Augusta, GA
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.

“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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.
Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.
The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.
All areas of the park will be closed.
However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.
The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.
The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.
The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.
“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.
“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.
Specialty flavors made in house
The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.
“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.
A business built for family
Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.
“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.
“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.
Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
World3 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts4 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Louisiana6 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Denver, CO3 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT