Augusta, GA
‘Brighten our spirits’: Greek Fest brings normalcy to some in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Greek Festival is back this weekend after being postponed due to Hurricane Helene.
It’s at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which helped serve first responders as people recovered from Helene.
People say this weekend is going to be a breath of fresh air for them.
It’s one of the first big events downtown since Helene, and it definitely reflected that Friday night.
“We needed something to brighten our spirits and to give us something to a little bit of a distraction from all the chaos,” said festival attendee Donald Case.
Case says it’s wholesome to enjoy Greek culture, the food and the community again.
“After the hurricane and all the craziness we’ve been dealing with, having something like this to give us a chance to relax and enjoy a little bit of food and a little bit of entertainment. It’s a blessing,” said Case.
Organizers say it was a challenge moving food and supplies around after the storm postponed plans, but they say it was important to bring normalcy to Augusta.
Michelle Ennis, chairman of Greek Festival, said: “People were trying to put their lives back together. And so that was probably the biggest challenge, but we’ve we pushed through it.”
They set up shop at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church during the worst of it to feed first responders in need.
“We decided to put together some kind of response. We wanted to do it in a positive way, and we felt like that was something good that we could do,” said Ennis.
It’s a weekend escape for many, and some say they’re ready for everything that comes with it.
Jeff Padgett, a festival attendee, said: “I think it’s going to be a really good turnout, exactly because of that, because people want to get out again and be with people.”
Case said: “More vendors, more food like they’ve got their food game a little bit. It’s just gotten better and better each year.”
If you missed Friday, you’re not out of luck.
You can still enjoy plenty of Greek culture and festivities throughout the rest of the weekend.
They are open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
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.
Augusta, GA
South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
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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