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Augusta, GA

VA Augusta works to rebuild trust and workforce after investigations

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VA Augusta works to rebuild trust and workforce after investigations


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After leadership upheaval and Office of Inspector General investigations that flagged staffing shortages and a workplace where some employees feared retaliation, VA Augusta says it is rebuilding trust and rebuilding its workforce.

VA Augusta has spent the past year under scrutiny. Inside the dental clinic, Dr. Nicole Boudau found the residency offers volume and hands-on experience.

“Our lab guy is amazing. His name’s Rico. He really does so much for us. And he teaches us a lot, too. He’s very hands-on with us,” Boudau said.

The Lakeside graduate came to VA Augusta immediately after finishing dental school in Augusta.

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“One of the best things that it offers is you don’t have to sell treatment. You actually get to treat the patient to the best you can, and they can make their own choices,” Boudau said.

Workforce improvements

Boudau said in private practice, care can get boxed in by coverage and cost. At VA Augusta, residents see more cases, do more procedures, and sharpen skills faster.

Interim Director James Doelling said the progress is showing up in the numbers. Employee vacancy rates are down from about 20% to 12%, and more staff now feel safe speaking up.

“You have satisfaction. You have psychological safety. We’re not robots. Humans aren’t robots. So if you’re happy, you’re going to do a better job,” Doelling said.

The improvements reflect in Medicare’s most recent rating for the Augusta VA, from two stars in 2024 to three stars last year to four stars this year.

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“It’s amazing. It’s an honor. It taught me so much about me as a dentist,” Boudau said.

Boudau is staying in Augusta and moving into private practice. Doelling said the facility’s push continues.

VA Augusta’s job fair is Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uptown Campus Auditorium, Room 3B-111. The VA is hiring physicians, RNs, LPNs, CRNAs, medical supply and surgical techs, dietitians, and radiology techs. Many clinical positions come with bonuses and incentives.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta’s Broad Street planting plan lacks key details

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Augusta’s Broad Street planting plan lacks key details


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city’s planting plan for Broad Street lays out the future landscape of Broad Street, from ADA accessible sidewalks to a separate bike path.

The plan also lists the types of trees and shrubs that will fill the now bare Broad Street.

But senior investigative reporter Lize Ownes found the plans are missing some crucial information.

The city has identified what types of trees and shrubs will go downtown, but not exactly where. The city has not said when it will begin planting. The planting plan also does not outline a long-term maintenance plan for the future greenery on Broad Street.

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What the plan includes

Blueprints and architectural designs make envisioning Broad Street’s new look difficult without engineering expertise.

Augusta Richmond County’s planting plan includes several types of maple trees, including the Trident Maple, according to Joe, a tree specialist at Cold Creek Nurseries. The plan also includes willow oak trees.

The county’s planting plan also includes bringing back what was once the most predominant tree downtown: the elm. Years of neglect combined with Hurricane Helene wiped out many of the elms that once lined Broad Street.

Shade trees come with roots, space and maintenance requirements, Joe said.

Ground cover is also on the list. The plan includes Asiatic jasmine, an evergreen ground cover that stays low to the ground and spreads. The plan also includes liriope, a grass-like plant.

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What’s missing from the plan

The planting plans do not answer several questions.

The plans do not say who will maintain the trees or what the long-term maintenance plan is. The plans do not say when planting will start or where each tree and shrub will go on which block of Broad Street.

Joe said he cannot say whether the tree choices will work downtown based on the information provided.

The engineering director was tied up in meetings and unavailable for comment. The Augusta Tree Commission received the same planting plans last week and is reviewing them.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

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Augusta, GA

Richmond Co. Coroner: Cane Corso attacks, kills Augusta infant

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Richmond Co. Coroner: Cane Corso attacks, kills Augusta infant


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Around 9:20, Saturday morning deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on the 500 block of Hillwood Circle reportedly for a deceased 3-month-old infant who may have been attacked by a dog inside the home.

Upon arrival, deputies located the infant dead inside. The baby, 3 month-old Zamora Robinson was pronounced dead by the Richmond County Coroner at 11:00 am.

Investigators said they secured the scene, and all occupants were safely removed from the home.

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The Coroner said that Zamora was attacked by a Cane Corso. It was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation.

The investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators continue conducting interviews and gathering additional information.

No further details are available at this time.



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Augusta, GA

Infant dies after reported dog attack in Augusta

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Infant dies after reported dog attack in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A three-month-old child has died Saturday morning after an alleged dog attack inside a home, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said they were called to a residence in the 500 block of Hillwood Circle around 9:21 a.m., after receiving a report of a deceased infant who may have been attacked by a dog.

When deputies arrived, they found the infant, Zamora Robinson, dead inside the home. Officials said the scene was secured, and everyone inside the residence was safely removed.

Authorities say a Cane Corso was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation.

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According to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, Zamora was pronounced dead at 11:00 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators are continuing to conduct interviews and gather more information.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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