The Augusta Chronicle makes a difference: 2023 stories that had an impact
Whether it is to inform, enlighten or entertain, journalists do what they do because they wish to have a meaningful effect in the lives of their readers.
Journalists typically are the sort that write about the present with an eye toward the future; giving consideration to how today’s events impact our readers tomorrow. But the start of a new year prompts a natural inclination to look back.
With that in mind, here are the stories that most resonated or made a significant impact on Augusta Chronicle readers in 2023. Please see this story at augustachronicle.com for links to the cited work.
What is in this stuff?
The Augusta Chronicle led a statewide team of reporters looking at what was stinking up the farming communities on the outskirts of the area.
The story explored how waste products were transformed into a smelly goo that was essentially dumped on farms after many farmers were told it would improve their soil. Many didn’t know what it was and later complained about the pervasive stench and how the stuff attracted thousands of flies and buzzards.
Since this investigative series published, state officials and lawmakers have said they plan to examine the issue, enforce existing regulations and possibly legislate some new ones.
The Masters is always a winner
Stories and photo galleries generated around The Masters are always among our most well-read content each year. But we pride ourselves on delivering to readers more than just what’s happening on the fairways and greens of The Augusta National.
Of course we offered plenty of coverage content, such as daily recaps, but we also produced many stories outside the golf action. Some of our more popular stories included a do’s and don’ts of The Masters and a garden gnome that became a best seller among souvenir seekers.
A larger focus on restaurant news
The Augusta Chronicle last year placed a greater emphasis on producing restaurant-related news that has proven to be very popular.
Through our new Augusta Eats series, we have spotlighted each week Augusta area restaurants across a wide spectrum, from a couple that opened a “downhome” restaurant at break-neck speed to a new Puerto Rican eatery.
We additionally added a twice-monthly list of the latest restaurant inspections in Richmond and Columbia counties.
Beyond these regular features, the Chronicle stayed on top of openings and closings of Augusta area eateries, including the sad closing of a popular doughnut shop and the start of a new food truck festival on Freedom Bridge in downtown Augusta.
Columbia County boy attacked by pit bulls
Justin Gilstrap was riding his bike to his Appling home about a year ago, after playing soccer with friends, when pit bulls caught up to and viciously attacked the then 11-year-old.
The dogs ripped off one of his ears and 80% of his scalp, along with other injuries. But Justin survived and benefited from an outpouring of community support as news of the attack spread on social media.
The dogs were seized and euthanized while their owner was fined and sentenced to probation. Justin’s family filed a lawsuit.
Break-up of Methodists
Last year, more than 180 Georgia churches, including several in the Augusta area, sued the United Methodist Church to force a disaffiliation with the North Georgia Conference.
The lawsuit essentially centered on the churches wishes to disaffiliate from the conference while keeping their properties. Cobb County Superior Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
Many churches of the denomination wished to leave in the wake of disagreements about whether members of the LGBTQ community should be ordained as ministers and whether UMC ministers should perform same-sex marriages, according to another lawsuit filed in February 2023 by Trinity on the Hill UMC in Augusta. Columbia County Superior Court ruled in favor of Trinity on the Hill.
Donnie Fetter is the editor of The Augusta Chronicle.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Chronicle stories from 2023 that made a difference in the community
