Medical

Consumer Stories

AU Health finally gets the green light to build Columbia County hospital

Between 2010 and 2020, Columbia County’s population grew by more than 25 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite this growth, the county still doesn’t have its hospital. The closest hospital is Doctor’s Hospital, which depending on where you live in the county could mean a half-hour drive. But that won’t be the case much longer. Augusta University Health System CEO, Katrina Keefer said she and her staff are currently in the design phase for a new five-floor, 100-bed hospital in Grovetown. It will be located just off Exit

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Consumer Stories

Faith Friday: ‘Faith Over Fear’ more than a saying for a local dentist

Reclined in the dentist’s chair, bib and safety glasses in place, and the sound of Christian music playing above might drown out the noise of a drill in your mouth. If you’re a patient at North Augusta Dental Care, then Brooke Usry, DMD, might also hum along, singing a lyric or two while she works. Her dental practice unashamedly boasts Christian values and vibes from the time you enter to the time you exit. “My mission is to influence patients through Christ and dentistry,” said Usry, who purchased the practice,

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Closings

Pediatric urgent care clinic to replace longtime furniture business

After more than 20 years in business, The Wicker Barn officially closed its doors on Friday, Dec. 31. But the building will soon be repurposed for a pediatric urgent care business. Wicker Barn, which was located at 3910 Washington Road in Martinez, sold a variety of indoor and outdoor wicker furniture. Glen Martin managed The Wicker Barn for many years. “We had a great customer base, and we just had a great time,” said Martin. Though the store is closed, he’s still working in The Wicker Barn warehouse selling the

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Consumer Stories

Dr. Thom and the Kit Fox Hunt

It sounds like the title of a children’s book, huh? But it’s as real as the long history of fox hunting in Aiken. It’s as real as the bronze foxes scattered among city parks and downtown business locations. It all started with Dr. Thom Akins, owner of Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry. His vision was to create a fun way to engage families and encourage locals and tourists to stay and play downtown. In case you didn’t know, a “kit” is a young fox. We learn something every day. Since Dr. Thom

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Medical

CSRA businesspeople make New Year’s “revolutions”

While many give up on their New Year’s resolutions by the middle of January, Julese Dortch discovered a simple way to stick to one of her resolutions. Dortch – marketing strategist for ATC Development in Augusta – is a self-proclaimed night owl, but she set a goal to wake up three minutes earlier each day than the previous day. Dortch now gets to work before others, much to the surprise of her co-workers, and has more time to pursue her goals. “I used to be in the second wave of

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Medical

Local business attorney discusses religious exemptions

With many companies now requiring their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, local business attorney Ed Enoch has received numerous questions from his clients about religious exemptions. Enoch – attorney with Enoch Tarver, PC in Augusta – recently discussed that topic in a video. “This has become a really hot topic because of vaccine mandates or the potential for vaccine mandates,” says Enoch in the video. “The religious exemption has been around ever since Title VII was passed in the 60s, but it’s really not been on the forefront.” According

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Consumer Stories

Biz Video: Spa sets record!

A local spa set a big record in December and needs some help managing its growth. Publisher Neil Gordon had more in today’s business minute.

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Medical

Local gym to launch new Columbia County location in January

Editor’s Note: As 2022 begins, ABD wanted to provide an update on a story we brought you in June about Endurance Fitness. A CSRA fitness center is very close to opening a second location in Evans just in time for people to begin pursuing their New Year’s resolutions. Cliff and Amanda Jennings – owners of Endurance Fitness – currently operate a gym at 125 Merovan Drive in North Augusta. The Evans location is at 4099 Riverwatch Parkway near the Old Evans Road intersection (see photo above). In the previous story,

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Cyber

Georgia Cyber Center visionary warns medical community of threats

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your organization is, the cyber threat is real and doesn’t discriminate,” said Heather Roszkowski, the leader of the Cybersecurity and Information System of Augusta University and AU Health, as she addressed a standing room only crowd of about 200 doctors, nurses, practice managers and support staff from the local community on December 14th in Columbia County. Patrick Reynolds (see above) of Cross Link Consulting introduced Roszkowski, the visionary for the Cyber Defense and Enterprise Department housed in Building II of the Georgia Cyber

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Consumer Stories

Local gym helps members manage neurological symptoms

Josephine Mack was devastated when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but she has found regular exercise helps her manage her symptoms. Since 2018, Mack has been a member of Day One Fitness – an 8,000-square-foot gym designed specifically for people diagnosed with either Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease located at 257 Beech Island Avenue in Beech Island. “The first day I came here, I felt so much love,” she says. “They couldn’t have a better class.” Mack, who retired from the Richmond County School System after 42 years as a

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