Augusta, GA

There’s going to be a new sheriff in town: Gino Brantley ousts Sheriff Roundtree

Published

2 years ago

June 20, 2024

There’s going to be a new sheriff in town: Gino Brantley ousts Sheriff Roundtree

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta is getting a new sheriff after Gino Brantley defeated Sheriff Richard Roundtree in a runoff election.

When Sheriff Richard Roundtree didn’t get 50 percent plus one vote in May’s Primary election Gino Brantley had one more shot at unseating the incumbent.
Tuesday he became the projected winner of the democratic primary and he says he has mixed emotions.

“Tired, been exhausted, but elated at the same time,” smiled Brantley.

Voter Genessa Travis thinks voters chose right and that it is time for a change.

“It is great. I think it’s great. I think after 12 years, it’s time for some new blood. The city has changed. And sometimes when you’ve been in a position for a long time, you’ve got to get probably get stuck in your ways and may not be open to new things,” she said. “So bring in somebody else new and I’ve seen Mr. Brantley at several functions and I like what he says he’s going to do with the city.”

Sheriff Roundtree posted to social media thanking people for their support and asking for prayers for himself and his deputies during transition.

Brantley tells NewsChannel 6 that Sheriff Roundtree called him Tuesday night after the results came out.

“He congratulated me and said he looked forward to speaking with me in the next week or two.”

Brantley said he talked to a lot of people while he was campaigning and that he hopes to address their concerns once he takes office. He added that transparency is the best way to do that.

“By being engaged in public forums, by having the deputies out in the neighborhoods, meeting with people, knowing the people. All that helps build trust and helps bridge the relationship between the community and law enforcement,” Brantley explained.

Travis said she was impressed by Brantley’s plans when he was campaigning and looks forward to seeing if he can make a difference.

“In order to make a change, you’ve got to be out there among the people talking to the citizens and seeing what we need. You know, you can make changes behind a desk, but if you don’t, you’re not talking to your constituents or your citizens, It doesn’t it doesn’t really do anything. So I enjoy that he comes out and he’s talks to you and he’s not talking at you.”

Brantley will take office in January if no one qualifies to run against him in November.

Brantley may have another candidate to beat in November. Richard Dixon qualified as an independent candidate and if he gets enough signatures on a petition, he will be on the ballot in the general election.

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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

1 day 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

2 days 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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