Corps Seek Your ‘River’ Advice

WNRR Augusta – (USACE)

SAVANNAH, GA.– Can the Corps of Engineers reduce the outflows from the J. Strom Thurmond Dam an additional 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) without a significant impact on the downstream environment? Savannah District officials seek comments to that question in an expedited draft environmental assessment they released today. The public comment period runs through Oct. 27.

Officials from the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control requested a reduction in downstream outflows from Thurmond Dam from Nov. 1, 2008, through Feb. 28, 2009. Since October 2007, the Corps of Engineers has released only 3,600 cfs of water through the Thurmond Dam, the current minimum flow required by the two states. Officials seek public input on the impacts a further reduction to 3,100 cfs during the cooler winter months will have on the Savannah River below Thurmond.

Through this proposed reduction, officials hope to conserve more water in the Corps’ three reservoirs on the upper Savannah River – Lakes Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond – while still meeting the needs of the downstream users and environment. The extended severe drought gripping the Southeast U.S. for the past 30 months has greatly depleted the usable water in the three reservoirs. The predicted continuation of the drought prompted state officials to request a further reduction of outflows during the winter through an expedited assessment.

The public may view the draft environmental assessment through the Savannah District homepage at www.sas.usace.army.mil or may obtain a copy by contacting William Bailey at 912-652-5781. 

Aiken Women Linked To Check Crimes

WNRR Augusta – (ACSO News Release)

Aiken, SC., October 15 – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one woman and is searching for a another concerning the forgery on September 6 of a check stolen from an area college or university at Lucky Seven, 1108 Hampton Avenue, in Aiken, South Carolina.

 

Alexis S. Cullum, 18, 1489 University Parkway , Aiken , South Carolina , is charged with Forgery. On Tuesday, Cullum surrendered to deputies at ACSO.

 

Lucendia L. Randolph, 25, 507 Sundy Avenue , Aiken , South Carolina , also will be charged with Forgery.

 

The fraud was discovered last month when the student, for whom the $1900 check was intended, never received it in the mail.

 

Subject Description

Gender: Female   Race: Black   Height: 5’3” – 5’5”   Weight: 130 – 150  Other: Possibly pregnant

 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office: (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call Crimestoppers of the Midlands : (888) CRIME – SC. Callers can remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1000.

 

Mayor to ‘Cut Fair Ribbon’

WNRR Augusta – (City Press Release)

Mayor Deke Copenhaver will attend the ribbon cutting of the opening of the 2008 Georgia-Carolina State Fair on Thursday, October 16^th at 5:30pm.  Presented by the Augusta Exchange Club, the Fair will feature new rides this year that are so heavy they had to be brought in by train.  The new rides include the Top Spin and a new Double Carousel.  The Fair opens to the public on Friday, October 17th and will run through Sunday, October 26^th.

States Mayor Copenhaver, “I am pleased to once again have the opportunity to attend the opening of the Georgia-Carolina State Fair.  During these difficult economic times, it is very encouraging to know that the Exchange Club will once again grant an opportunity to the citizens of our community to come together in an affordable and family friendly atmosphere.  I would like to personally thank the Exchange Club for their efforts as this event is something that our city looks forward to each and every year.”

New Unemployment Numbers Show Increase

WNRR Augusta – (State Press Release)

September unemployment rate rises to 6.5 percent; Thurmond reassures
jobless Georgians

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported today that
the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent
in September, the highest rate in 16 years. The jobless rate was up
two percentage points from 4.5 percent at this same time last year. The
September unemployment rate was up two-tenths of one percentage point
from 6.3 percent in August.

“Despite the troubling unemployment statistics, I want to reassure
jobless Georgians that the department of labor is committed to helping
them get back to work,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.
“It is critical that job seekers continue to look for work and take
full advantage of our employment services. These services include job
referrals, job search workshops, resume writing assistance, computer
access, and referrals to education and training opportunities.” 

The last time Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reached
this level was in November of 1992 when it was 6.6 percent. The state
rate remained above the national rate of 6.1 percent for the eighth
straight month. The number of jobs decreased 24,800 from August to
September, down in most major industries. At present, 317,490 unemployed
Georgians are looking for work.

Over the last year, the number of payroll jobs decreased 53,200 or 1.3
percent. This is the largest September-to-September decline in jobs
since 64,500 were lost from September of 2001 to September of 2002, the
period following the 911 terrorist attacks. The over-the-year job losses
came across-the-board in manufacturing, construction, trade, and
services.

Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.

