Austin’s Daily Commentary – July 14, 2023

Austin: [00:00:00] Short and sweet this morning. We expect better. We want better. We demand better. We will get better. I'm talking about leadership. The leadership in Augusta-Richmond County is the reason we've had so many problems. And they've manifested this last week in some very tragic situations.

The very serious injury of a Richmond County sheriff's deputy, the increased issues with the homeless in downtown Augusta and in West Richmond County. And finally, a very serious problem in our community jail. The Charles Webster Detention Center falling apart and apparently falling apart so seriously that the inmates are using the pieces of the jail as they fall apart to make weapons to use against each other and law enforcement officials.

Okay. How do we make changes? We elect better leadership. Make the changes necessary. Flush. Ladies and gentlemen, the mess that we have among us right now and things will get better. We don't have these problems in North Augusta. We don't have them in Columbia County. We don't have them in Aiken. We do have them in Augusta. And why is that poor leadership? Fix it. Get a new sheriff, get a new D.A., get some new Augusta City commissioners. Things will pick up. I promise. Have a great weekend. And that the comment, I'm Austin Rhodes, AM 580/95.1 News Talk WGAC. (END)

Did you know that May is National Walking Month? This was introduced to raise awareness of the importance of walking and how it is essential to a healthy lifestyle. According to the Better Health Channel, walking for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can improve or maintain your overall health. For those that already walk daily or those that have been wanting to get started, we've found some walking trails in Augusta and surrounding areas for you to enjoy.

Here are some general walking tips:

This trail is nearly 8 miles long located in the heart of Augusta, running along the canal. For more on this trail, click here.

This 1.9 mile loop trail is located at Phinzy Swamp Park. It takes about 32 minutes to complete. To find out more about this trail, check it out here.

The good ole' Riverwalk. This 3.4 mile loop trail runs right along the Savanah River. To learn more about the Riverwalk, click here.

This trail is only a mile loop taking an average of 23 minutes to complete. To learn more about the trail, click here.

This trial is about 7 miles long with several sections. For example, there is a two mile section, and there is a 5 mile section. To learn more about this trail, click here.

This is a paved 2-mile route along the Savannah River. For more about this trail, click here.

The greenway is a 7+ mile paved recreational trail located in South Carolina. For more information, click here.