Augusta, GA

Shop Small Business Saturday in Downtown Augusta

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2024

Shop Small Business Saturday in Downtown Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Fifteen local small businesses in downtown Augusta are a part of the event with Downtown Soul City.

The event starts at Augusta & Co. at 10 a.m., where the first 150 people get a free tote bag. When shopping at one of these stores, you are entered into a raffle to win one of three prizes. After Helene this gives the business a chance to catch up.

“A lot of small businesses right now are facing real challenges because, you know, there was a lag there,” said David Hutchison, the Co-owner of Book Tavern. “But I know that a lot of the small businesses I know right now are really counting on this holiday season to kind of pick up that slack and make it so that, you know, they go into the new year strong.”

The owner of Field Botanicals says it has been a slow year even before the Hurricane and hopes this will inspire more people to shop locally

“We just want the community to support small businesses. Especially this time of the year, especially this year, because it’s been really slow for retail and downtown overall the whole year. So, this is a way to show your support,” said Jennifer Tinsley, the Owner of Field Botanicals.

Another business owner says that not only does shopping locally help the economy in Augusta, but it also brings the community together.

“Everything from better tax revenue to better employment for people, but I think the other thing, the real reason that maybe it’s important to shop small, is because you get to know people, and they get to know you, and that produces better outcomes, I think, for people in their lives,” said Hutchison.

Not only will you have the opportunity to shop from local stores, but there will be many pop-up vendors from the Augusta handmade fair since that was canceled due to Helene having handcrafted goods starting Saturday and continuing through the holidays.

“It’s important to shop local, you know, to help out the local economy and keep cool, fun local businesses alive,” said Evan Grantski, the Owner of Grantski Records.

You can find more information on the event on the Downtown Soul City Website.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

12 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

24 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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