THE METRO AREAS OF THE STATE AND THEIR JOB LOSSES OR GAINS OVER THE
YEAR ARE ATTACHED. NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY CALL
(404) 232-3685. TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE
AVAILABLE AT http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm

WNRR Operates On Temporary Reduced Transmitter Power

WNRR is currently upgrading an AC power componet to our main transmitter. During this time, we will be operating at a reduced power strength. We expect to resume normal power by Tuesday afternoon. For a clear signal anytime, visit us online at Newsradio1230.com.

Thank you.

‘No Record, But Lots Of Fun Memories’ Say Picnic Participants

‘No Record, But Lots Of Fun Memories’ Say Picnic Participants, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- The world record for the Largest Family Picnic was not set Sunday. Allthough thousands attended, eight thousand were needed to break the official record. ‘It was absloutly incredible to be a part of the CSRA’S largest family picnic, history was made and we were proud to be a small part of it” says WAFJ Station Manager Steve Swanson. WAFJ was a featured sponsor of the event.

Performing Artist Amy Grant also provided an hour-long concert. Proceeds from todays event benefit the YMCA’s Miracle Field Project.

The official total number of guests has not been announced.

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‘Worlds Largest Picnic’ Underway

‘Worlds Largest Picnic’ Underway, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- Around 4pm performing artist Amy Grant took the stage at the First Tee of Augusta to perform a collection of hits. Grant, who was born in Augusta, was joined by thousands of fans, set to participate in the attempted record-setting event. WNRR will let you know the final numbers just as soon as they are announced.

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Update: Thousands Arrive Early To Set ‘Picnic’ Record

Update: Thousands Arrive Early To Set ‘Picnic’ Record, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- Thousands of people have already arrived as of 3pm to hopefully set a world record for the ‘Worlds Largest Family Picnic’. Singer Amy Grant is scheduled to perform at 5:30pm EST.

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Setup Begins For Worlds Largest Family Picnic

Setup Begins For Worlds Largest Family Picnic, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- Newsradio1230 and partner radio station WAFJ are on-the-scene as setup begins for the family picnic event at the First Tee of Augusta. Watch for updates here throughout the day, as thousands come to help set the world record!
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Richmond County Deputy Fired

Richmond County Deputy Fired, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- Reports indicate that a Richmond County Deputy has been fired after allegedly being sexually involved with a teacher during school/work hours. The decision was confirmed this afternoon by the Sheriff. The actions took place at Spirit Creek Middle School, reports say. WRDW-TV reporter Lynnsey Gardner is following this story, and will have more exclusive details on News12.

WRDW-TV is a news partner of WNRR.

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GreekFest Continues

GreekFest Continues, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR- Augusta’s Greek Fest continues this weekend at the Holy Trinity Church on 10th and Greene. This is the 19th year for the event. Enjoy great food and live music. WNRR will air special live reports this weekend from the event.

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TV Test!

TV Test!, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

Here is the test from News.

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Travel Alert: I-20 Lane Shift Announced

WNRR Augusta – (GDOT Press Release)

 

Richmond County

Traffic shift on i-20 east

 

TENNILLE– The Georgia Department of Transportation; Scott Bridge Company,

Inc.; and United Contractors, Inc. announce a scheduled Interstate Highway 20 traffic shift will take place between October 8-11, weather permitting. Eastbound traffic on I-20 will be shifted beginning at Belair Road and continuing to west of Bobby Jones.

 

For additional information on this project, please visit the Georgia DOT project website at

www.dot.ga.gov/augustainterchange and the real-time traffic information page at www.I20augusta.com.

 

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

 

‘Young Professionals’ Announce Upcoming Events

WNRR Augusta – YPA News Release

October 21, 2008
YPA Monthly Meeting
The Partridge Inn
Ted McLyman- “What does the current financial mess mean to you?”
Dr. Linda Tucciarione – Director, Heritage Academy
Social Hour Starts at 6pm
Meeting will follow at 7pm

YPA Commuity Outreach
Fall Festival to benefit the residents of The Place on Deans Bridge Rd
Oct 23, 2008
Time 6:30 to 9:00

YPA Social Event
YPA Wine Tasting & Steak Night @
New York Butcher Shoppe
Located in Surrey Center
Tuesday Nov. 11th
5:30 – 7:00 pm
$5 YPA Members
$10 Guests of members
Limited to the first 40 members that sign up.

November 18
YPA Meeting
Social Hour Starts at 6pm
Meeting will follow at 7pm

December 5, 2008
YPA One Year Anniversary Party
The Old Government House
More details will follow!

October Unemployment Insurance Claims Rise

WNRR Augusta – GA State Press Release

 

October initial unemployment insurance claims rise 76 percent

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that 56,652
laid-off workers filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance
benefits in September, an increase of 76.3 percent from September of 2007.

