Norman Arts School To Host Tournament

WNRR Augusta – (RedWolfe Press Release)

The Jessye Norman School of the Arts with the sponsorship of the Knox Foundation, will host a golf tournament Tuesday, May 13 at the Belle Meade Country Club, Thomson, GA. Jessye Norman, Augusta native and internationally known opera star will join the golfers for the luncheon that precedes the golf tournament.

The tournament is not only an opportunity to have lunch with the renowned Jessye Norman, but provides an opportunity to raise funds for the school. The school is an after-school program designed to develop and nurture the artistic and creative talents of inner city middle school students in the community.

Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. and the Shotgun Start will begin at 1:00 p.m. Golfers, sponsorships, donations, and prizes are welcome. Tournament fee for a foursome is $300; single entry fee is $75 in advance and $80 on-site.

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded to the winner. Other prizes and raffles will be available. For further information, call Carolyn Dolen at 706.737.4322.

Welcome Home Ceremony For ASU Boys

WNRR Augusta – Newsradio1230 joined dozens of proud parents, fans, and students to welcome home the Augusta State University Boys Basketball Team Sunday. The team traveled in the early morning hours from Springfield Mass. The players were greeted at the Forest Hills Golf Clubhouse off Wrightsboro road. The visibly tired team enjoyed a full lunch buffet and remarks from the university President and coaching staff.

Fans: ‘We Are Proud Of ASU!’

WNRR Augusta – ASU Boys slip in the Division 2 NCAA championship game Saturday, losing to Winona 87-76. For Augusta State University, this was a school first, advancing all the way to the finals. The Jags were up 16 points at halftime, but could not hold the lead in the end.

Students, alumni, and neighbors gathered in the Augusta State student center on campus, to watch the game on a large screen.

ASU is planning a welcome home ceremony Sunday morning, when the team returns from Springfield. For more coverage, tune in to AM 1230 and Newsradio1230.com.

Aiken Authorities Raid Warrenville Home

WNRR Augusta – (ASCO News Release)

ACSO Seizes Drugs, Guns and Money From Warrenville Home

Aiken, SC., March 28 – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, this morning arrested a Warrenville man and seized seven pounds of marijuana, 12 pistols, rifles and shotguns and more than $5000 from his home.

Christopher M. Coulthard, 25, 140 Sugar Cane Court , Warrenville , South Carolina , is charged with Trafficking Cocaine, Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Distribution of Marijuana.

After making several undercover buys over the past six months, investigators and agents about 8:00 a.m. served a search warrant at the Warrenville home. They found the drugs, money and guns throughout the house and garage. ACSO also seized an automobile and two all-terrain vehicles.

The subject is being held at the Richland County Detention Center .

Judge Danny Craig: “My Job Is Rewarding”

WNRR Augusta – Richmond County Superior Court Judge Danny Craig appeared on People and Issues with Helen Friday, talking about his new office, and discussing Augusta society as a whole. “It’s busy, just as much as the (District Attorney’s) office, but in a more relaxed way”, remarked Judge Craig while discussing the differences of his new position.  ”There’s plenty to do, and it is very challenging…but it is also very rewarding” Judge Craig adds.

Judge Craig took the time to discuss his education initiatives in the community- an effort to make the public more familiar with the law and the consequences of bad decisions. When asked about the reason for his numerous years of public service in Augusta, Judge Craig commented: “When you see people who were powerless in their situation, and through your efforts, they now have power and resolution, that feeling is very addictive.”

People and Issues with Helen airs weekdays from noon – 3:00pm on WNRR AM 1230.

“

Breaking: Coliseum Authority Reform Passes House

WNRR Augusta – (State Press Release)

Augusta-Richmond County Compromise Coliseum Authority Bill Passes House

The Augusta-Richmond County Compromise Coliseum Authority Bill, sponsored by Rep. Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-Augusta), passed the House this morning by a vote of 130 – 6 without amendments.  It now goes to the Senate. 

This local legislation was introduced in order to restructure the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority’s Board of Directors. 

           

###

ASU WINS 56-50!!

WNRR Augusta – (With Sources from Listeners and The Augusta Chronicle)

The Augusta State Jaguars have WON in the final 4 round game Thursday night – ASU 56 and Alaska-Anchorage 50. This victory makes a school record as they now progress to the finals!! Go ASU!!

