News Archives

Project Azalea under review by Augusta Planning

The proposed development of what may be a new Amazon distribution facility in south Augusta is underway, according to city records.

The Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee approved moving forward with the initial appointments to the Columbia County Library System. Those appointments are: • Connie Melear – countywide (Columbia County District 1 Commissioner) • Rusty Jarrett - District 1 • District 2 vacant • Secelia Brown – District 3 • John Luton – District 4 (Community Services division director) County Manager Scott Johnson said “As you know, now that Columbia County is going to have a standalone library board, we have to appoint new members. These members will need to begin work pretty soon, working on bylaws, the guidelines that are in place, we will need to hire a new regional director, so they do have some work to do.” The District 2 seat will remain vacant until after the District 2 Board of Commissioner seat is filled following the election on Nov. 4. Karin Parham, with the Freedom to Read Coalition of Columbia County, read a statement on their thoughts on the proposed library board members. “Our organization is concerned about the direction of the new Columbia County Library System,’ Parham said. “When county administration, through the Community Services division director, continues to manage library services operation while also placing that same position on the board that hires and oversees the library director, it creates a built-in conflict of interest. So even if direct supervision of staff changes, real control still rests with the county manager and the commission through the administrative link. That means the library’s independence only exists on paper and not in practice. So, we urge the county to establish a structure that keeps library government separate from county administration and political influence.” District 1 Commissioner Connie Melear said she wanted to be on the board to help guide it. “We felt like we needed somebody on the commission on there to help guide it and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I haven’t participated much in the library aspect before and now this is my opportunity.” The committee approved moving the members to the full Board of Commissioners. Aa resolution to establish the Columbia County library fees fund was also discussed. “Historically, the Library Advisory Board had a fund that money would go into for late fees and other fees, with the sale of books and those sort of things. It’s grown into a pretty sizeable amount of money, so with the Library Advisory Board no longer in place, it’s incumbent upon the county now to establish a fund for that. Due to our fiduciary responsibility, I would ask that we would use this resolution to establish a special revenue fund that way those funds could continue to be earmarked for library operations and use.” The committee also approved moving forward with this resolution. The next Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the Evans Government Center Complex.

Featured Article: News, Politics & Government

Columbia County to hold all committee meetings Tuesday

Tuesday will be a busy day for Columbia County government as all five committees will meet due to the Christmas holiday.

SRS Fire Department hosts DOE fire chiefs for three-day benchmarking visit

The Savannah River Site Fire Department hosted fire chiefs from across the Department of Energy complex for a three-day benchmarking and training visit aimed at improving fire safety practices and strengthening emergency response coordination.

Featured Article: Education, News, Politics & Government

All public schools to have naloxone by spring

In a nod to the spread of opioids, Georgia is installing overdose reversal kits at all 2,300 public schools in the state using money from a legal settlement with the pharmaceutical industry.



Follow @AugustaPress

Bribery charge filed after Augusta man tries giving flowers to judge in 2024 case

Richmond County Crime Map: November 26-December 2

List keeps getting bigger: SPLOST 9 climbs to $463 million

Columbia County Development Authority closes on property sale to Trammell Crow

Augusta University announces graduation speakers for December commencement ceremonies

Toy gun, bullet, and threats: Busy week for ARC and other county schools

Government food program to begin disbursing Tuesday in Georgia, at two-thirds the normal amount

The one in eight Georgians who rely on food stamps to put meals on the table will start receiving their...

Grovetown City Council’s Ceretta Smith on the campaign for District 12

Ceretta Smith announced her candidacy for Georgia’s District 12 seat in Congress, last month.

Ribbon cutting to reveal new mural honoring Black military service

A new mural celebrating the service and sacrifice of African-American soldiers during the Golden Blocks Era will be unveiled to...

Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown

The Senate took the first step to end the government shutdown on Sunday after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed...

State tax revenues rise in October

Georgia’s net tax collections rose by 6.9% last month compared to October of last year, accelerating ahead of percentage gains...

Wanted suspect attacks woman during ride in Augusta, tries to steal purse, leaves her critical

Richmond County authorities are searching for a man accused of violently attacking a woman while giving her a ride home,...

Richmond County Crime Map: October 29-November 4

During the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 4, a total of 239 crimes were tracked by The Augusta Press from the Richmond...

The Augusta Judicial Center and John H. Ruffin Jr. Courthouse is home to the Augusta Circuit's five Superior Court judges. Photo courtesy of Augusta, Georgia

Nominations submitted for sixth Augusta judgeship

Nominations are in for the sixth Superior Court judge of the Augusta Judicial Circuit.

Local Toys for Tots partners gear up to spread cheer this coming holiday season

Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps charity that provides toys to underprivileged children at Christmastime, has begun garnering partners among...

Veterans Day ceremonies coming to the CSRA

Local Veterans Day ceremonies are planned for next week in the CSRA, offering opportunities for residents to gather in remembrance...

Showing 171-180 of 12935 results

« Previous
1
…
16
17
18
19
20
…
1,294
Next »