During the first nine months of this year, 466,756 initial claims for
unemployment insurance have been filed, an increase of 38.8 percent over
the 336,286 initial claims filed during the same period last year. The
metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of increase in claims
are Gainesville, Dalton, and Rome. The areas with the smallest increase
in claims are Athens, Valdosta, and Augusta.

“For the second consecutive month, initial claims have risen by more
than 70 percent over the year,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael
Thurmond. “Georgia is in the midst of a challenging economic
environment. The Georgia Department of Labor has shifted to 10-hour work days,
so that we can more effectively serve job seekers and employers. I
want to reaffirm our commitment to do everything we can to assist jobless
Georgians who’re looking for work.

During the past year, layoffs have come across-the-board. The
manufacturing, construction, trade and services sectors have been especially
hard hit. And, the total number of individuals receiving unemployment
insurance benefits was up 53 percent over the year, from 57,629 in
September of 2007 to 88,121 in September of 2008.

Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.

THE 14 METRO AREAS OF THE STATE AND THE INCREASES IN THEIR INITIAL
CLAIMS FROM SEPTEMBER 2007 TO SEPTEMBER 2008 ARE ATTACHED.  NEWS MEDIA
NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL  (404) 232-3685 . TABLES AND GRAPHS
REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm                       
                      

CY-08-398

Mobile News Test

Mobile News Test, originally uploaded by Newsradio1230.

WNRR is testing our new mobile newsgathering service. Please stand by.
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Local Museum Announces Fun Holiday Contest

WNRR Augusta – (Museum Press Release)

Calling all Bakers!  Create a Gingerbread House for the chance to win Grand Prize of $1,000!

Museum now taking applications for annual Gingerbread House Competition

 

Augusta, Georgia (10/1/08) – Chefs, caterers, and amateur bakers and artists are invited to participate in the Augusta Museum of History’s Annual Holiday Gingerbread Village, a gingerbread house competition featuring confectionary replicas of historic structures in the Central Savannah River Area.  Participants are invited to create a gingerbread replica of a historic structure in the CSRA for a chance to win cash prizes, including the grand prizes of $1,000 for adults!  From Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 30, each historic-themed gingerbread house will be on display inside a spectacular village set and available through silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the programs of Augusta Museum of History. 

A panel of guest judges – Mr. Anthony Fernandez, Executive Pastry Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation; Al Cheatham, architect with Cheatham Fletcher Scott; Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell, Director of the Center for the Study of Georgia History at Augusta State University; and Ms. Kathy Girdler-Engler, local sculptor, will select the winning gingerbread houses on Thursday, November 20, and will award cash prizes for Grand Prize, Second Place, and Third Place, in addition to Most Artistic and People’s Choice – new prize categories for 2008!  The winning creations will be chosen based on their overall appearance, originality, creativity, precision, difficulty, and consistency of historic theme.

Winners will receive the following cash prizes based on their award: 

·         Grand Prize – $1,000 cash!

·         Second Place – $750

·         Third Place – $500

·         Most Artistic – $250

·         People’s Choice (announced Sunday, November 30, 2008) – $250

From Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 30, the Holiday Gingerbread Village will be displayed free of charge to the public in the Museum Rotunda and each historic-themed gingerbread house will be available through silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the programs of Augusta Museum of History.  Museum patrons can bid on their chance to take one of these delectable masterpieces home through the silent auction and can cast their vote for their favorite house with the People’s Choice award. 

The 2008 Holiday Gingerbread Village is open to both amateur and professional competitors.  Individuals (Professional or Amateur), Restaurants, Bakeries, Caterers, Hotels, Country Clubs, Groups and Businesses are all welcome to submit an entry.  There will be only one Competition Category which will include all participants.  A limited number of entries (40) will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  An application deposit fee of $25 will be charged to all applications, which will be refunded upon delivery of the gingerbread structure. 

Save the date and delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations created by some of the area’s most talented bakers, or enter a creation of your own!  Deadline for Entry: Wednesday, November 5, 2008. 

Visit www.augustamuseum.org for official entry form and guidelines, and a gingerbread recipe from Chef Anthony Fernandez, a guaranteed way to bake the best gingerbread for house-building, or call the Museum at (706) 722-8454 for more information.  Limited space available for participation!  Deadline for participation is November 5, 2008!

Augusta Museum of History, the only Museum in the CSRA accredited by the American Association of Museums, was established in 1937 for the purpose of preserving and sharing the material history of Augusta and the region.  From a 10,000 year-old projectile point to a 1914 locomotive, the collections chronicle a rich and fascinating past.  The museum is located at 560 Reynolds Street in downtown Augusta.  Please call (706) 722-8454 for more information or visit our website www.augustamuseum.org.

