GA

Cold case solved: Suspect arrested in 2019 Augusta slaying

Published

9 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Cold case solved: Suspect arrested in 2019 Augusta slaying

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a 2019 murder.

On Dec. 30, 2019, at 4:47 am., the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2106 Bayvale Road to investigate the murder of Dwayne Lane, 52.

The case had remained in a cold case status until Friday.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division was able to find and interview original witnesses as well as new witnesses.

As a result, investigators were able to arrest Willie Ferrell, 42, in connection with the killing.

Ferrell was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

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Augusta, GA

Complete this survey to create a more climate resilient Augusta

Published

16 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Complete this survey to create a more climate resilient Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The University of Georgia is seeking the public’s help in creating more climate resilience in Augusta.

The project aims to address the impacts of climate change in vulnerable and underserved communities in Georgia.

The team consists of a group of climate scientists from UGA, who are partnering with the Georgia Climate Project (GCP), Greater Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition (GAIC) and Black Voters Matter (BVM).

“We noticed there is a lot of resilience work going on around Atlanta and the coast, but there is this big swath in the middle of Georgia that is not getting a lot of attention,” said Dr. Patricia Yager. “A lot of folks are being impacted but not getting resources. So, UGA and the Georgia Climate Project asked around to see who was interested and we got a lot of enthusiasm from the Augusta community. This is hoping to be a model effort for other communities across the state.”

The team will help provide climate risk information to underserved communities in Augusta.

The project will also offer guidance and resources for making good decisions to respond to extreme weather.

Resilient solutions include:

Designing infrastructure to direct water to planted areas can reduce flooding.
Electric public transportation can reduce emissions that worsen air quality.
Increasing green spaces in the city, like installing green roofs, can reduce urban heat.

The project team says their goal is to “listen to Augusta residents, interpret Augusta-specific climate science data and identify solutions to help Augusta residents cope with extreme weather.”

To complete the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7PTfE8WIx1O-NRBrCjn2ujh_KhmW66_Rhn7dEg9FuOEggNQ/viewform.

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