ASU Students Plan ‘Watch Party’

WNRR Augusta – They are on the road to the Final Four, and ASU Basketball fans are gathering at the Jaguar Student Activities Center tonight at 6:00. That center is located next to University Hall, in one of the newer buildings on campus. The game will be broadcast on television screens inside the center, for students and the public to enjoy.

Census: Augusta Grew By Thounsands In 2007

WNRR Augusta – (Press Release From City Government)

The latest Census Bureau information was released yesterday. 

Augusta-Richmond County’s MSA population increased from 522,608 in 2006 to 528,519 in 2007, for a total increase of 5,911 people.  This results in a 1.1% increase.

The news media usually focuses on percentages, and will inevitably say our percentage of growth was not as strong as Columbia (1.7%), Charleston (2.1%), Greenville (2.1%), Savannah (2.4%), and on and on.

Here’s a point to remember about percentages:  It is the percentage of what? 

For instance, adding 10 people to a base of 100 is a 10% growth….adding the same 10 people to a base of 200 is only a 5% growth.

Another point:  The highest percentage growth community in the United States between 2006 and 2007 is Palm Coast, FL with a one-year growth percentage of 7.2%.  How many people did they add last year?  5,964….only 53 more than Augusta.  Their starting base in 2006 was only 82,433.  Our base for 2006 was more than six times their 2006 base.

On the chart of Largest Numeric Gain in the USA, Augusta ranked 93^rd.  Palm Coast, FL ranked 91^st.

So, hopefully, this will provide some positive information for you in case someone asked about our “low” percentage of growth…..

Walt

Walter C. Sprouse, Jr., CEcD, CCE

Executive Director

Development Authority of Richmond County

Suite 560, Historic Enterprise Mill

1450 Greene Street

Post Office Box 922

Augusta, GA 30903-0922

706-821-1321 direct

Mayor To Address Leadership Augusta

WNRR Augusta – (City Press Release)

Mayor Copenhaver to Address

Leadership Augusta Luncheon

Mayor Deke Copenhaver and Columbia County Commissioner Ron Cross will be the featured speakers at the 2008 Leadership Augusta luncheon Thursday, March 27^th at 11:30 at the Augusta Country Club.  

 During the luncheon, Leadership Augusta will also be announcing the 2008 Awards for Leadership and Service to the community.

For more information on the event, please contact Nan Shaefer at 706-821-1308.

Two Meth Labs Uncovered In Salley

WNRR Augusta – (ACSO News Release)

ACSO Breaks Up Two Methamphetamine Labs in Salley

Aiken, SC., March 25 – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men Monday afternoon when investigators discovered two methamphetamine laboratories at 281 Hollow Creek Road and 430 Hollow Creek Road, in Salley, South Carolina.

Kenneth W. Tindal, 39, 281 Hollow Creek Road , Salley , South Carolina , is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.

Scott R. Crouch, 45, 430 Hollow Creek Road , Salley , South Carolina , is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.

After developing information, Tindal allowed ACSO investigators on Monday about 10:00 a.m. to search his home, where they discovered components and chemicals used to make methamphetamine. Investigators later served a search warrant at Crouch’s home, where they found a second lab.

Both men are being held at the Aiken County Detention Center . ACSO has seized six methamphetamine labs this year in Aiken County .

Aiken Man Shoots Girlfriend

WNRR Augusta- (ACSO News Release)

Boyfriend Shoots Girlfriend in Middle of Night
 
Aiken, SC., March 21 – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is investigating why an Aiken man shot his girlfriend in the hip overnight when she walked into the couple’s bedroom at 1489 University Parkway, Aiken, South Carolina.
 
The victim is identified as Shernell A. Martin, 24, 1489 University Parkway, Apartment A8, Aiken, South Carolina.
 
The subject is identified as Algeron D. Isaac, 25, 1489 University Parkway, Apartment A8,
Aiken, South Carolina.
 
About 2:30 a.m., Isaac shot the victim with a 45 caliber handgun in the right hip when she walked into the bedroom.
 
“Right now, we’re trying to figure out whether this was an intentional or accidental shooting,” said Sheriff Michael Hunt. “Mr. Isaac was intoxicated, so we’re getting conflicting information.”
 
Aiken County Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta. She was treated and released.
 

