Augusta, GA
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.
“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.
“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.
Augusta, GA
Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.
The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.
What to donate and where to drop off
Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.
“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.
Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.
“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 16-year-old wanted in connection with an aggravated assault.
Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Travis Pines Drive on May 18 after reports of shots being fired into a home, according to an incident report.
Investigators say Kawung Bentley Jr. is wanted in connection with the alleged shooting.
According to deputies, two people inside the home said they were lying in a bedroom when gunshots came through the bedroom window. One of the occupants said she ran to the bathroom and hid in the tub.
The other occupant told deputies he saw four males creeping around outside the residence before grabbing his weapon.
The occupant said the suspects then drove away in a Durango.
Deputies found four bullet holes in the bedroom window and about two bullet holes on the outside of the home near the window.
They also found two bullet holes in the rear window of a black Dodge Charger.
Investigators recovered two shell casings in the roadway in front of the home, along with a bookbag.
Anyone who comes into contact with Bentley is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…
Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.
Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.
Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.
Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.
Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.
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