Augusta, GA

I-TEAM: What to look out for when choosing a roofing company

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2024

I-TEAM: What to look out for when choosing a roofing company

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dozens of families are waiting on new roofs before they can return to their homes in the Walton Way neighborhoods.

Others will wait even longer.

Destruction is severe in the Walton Way community — some homes will have to be bulldozed down and rebuilt.

Roofs covered in tarps are a common sight along Walton Way.

Unfortunately, it’s not going to change anytime soon due to roofers being booked weeks out.

A drive down Walton Way feels a lot like trying to navigate the road back to normal.

Joseph Coleman, owner of Black Dog Roofing, returned to Augusta as soon as he heard about the destruction in his old neighborhood.

“Feels a little helpless so not a lot we could do so got chainsaws and try to open up the roads to help people,” said Coleman.

The streets around Walton Way are an obstacle course, but now drivable enough for Coleman and his crews to help provide his hometown with a much-needed service.

“This is a complete roof replacement. About a week ago, there was a pine tree through the roof. We take everything off, assess the wood underneath, replace anything that needs to be replaced and then go back with new shingles,” said Coleman.

His roofing company is based out of Athens.

We do about two roofs a day, so we are about two weeks out,” he said.

He’s already booked to replace roofs on 35 other homes in the neighborhood.

“I know in a time like this, it can feel like you want to get a roofer really quickly, but we are talking a 30-to-40-year roof and this is what’s protecting your home,” said Coleman.

Which is why it’s worth the wait for a good roofing company.

“First reach out to the insurance company if you have damage. They’re going to send an adjuster out to look at your roof. They then can link you up with a roofing company or hop onto Google. Google reviews are the best way to verify a roofer,” said Coleman.

Unlike general contractors, there is no licensing requirement for roofers, but a roofing company should still have a business license, liability insurance and workers comp.

Augusta's Montclair neighborhood was hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

“Code upgrades are a big thing around here for instance you have to have drip edge as of January 1, 2014. It’s a metal piece that goes around all the rakes and eaves of the perimeter of the roof. That’s code requirement,” he said.

Try to stick with someone local.

They’re more likely to be familiar with the state’s building codes.

“There are so many reputable companies in Augusta so I think all of them are going to give really great roofs in this time,” said Coleman.

Shingle by shingle, roof by roof, helping rebuild Augusta.

A contract with a roofing company should detail the exact scope of the work- do not sign it unless it does that.

Also, keep in mind, that your roof should last 20-25 years so read through that warranty.

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

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.

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.

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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2026

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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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Augusta, GA

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

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

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

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.

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.

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.”

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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