MCG: ‘Be Prepared For Masters Pollen’

WNRR Augusta – (MCG Press Release)

Golf Spectators Should Prepare for Yellow on the Greens

Augusta, Ga. – Pollen has arrived in the South, and allergy sufferers
are experiencing symptoms. About a week before the prestigious Masters
Tournament, pine pollen will blanket the area in yellow, including the
greens. Fortunately, pine is a weak allergen, but highly potent pollen
from late-blooming trees and new grass will also be out in force. So,
Masters fans, be prepared.

“Masters visitors from up North where it is still cold are the most
vulnerable. Because the seasonal changes have not begun there as they
have here, travelers may not always think to bring along their allergy
medications,” said Dr. William Dolen, an Allergist/Immunologist for
MCGHealth, and a past president of the American College of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology. “It’s best to start taking allergy medicines
about a week or two before coming down, because seasonal allergy
symptoms are easier to treat when caught early, before they get
severe.”

The tell-tale signs of allergic nasal disease are sneezing, dripping
and congestion, often associated with intensely itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy can also cause asthma.

“If you get here and start feeling miserable, don’t try to tough it
out,” said Dr. Dolen. “Untreated allergic rhinitis makes you feel
tired, sleepy and achy – almost like the flu. And feeling like that,
you
certainly won’t enjoy being out on the golf course. Of course,
untreated asthma is a medical emergency.”

Pre-medicating and continuing with your medicine is the best way to
stave off these allergies. If medications are forgotten when preparing
to attend the most famous golf event in the world, Dr. Dolen recommends
that visitors have their doctor back home call something in to a nearby
pharmacy. “It may take a little longer for full relief, but it’s
better than having no relief,” he said.  You may also see if a local
physician can squeeze you in and provide help.

Asthma patients cannot rely on over-the-counter remedies, but allergy
sufferers do have the option of purchasing an over-the-counter
solution,
such as a nose spray, decongestant or antihistamine. “Antihistamines
may have side effects such as sleepiness,” Dr. Dolen cautions.  “If
you’ll be driving to and from the course, do not take an
antihistamine
that causes drowsiness. Driving is difficult enough for the many guests
who are first-timers and unfamiliar with the area. Also golfers should
avoid these medications because they might adversely affect their
game.”

Don’t let pollen allergens spoil your fun. When making travel plans
to see golf in Augusta in April, prepare for the yellow on the greens.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation
operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical
Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient
facilities and services throughout the state.  For more information,
please visit mcghealth.org.

Community Marks Good Friday With March

WNRR Augusta – Hundreds of area residents marked this Good Friday with a march through  a part of South Augusta. The event is called ‘Way Of The Cross’ and was organized by the South Augusta Pastor’s Alliance. “Hundreds take part, it is a remarkable sight” says Helen Blocker-Adams, host on WNRR. “Young and old, every race, marching with a different size cross, it is quite a sight” adds Adams. The gathering began at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church.

Bill Would Restructure Coliseum Authority

WNRR Augusta – (Press Released Presented Unedited)

Rep. Henry “Wayne” Howard Introduces  

Augusta-Richmond County Compromise Coliseum Authority Bill

Rep. Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-Augusta) has introduced legislation, which if passed, will restructure the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority’s Board of Directors.  This local legislation, also known as the Compromise Coliseum Authority Bill, will include changing the number of members on the board, “career sensitive” appointments, and an official name change.

“My effort in getting this compromise done has included all Augusta-Richmond County legislative delegation members,” said Rep. Howard.  “This is an important issue to our community, so it was critical that we seek a viable compromise.  I am prepared to move forward in carrying this bill through the legislative process this week.

If passed, the legislation would change the name of the Coliseum Authority to the Augusta Entertainment Authority and will continue to be deemed a political subdivision of the State of Georgia and a public corporation.  Effective on and after July 1, 2008, the authority will consist of nine members.  Under the new structure no member serving in the past six months shall serve on the new board during its initial term.  The members will be appointed as follows:

(1) Six members shall be appointed by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, with the five commissioners of Super District 9 entitled to appoint three members and the five commissioners of Super District 10 entitled to appoint three members;

(2) One of the appointees from Super District 9 shall have a background in marketing;

(3) One of the appointees from Super District 10 shall have a background in business administration and management;

(4) Three members shall be appointed by the legislative delegation which shall consist of all members of the General Assembly representing all or a portion of Richmond County; and

(5) One of the appointees from the legislative delegation shall have a background in business finance.

