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Featured Article: News, Politics & Government

Augusta faces $21 million budget gap as administrator proposes tax hike, cuts

A projected $21 million shortfall means the Augusta Commission faces tough choices as it finalizes the 2026 budget.

Featured Article: News, Politics & Government

Augusta’s new ‘2035 Plan’ aims to turn downtown into lived-in, green, cross-river community

A sweeping new blueprint lays out how downtown Augusta — together with North Augusta — plans to turn its riverfront core from an event-driven destination into a thriving, lived-in community.

Featured Article: Education, News

Columbia County Board of Education appoints Greenbrier assistant principal

The Columbia County Board of Education met Tuesday evening, appointing a new assistant principal, recognizing a top-performing elementary school, and reporting strong districtwide academic results before hearing from parents on disability inclusion, book reviews, and bullying prevention.

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

MIS Committee approves moving forward with Columbia County Library System appointments

The Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee approved moving forward with the initial appointments to the Columbia County Library System.

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Grovetown man fatally stabbed on Washington Road; Suspect sought

Columbia County Crime Map: Oct. 5–12

Augusta braces for cuts as Allen’s spending plan debuts

Pediatric surgeon honored at grand reopening of Children’s Hospital of Georgia

Light the Night Walk returns to Evans Towne Center Park later this month

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Georgia public universities back new multi-state accreditation model

The University System of Georgia has joined five other public systems in the South to establish a new accreditation model...

Hephzibah woman arrested after falling asleep on I-20, killing passenger

A Hephzibah woman is facing criminal charges after a deadly crash that claimed the life of her passenger, who was...

The Juicy Crab announces closure

Sunday, June 27 will be the last day open for The Juicy Crab.

Richmond Hill Middle brings Broadway to Augusta with fine arts summer camp

Students from the Richmond County School System have spent the last few weeks flexing their creative muscles at an annual...

AU earns prestigious award for excellence in cybersecurity

Augusta University won the 2025 CSO50 Award for its innovative cybersecurity project that boosts defenses and trains future professionals.

Fox 54 journalist posed as young girl in search of child porn, Grovetown cops say

A Grovetown man who has been working at WFXG-TV was locked up Friday on allegations that he solicited child porn...

PSC hears Georgia Power rate freeze plan

Executives representing Georgia Power and the state’s energy regulating agency Thursday defended the utility’s plan to freeze rates against accusations...

Commission warns Bon Air owner; considers night work on Broad Street

The Augusta Commission took steps toward putting the business licenses of the Bon Air and Richmond Summit on probation Thursday,...

Augusta Regional Airport gears up for increase in volume during next year’s Masters Week

Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is now a diversion for American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta, explained AGS assistant PR director...

Columbia County celebrates summer school graduates

The Columbia County school district celebrated nearly 40 summer school graduates from its high schools on Thursday evening.

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