Cup anemometers and bi-directional vanes could be the keys to limiting damage from hazardous materials spills and severe weather in Augusta-Richmond County by the end of the year.

In other words, local emergency planners hope high-flying instruments for measuring wind speed and direction will help them save lives when chemical spills, floods and tornadoes threaten the community.

Olympic gig is no game Web-posted July 18, 1996 at 9 p.m. Steve Chappell's deep, twangy voice belts out a country tune with his band at Augusta's Honky Tonk Lounge when an Olympic commercial flashes on the television at the bar. Talk about coincidence. Starting Sunday, Mr. Chappell brings his country music and his polyester Elvis outfits to the outdoor Southern Music Stage at Centennial Olympic Park for a 10-day gig. Photo: file

Heritage '96 designed to build unity Web-posted July 18, 1996 at 9 p.m. Joyce Brooks admits the idea for an African-American festival in Augusta wasn't a brainstorm. It was after a trip to New York City's African-American Street Festival that she thought about bringing singers, performers and artists together to promote unity and to educate others about her culture in her hometown.

Entrepreneurs pan for Atlanta gold Web-posted July 18 at 9 p.m.  Russ Marshall sees dollar signs when he looks west these days. The Augusta limousine service, owner is among a cadre of Augusta locals hoping to cash in on the Summer Games. Photo: Special

State tournament is little league high life Web-posted July 18   at 11:45 p.m.  If you're looking to find baseball in its purest form, you don't need to go any further than field two at the West Augusta baseball complex. . Photo by Steve Shelton/Staff

Smoltz-led Braves top Houston Web-posted July 18, 1996 at 11:45 p.m. HOUSTON - The way the Atlanta Braves see it, playing in the Astrodome is the next best thing to being home. John Smoltz made it a memorable evening with a career-best 16th win and Fred McGriff blasted his 21st home run, as the Braves took a sixth straight victory 3-2 over the Houston Astros before a paid crowd of 35,822 fans. Check out the Braves' road schedule.

RiverDogs hold off Jackets Web-posted July 18, 1996 at 11:45 p.m. CHARLESTON, S.C. - Augusta's GreenJackets had the tying run at third with two out, but Charleston reliever Mike Venafro got pinch-hitter Aaron Edwards on an easy groundout and the RiverDogs won 4-3.