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Finding Solutions: Georgia Rehabilitation Institute supporting those with disabilities

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Finding Solutions: Georgia Rehabilitation Institute supporting those with disabilities


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Making sure people with disabilities have the same support, resources and opportunities as everyone else – that’s the mission of the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute.

They once provided medical services through the Walton Rehabilitation Hospital which was sold back in 2013.

With the funds from the sale, GRI is finding solutions in supporting local groups with the same mission.

It’s a facility located on 13th Street with a strong message outside, “love where you live Augusta.”

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It’s also a place you’re sure to find something to love on the inside.

The 523 gallery is filled with artwork created by artists with disabilities.

“Each year we add to it, so we continue to populate the gallery with artwork done by various people throughout the state of Georgia as well as local artists,” said Dennis Skelley, president/CEO of the Gerogia Rehabilitation Institute.

Skelley says the gallery is just one of several ways they support people with disabilities.

“The two things that always surface as top priorities are accessible housing and accessible transportation,” said Skelley. “Both of those are expensive endeavors and by partnering with organizations who are in that business or look provide those services we find that we can do more.”

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Skelley says that’s why they’ve partnered with the augusta transit to upgrade bus stops by adding ramps and sidewalks.

“Last year we selected six locations and upgraded those bus stops to be fully accessible and we are in the process of choosing six more this year and we will do the same thing,” he said.

Area 9 Special Olympics

“We really want to make Augusta a community for people with disabilities to live, work and play,” said Skelley

As for accessible housing, GRI is currently working with Augusta Housing and Community Development to renovate six homes as well as build a new duplex that will be fully accessible.

A project we plan to follow once it gets going.

The 523 gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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For more information, you can visit the GRI’s website here.



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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says

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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says


A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025. 

“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” 

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Charges filed

Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:

  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
  • Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material

Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. 

Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties. 

Statewide crackdown on trafficking

The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.

The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials. 

Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide. 

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Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.

What happens next

Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. 

The case remains under investigation.



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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit

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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit


Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.

If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.

There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.

Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National


AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get

While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.

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2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket

What we know:

Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field. 

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The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.

By the numbers:

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Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:

  • Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
  • Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
  • Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
  • Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.

Dig deeper:

Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday. 

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Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.

Local perspective:

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The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans. 

With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.

The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.

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