Joe Hotchkiss

Augusta

Writer and Editor at The Augusta Chronicle

Impact Journalist at The Augusta Chronicle

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Articles

Woman sentenced in Augusta after pleading guilty to this federal crime

4 weeks ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

Ashby, who held a top-secret security clearance, pleaded guilty to unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents. She was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and serve three years of supervised release following her prison term. Ashby admitted to knowingly removing classified information related to national defense and foreign relations between February and May 2022.
Josey High School cleared after officers investigate an alleged 'active shooter' report

4 weeks ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

Richmond County deputies cleared T.W. Josey High School on Wednesday while investigating a report of a shooting. Officers arrived at Josey, 1701 15th St., Augusta, just before noon to answer a call about "an active shooter," but learned "there was no evidence of an active shooter," according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. The investigation continued Wednesday afternoon.
Developer's proposal would bring 159 new homes to south Augusta

4 weeks ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

The 44.99-acre property on Mike Padgett Highway was previously zoned for agricultural, light industrial, and manufactured homes. The proposed subdivision will consist of 159 single-family homes on 34.99 acres, with a minimum lot size of 4,000 square feet. An additional 10 acres will be dedicated to a "commercial area" with plans for three parcels, each accommodating two commercial suites. New zoning to allow nearly 160 homes in south Augusta has been OK'd by the Augusta Commission.
It's elementary: Augusta-area private Christian school plans new campus

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

Augusta Christian Schools' leaders have shared plans with Columbia County to build a separate elementary campus across the street from the school. The proposal sent recently to county planners calls for a two-story building totaling 42,000 to 55,000 square feet on a 5-acre plot with 340 feet fronting 316 Baston Rd., Martinez.
Federal sentence awaits Fort Eisenhower mother for fatally stabbing her baby

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

A Fort Eisenhower woman who admitted stabbing her baby to death in 2023 likely will spend the next 20 years in federal prison. April Evalyn Short, 31, agreed to a negotiated plea deal that includes no parole, substantial financial penalties and five years of supervised release after serving her sentence. Tara M. Lyons, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, delivered the announcement Tuesday afternoon.
Retail clothing giant Primark opening first Georgia store in Augusta Mall

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

An international clothing retailer is opening its first Georgia store in Augusta. Primark Ltd., headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, has signed a lease agreement for space in Augusta Mall, the company announced Tuesday. Primark U.S. President Kevin Tulip delivered the news in Las Vegas at Shoptalk 2025, an annual trade event for retail businesses. Primark also plans store openings in Greenville, S.C., and Arlington, Texas. What's the matter? Chicken?
Aiken authorities seek identity for human remains found behind house

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

Aiken County authorities are learning more about human remains found behind a rural house Monday evening. A neighbor performing a well-being check just before 8 p.m. contacted the Aiken County Sheriff's Office after discovering the remains behind the home in the 200 block of Woodfield Road, about 3 miles west of New Ellenton. About 8:40 p.m., the Aiken County Coroner's Office collected the remains to send to a Newberry, S.C., pathology lab to determine the deceased's identity and cause of death.
Alcohol license could nudge downtown Augusta restaurant closer to grand opening

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

The restaurant, owned by Shawn and Emilie Moseley, will be located at 902 Broad St. and will feature a pour-your-own taproom and coffeehouse. The Augusta Public Services Committee is scheduled to review Emil's application for an alcohol license for on-premises beer and wine consumption, including Sunday sales. The restaurant is named after Emilie Moseley's grandfather, Emil Claeys, who instilled in her a love for food.
Fundraiser seeks $10,000 for Augusta family of toddler run over by a car

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

A fundraiser for the family of a 2-year-old fatally struck by a vehicle was nearly halfway toward its $10,000 goal Monday evening. Aura Moody was playing on the sidewalk in the 1100 block of Peters Road in the Allen Homes public housing development off Laney-Walker Boulevard at about 9:45 p.m. A motorist drove onto the sidewalk and ran over the toddler, who was dead on arrival after she was taken to Wellstar MCG.
Second victim: Blythe man dies from injuries in St Patrick's Day accident in south Augusta

1 month ago | augustachronicle.com | Joe Hotchkiss

The 62-year-old passenger of a driver killed in a March 17 accident also has died. Clifford Charles Johnston of Blythe was pronounced dead at 12:21 p.m. Sunday at Wellstar MCG Health, Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen announced. Johnston was hospitalized since 80-year-old Edwin Potter wrecked his vehicle on St. Patrick's Day in the 4300 block of Deans Bridge Road, near the entrance to the Richmond County landfill.