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Closed Monday

Admission:  Adult: $4 • Senior: $3 • Child (6-18): $2 • Child (5 & under): Free

 The 1797 Ezekiel Harris House¸ said to be “the finest eighteenth-century house surviving in Georgia”, is located at 1822 Broad Street and is an excellent example of early Federal architecture.  Fully restored in 1964 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Ezekiel Harris House is a reminder of the days when tobacco was the primary cash crop of Georgia.  For more information, call (706) 737-2820 or visit www.augustamuseum.org.

Hours: Guided tours Tuesday – Friday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 pm; Tours by appointment only 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; Closed Sunday & Monday. 

Admission: Adult and Senior: $2 • Child: $1

Clearwater Church Celebrates Milestone

WNRR Augusta – (Church Press Release)

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

LOCAL CHURCH CELEBRATES 70^{TH ANNIVERSARY AND DENOMINATION’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY}

Clearwater, SC . . . September 29, 2008 . . . On October 5, Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene in Clearwater will join with 18,000 other Nazarene churches in 151 world areas to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church of the Nazarene.

Preparations for the day began in 2004 with the writing and translation of materials sent to every Nazarene church across the globe. The plan is that all 1.6 million members of the church will hear the same sermon, celebrate with the same music, and participate in the same readings in 24 time zones on the same day.

“Our congregation is excited to celebrate this anniversary with all of our Nazarene family around the world,” said Dr. Brent Van Hook, senior pastor of Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene. “At the same time, we want to emphasize that the family never stops growing, and there is plenty of room for all. In our society today, it seems that relationships often don’t last very long. We invite our community to join us on October 5 to see relationships that have remained strong for 100 years.”

The October 5 anniversary celebration at Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene will take place at both Sunday morning worship services at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. along with a luncheon celebration open to everyone following the services. The church is located at 3526 Jefferson Davis Highway. More information can be found at

 

www.mvnazarene.org.The Church of the Nazarene has its roots in Methodism, drawn from the teachings of English evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791). The denomination was established in October 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas, the culmination of mergers of several like-minded groups. The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

With a long history of mission work and 20th- and 21st-century advances in communication and transportation, the Church of the Nazarene has deliberately decided to steer an international course. “A century ago, the Nazarenes were an American family with relatives in other countries,” wrote Stan Ingersol, the denomination’s archivist, in a brief history of the group. “Today we are an international family of districts and congregations planted on each of Earth’s inhabited continents. No single language, race, or nationality claims a majority of our members.” (

 

http://nazarene.org/^{).Attesting to the success of the denomination’s international initiative, the Church of the Nazarene now includes graduate theological seminaries in North America, Central America, and Asia-Pacific; liberal arts colleges in Africa, Canada, Korea, and the United States; nearly 40 theological schools worldwide; hospitals in Swaziland, India, and Papua New Guinea; radio broadcasts in 30 languages; and printed materials in 103 languages. At the Church of the Nazarene’s quadrennial general assembly in 2001, 42 percent of delegates either spoke English as a second language or did not speak the language at all.}

The denomination has been headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, since 1912. Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene was established in 1938 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary as well. Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene’s full time pastoral staff includes Brent Van Hook, Pennye Duncan, Mike McAdory, Mike O’Hair, and David Winchester

Attorney General To Speak At Ft. Gordon

WNRR Augusta – (Ft. GRDN Press Release)

ATTORNEY GENERAL THURBERT BAKER TO SPEAK

 

FORT GORDON, GA – Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker will speak at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at Alexander Hall, for an observance of Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.

Baker was appointed Attorney General by the Governor in 1997, and then was elected in 1998, 2002 and 2006. He is active in the National Association of Attorneys General, and served as chair of the Association’s Violence Against Women Committee.

Another program will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Family Outreach Center, with Harold Jones, solicitor general, as the speaker for a brown bag lunch.

-30-

Travel Alert: Local Lane Closures Announced

WNRR Augusta – (GA Press Release)

 

 

 

Richmond County

Temporary lane Closures on bJ, i-20 & wheeler

AUGUSTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation, Scott Bridge Company,

Inc., and United Contractors, Inc., announce scheduled closures for the week of October 6, weather permitting.

Lane closure, Bobby Jones east/west, between Wrightsboro Road and Interstate 20, October 6 through October 10, 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., nightly.

Lane closure, Wheeler Road east/west, between Walton Way and Bobby Jones, October 6 through October 10, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., daily.

Lane closure, Interstate 20 east/west, between Warren Road and Belair Road, October 6 through October 10, 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., nightly.

Traffic may be stopped for short intervals and motorists are advised to use extra caution in construction work zones.

For additional information on this project, please visit the Georgia DOT project website at

www.dot.ga.gov/augustainterchange

 

and the real-time traffic information page at www.I20augusta.com.Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at

www.511ga.org. The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (

 

www.dot.ga.gov).