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On Your Side: Where you can get help with tree, debris removal

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On Your Side: Where you can get help with tree, debris removal


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cleanup continues in the CSRA after the storm left behind a path of destruction.

Tree companies from as far as Atlanta are helping with cleanup efforts.

But what does it cost you to pay for these cleanup crews?

To name a few, Stallions Tree Professionals says it can cost you anywhere from a couple thousand to $10,000 depending on the type of tree, how many and the equipment needed for removal.

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Craigs Tree Service and Graniteville Tree Services also hover around the $4,000 to $7,000 range.

Homeowners are scrambling to overcome these unexpected expenses.

Teresa Waters is one of the many impacted and she says it has left a lasting impression on her home.

“You can see it kind of crushed, I mean, really not, not terrible, but it crushed that,” says Waters. “And there are holes in the roof.”

Waters says she’s fortunate outside help is bringing resources to Augusta to aid in cleaning up the mess.

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“The first three, four, five days it felt like the world didn’t know what was going on here, and you just couldn’t get anything,” says Waters. “And the power was out. But then it’s like all these people have descended on Augusta to help us.”

Tree removal companies say the need is growing and it will be a while until the look of the Garden City is back under control.

“We’ll probably be here one crew until December, maybe longer, says Morgan Jones, Vice President of Don’s Tree Service. “There’s a lot of trees down.“

John King, The Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, says with all the outside help coming in it’s as important as ever to protect yourself from scammers.

“Deal with somebody locally, somebody you know, somebody that you knowtheir reputation, that they’re going to finish the job and they’re going to do exactly what you hire them to do,” says King.

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Waters says she knows it’s just the beginning of clean-up, but she’s confident Augusta will stay strong.

“The people support each other, and because of that, we’re going to come back better than ever,” says Waters.

The Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire is also urging people not to let contractors directly negotiate with insurance companies.

They say many people take advantage and leave nothing left for you to claim on your policy.

You can reach out to the office if you feel fraudulent activity is being done.

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Here is the link you can use to report fraudulent insurance activity by contractors: https://oci.georgia.gov/



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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

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25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

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Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

  • Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine;  Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
  • Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
  • Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

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However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

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As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

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This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.



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