In order to be qualified to serve on the authority an appointee shall be a resident of Richmond County and should have experience in one or more of the following fields: business administration and management, business finance, the food services industry, the entertainment industry, advertising, marketing, or other related field.

Co-signers on the bill include; Rep. Quincy Murphy (D-Augusta) and Rep. Gloria Frazier (D-Gracewood).

lc341835.pdf

12-Year-Old Arrested In Overnight Murder

WNRR Augusta – (Press Release from RCSO) -

“Last night at 11:54 PM, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a “Home Invasion” with one person shot at 1839 Fenwick Street in Augusta.   Upon arrival, officers found 65 year old Roosevelt Cowins deceased from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.  Subsequent investigation has lead to the arrest of a 12 year old Augusta boy on one count of Murder and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.  The juvenile is being detained at RYDC.

Based on accounts from witnesses, the victim answered the doorbell, at which time the two suspects entered the residence, at least one of whom was brandishing a handgun.  At some point, after demanding money from the victim, the suspects shot Cowins multiple times.

The second suspect has been identified as 21 year old Willie Herbert Casey of Augusta.  Casey is described as a black male, 6’00” tall, 130 to 170 pounds with close cut hair.  Casey should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators also want to question 20 year old Kerry Lavert Hamilton in reference to this incident.  Hamilton IS NOT considered a suspect.

The investigation is still ongoing and further details will be released at a later time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or our toll free tip line at 866-939-5050

FEMA To Visit SC Damage

WNRR Augusta – (Via FEMA Press Release)

FEMA to Make Preliminary Damage Assessment in S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, March 19, 3:30 PM) –  Preliminary damage assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will arrive in South Carolina Thursday at noon to survey the damage caused by tornadoes and severe weather this past Saturday.

 

These preliminary damage assessment teams are made up of personnel from FEMA, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, affected county management leadership, and Red Cross and Small Business personnel.  The teams’ work begins with surveying the types of damage and costs caused by Saturday’s storms, including the number of people displaced.

 

SCEMD’s operational condition has been increased to level 4.  Operational Condition Level 4 means that the South Carolina Emergency Management Division is at a higher level of readiness, and staff members are notified that there may be a potential for them to be called in on short notice. 

 

As of Wednesday afternoon, 85 homes have been reported totally destroyed statewide, 88 homes suffered major damage and 383 homes suffered minor damage.  In addition, SCEMD has determined 8 businesses within the state have been totally destroyed, 18 businesses have suffered major damage and 33 have suffered minor damage.

 

Twenty-four counties in South Carolina reported at least some type of severe weather Saturday, including multiple touchdowns from 17 tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service.

 

Metro Spirit Newspaper Makes Funny Coliseum Find

WNRR Augusta – A Metro Spirit Reporter makes an interesting discovery, recently posted on the station’s website. Content is copyright MetroSpirit.com

http://augustametrospirit.blogspot.com/2008/03/your-tax-dollars-at-work.html

SC Issues Storm Damage Numbers

WNRR Augusta – (From SC Emergency Management)

SCEMD Continues to Assist Counties after Weekend Storms

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, March 18, 2008 4:00 PM) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to coordinate assistance in the recovery effort in the South Carolina communities affected by Saturday’s tornado activity and severe weather.

 

Statewide 68 homes were totally destroyed, 81 homes suffered major damage and 352 homes suffered minor damage.  SCEMD currently has disaster assessment teams in various locations throughout the state who are determining the extent of the damage.

 

24 counties in South Carolinareported at least some type of severe weather Saturday, including multiple touchdowns from 17 tornados confirmed by the National Weather Service.

 

The work continues in the areas affected.  Since the severe weather Saturday, the State of South Carolina has seen a tremendous amount of support from volunteer organizations, local responders, and state agencies in helping the people recover from the damage caused by this string of storms.

 

SCEMD is currently working with all responders to supply food, water, tarps, electricians, heavy equipment and other clean-up crews to the most heavily affected areas. 

Severe Storms Possible Wednesday

WNRR Augusta – Newsradio1230 is watching a line of storms move across Georgia today. We expect to see the storm front approach this afternoon. This system has a history of strong winds, and Tornado watches. To view the latest radar information, visit http://www.newsradio1230.com/Weather.html